Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 1928'

(Tuesday, November 6, 1928, during the United States presidential election, 1928) — Republican former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover of California was elected President of the United States today, defeating Democratic Governor Al Smith of New York.

Hoover and his running mate, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Curtis of Kansas, defeated Smith and his running mate, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Joseph Taylor Robinson of Arkansas, 58.21-40.80% in the national popular vote, which would result in a 444-87 victory in the Electoral College.

Hoover had emerged as the GOP’s front-runner after President Calvin Coolidge declined to seek re-election.

In a first, the results were flashed onto an electric wraparound sign on the New York Times building.

Hoover and Curtis would be sworn in for four-year terms on March 4, 1929.

Video: 'U.S. Presidential Election (1928)'