Barack Obama announced his campaign for president in February 2007 and won a long, closely watched Democratic primary against Senator Hillary Clinton.
In the general election he faced Republican Senator John McCain. Obama won on November 4, 2008, with 365 electoral votes.
Ohio Connection
Obama carried Ohio in 2008, a key swing state that helped decide the outcome.
Historic Night
He celebrated his victory before a huge crowd in Chicago’s Grant Park, becoming the first African American elected president of the United States.
Learn More
For primary sources, explore the Obama White House archives maintained by the National Archives, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, and presidential history collections at your local library. Reading accounts from supporters and critics alike gives the fullest picture of any presidency.
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