1940 United States elections
The Democratic Party continued to dominate national politics, as it defended its congressional majorities and retained the presidency.It was the last election prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor and America's entry into World War II.At the 1940 Democratic National Convention, Roosevelt overcame opposition from Vice President John Nance Garner and Postmaster General James Farley to win on the first ballot.Willkie won the Republican nomination on the sixth ballot, defeating Ohio Senator Robert A. Taft and Manhattan District Attorney Thomas Dewey.[2][3] The Democrats gained five seats in the House of Representatives, furthering their majority over the Republicans.