One president in U.S. history has served two nonconsecutive terms.
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Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.
Grover Cleveland holds a unique distinction in American political history as the only individual to serve two nonconsecutive terms as president, making him both the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. His first term began in 1885, following his victory as a reform-driven politician focused on combating corruption and implementing fiscal conservatism. After losing the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland’s political career seemed to have reached an end. However, his steadfast popularity among voters, particularly for his integrity and opposition to powerful corporate influences, enabled him to stage a remarkable political comeback. In 1892, Cleveland returned triumphantly to the White House, setting a precedent unmatched by any other American president to date.
Timeline of Grover Cleveland’s presidency:
- First term: 1885-1889
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Interim period: 1889-1893
The interim period between Grover Cleveland’s two presidencies, from 1889 to 1893, was marked by significant political and personal developments that influenced his return to the Oval Office. After losing the 1888 election to Benjamin Harrison, Cleveland returned to private life. He and his wife, Frances, settled in New York City, where he resumed his law practice. During this time, Cleveland remained active in national Democratic politics, critiquing the protectionist policies and Civil Service setbacks under the Harrison administration. His ongoing political engagement helped him maintain visibility and cultivate a base that would support his successful 1892 campaign to unseat Harrison and reclaim the presidency.
- Second term: 1893-1897
Reason for nonconsecutive terms:
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Cleveland lost re-election in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison.
Grover Cleveland, the 22nd President of the United States, lost his bid for re-election in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison in a closely contested race. Despite winning the popular vote, Cleveland was defeated in the Electoral College, largely due to Harrison’s success in swing states like New York and Indiana. Key issues during this election included economic policies and tariffs, with Harrison supporting higher tariffs to protect American industry—a stance that resonated with voters in industrial states. This loss marked one of the rare instances in American history where a candidate won the presidency without receiving the most votes nationwide.
- He won the presidency back in 1892, becoming the only president to serve nonconsecutive terms.
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