James A. Garfield ran against Winfield Scott Hancock, the Democratic nominee, in the U.S. presidential election of 1880.

Core facts

  • James A. Garfield was the Republican candidate in the 1880 United States presidential election.
  • His main opponent was Winfield Scott Hancock, a former Union general running as the Democratic Party’s nominee.
  • Garfield narrowly won the popular vote but secured a clear victory in the Electoral College over Hancock.

Extra context

  • The election took place on November 2, 1880, during a period of post–Civil War political tension and debates over issues like tariffs and Reconstruction’s legacy.
  • Third parties (such as Greenback and Prohibition candidates) were on the ballot, but none were significant rivals on the level of Hancock.

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