**1968 United States presidential election in Illinois**
**Definition:**
The 1968 United States presidential election in Illinois was a state-level contest held on November 5, 1968, as part of the nationwide presidential election. Illinois voters selected 26 electors to the Electoral College, who then voted for president and vice president.
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# 1968 United States presidential election in Illinois
The 1968 United States presidential election in Illinois was held on November 5, 1968. It was part of the broader national election in which voters across the country chose electors to the Electoral College, who in turn selected the President and Vice President of the United States. Illinois, a key Midwestern state with a diverse electorate, played a significant role in the election, contributing 26 electoral votes. The contest in Illinois reflected the national political climate marked by social unrest, the Vietnam War, and shifting party loyalties.
## Background
The 1968 election occurred during a period of considerable turmoil in the United States. The country was deeply divided over the Vietnam War, civil rights issues, and widespread social unrest. The incumbent president, Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, had announced earlier in the year that he would not seek re-election, opening the field for new candidates.
Illinois, with its mix of urban centers like Chicago and rural agricultural areas, was a microcosm of the national political landscape. The state had traditionally leaned Democratic in presidential elections, largely due to the strong support from Chicago and Cook County, but it also had significant Republican support in suburban and rural areas.
## Candidates
The major candidates in the 1968 presidential election were:
– **Richard Nixon (Republican Party):** Former Vice President and a prominent figure in national politics, Nixon campaigned on a platform of „law and order,” promising to restore stability and end the Vietnam War with honor.
– **Hubert H. Humphrey (Democratic Party):** The sitting Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson, Humphrey was seen as the establishment candidate, supporting Johnson’s policies, including the Vietnam War, though he sought to distance himself from some of its more unpopular aspects.
– **George Wallace (American Independent Party):** The former Governor of Alabama ran a third-party campaign emphasizing segregationist and populist themes, appealing to voters disaffected by the civil rights movement and social changes.
## Political Climate in Illinois
Illinois in 1968 was politically complex. Chicago, the state’s largest city, was a Democratic stronghold with a powerful political machine led by Mayor Richard J. Daley. The city’s working-class and minority populations generally supported the Democratic Party. However, the city also experienced significant racial tensions and civil unrest during the 1960s, which influenced voter attitudes.
Outside Chicago, Illinois had a mix of suburban and rural areas that tended to lean Republican. The suburbs around Chicago were growing rapidly and were home to many middle-class voters who were concerned about crime and social disorder. These voters were often receptive to Nixon’s „law and order” message.
George Wallace’s appeal in Illinois was more limited than in Southern states but he did attract some support in certain working-class and rural areas, particularly among voters who were frustrated with the Democratic Party’s stance on civil rights and social change.
## Primary Elections
### Democratic Primary
The Illinois Democratic primary was held on April 9, 1968. The contest was primarily between Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Senator Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota, who had gained support from anti-war Democrats. However, Humphrey did not actively compete in many primaries, including Illinois, relying instead on party support and delegates.
### Republican Primary
The Illinois Republican primary also took place on April 9, 1968. Richard Nixon was the frontrunner, facing competition from former Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York and Governor Ronald Reagan of California. Nixon won the Illinois primary decisively, solidifying his position as the Republican nominee.
## General Election Results
In the general election, Richard Nixon won Illinois with a plurality of the popular vote, securing the state’s 26 electoral votes. The final vote tally was:
– **Richard Nixon (Republican):** Approximately 2,377,846 votes (47.1%)
– **Hubert H. Humphrey (Democratic):** Approximately 2,203,604 votes (43.6%)
– **George Wallace (American Independent):** Approximately 460,730 votes (9.1%)
Nixon’s victory in Illinois was attributed to his strong performance in suburban and rural areas, as well as his ability to make inroads in traditionally Democratic regions outside Chicago. Humphrey maintained strong support in Chicago and Cook County but was unable to overcome Nixon’s gains elsewhere.
George Wallace’s third-party candidacy, while not winning any electoral votes in Illinois, drew a significant minority of votes, reflecting the state’s social divisions and the appeal of his populist message to certain segments of the electorate.
## County-Level Analysis
### Cook County
Cook County, home to Chicago, remained a Democratic bastion, delivering a substantial majority of votes to Humphrey. The county’s large urban population, including many African American and working-class voters, supported the Democratic Party despite the national challenges it faced.
### Suburban Counties
The suburban counties surrounding Chicago, such as DuPage, Lake, and Will, showed strong support for Nixon. These areas were experiencing rapid growth and demographic changes, with many middle-class families concerned about crime and social unrest, issues that Nixon emphasized in his campaign.
### Downstate Illinois
In downstate Illinois, Nixon also performed well, winning many rural and small-town counties. These areas tended to be more conservative and were receptive to Nixon’s message of restoring order and stability.
### Wallace’s Support
George Wallace’s support was scattered but notable in some downstate counties with working-class populations. His appeal was strongest among voters disaffected with the Democratic Party’s civil rights policies and social changes.
## Voter Turnout
Voter turnout in Illinois for the 1968 presidential election was relatively high, reflecting the intense interest and polarization surrounding the election. The social and political upheavals of the era motivated many voters to participate.
## Impact and Significance
The 1968 presidential election in Illinois was significant for several reasons:
– It demonstrated the shifting political landscape in the state, with Republicans making gains in suburban and rural areas while Democrats maintained urban strongholds.
– The election reflected broader national trends, including the fragmentation of the traditional Democratic coalition and the rise of law-and-order politics.
– George Wallace’s third-party candidacy, while not victorious, indicated the presence of a substantial protest vote that would influence future political strategies.
– Nixon’s victory in Illinois contributed to his overall electoral success, helping him secure the presidency.
## Aftermath
Following the election, Illinois continued to be a politically competitive state, with both parties vying for control in subsequent elections. The social and political issues highlighted in 1968, including race relations, crime, and the Vietnam War, remained central to Illinois politics in the years that followed.
The election also underscored the importance of suburban voters, a demographic that would become increasingly influential in Illinois and national politics.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 1968 United States presidential election in Illinois saw Republican Richard Nixon win the state’s 26 electoral votes amid a politically divided electorate. The election reflected national tensions over the Vietnam War, civil rights, and social unrest.