The 1920 United States presidential election in Georgia took place on November 8, 1920, as part of the nationwide contest between Democratic nominee James M. Cox and Republican nominee Warren G. Harding. Georgia’s electorate was overwhelmingly Democratic, a pattern that had persisted since the end of Reconstruction due to systematic disenfranchisement of African‑American voters and most poor whites through poll taxes, literacy tests, and other Jim Crow era restrictions.
Election results
| Candidate | Party | Popular vote | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| James M. Cox | Democratic Party | ~119,000 votes | ~72 % |
| Warren G. Harding | Republican Party | ~46,000 votes | ~28 % |
Exact vote totals vary slightly among historical sources, but the Democratic share consistently exceeds 70 % while the Republican share remains below 30 %.
Context and significance
- One‑party dominance: Georgia was part of the “Solid South,” where Democratic candidates routinely won overwhelming majorities. The 1920 result continued this trend despite a national landslide victory for Harding.
- Voter suppression: By 1920, the majority of African‑American citizens and many impoverished whites were effectively barred from voting. This entrenched Democratic control and limited competition from the Republican Party.
- Impact on national politics: Although Harding won the national election with a decisive majority, Georgia’s electoral votes (14 at the time) were cast for Cox, contributing to the overall Democratic loss but highlighting regional partisan cleavages that would persist for several decades.
Aftermath
The election reinforced the Democratic Party’s grip on Georgia politics throughout the 1920s and 1930s. It was not until the mid‑20th century, with the civil‑rights movement and the realignment of Southern white voters, that the Republican Party began to make significant inroads in the state.
