The 1888 Election

Benjamin Harrison vs. Grover Cleveland

Winner
Benjamin Harrison
Electoral Vote
233–168
Popular Vote
Lost popular vote by 90,000

What Happened

Cleveland won the popular vote but Harrison won the Electoral College by carrying key swing states.

Candidates

WINNER
Benjamin Harrison
DEFEATED
Grover Cleveland

Why Was This Election Contested?

The winner did not win the popular vote. Benjamin Harrison won the Electoral College despite receiving fewer total votes.