(Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

Obama Wins; America Elects Its First Black President

Democrat Barack Obama was elected to be the nation's 44th president on Tueaday Nov. 4, 2008, defeating Republican John McCain.

Every election, CQ gathers authoritative information and profiles on new members elected to the new Congress.

Results from 2008's most competitive Senate, House and Gubernatorial races.

	States	Electoral Votes	Popular Vote
DEM	29	365	66,882,230 (53%)
GOP	22	173	58,343,671 (46%)

270 Electoral votes needed to win.
Popular vote updated daily.

	110th Senate	111th Senate	Gains / Losses
DEM	51	58	+7
GOP	49	41	-7

* Race not called: Minnesota

51 needed for majority

Independents in Vermont and Connecticut are counted here as Democrats

	110th House	111th House	Gains / Losses
DEM	235	257	+21
GOP	199	178	-21

	Current Governors	New Governors	Gains / Losses
DEM	28	29	+1
GOP	22	21	-1

2008 Election Results

Averages results from the last five presidential contests.

State-by-state election results since 1968.

Displays our competitiveness ratings by state in 2008.

Go back in time; make your own projections on the 2008 election outcome.

Video: President-Elect Obama's Acceptance Speech
The newly elected 44th president of the United States speaks to supporters in Chicago.
Video: Sen. McCain Concedes
John McCain congratulates Obama, thanks supporters in Arizona.
Slideshow: Get Out the Vote
Rallies, call banks and student volunteers have been hard at work getting out the vote for this election.