Complete List of U.S. Democratic Presidents and Their Terms (1829–Present)

Curious about which U.S. presidents were members of the Democratic Party? This comprehensive guide lists every Democratic president, their terms in office, and key highlights from their leadership. Whether you’re a student, history enthusiast, or interested in American political history, bookmark this page as your go-to reference for Democratic presidents!

Why This List Matters

The Democratic Party, tracing its roots to the early 19th century, has shaped U.S. history through its leaders’ policies on issues like economic reform, civil rights, and global diplomacy. From the era of Andrew Jackson to modern times, Democratic presidents have left a lasting impact. Understanding their tenures provides insight into the party’s evolution and influence on the nation.

List of U.S. Democratic Presidents by Term

Below is the complete list of U.S. presidents who were members of the Democratic Party, their terms of office, and notable highlights from their presidencies. The list begins with the party’s first president, Andrew Jackson, as the Democratic Party emerged in the 1820s from earlier political factions.

Andrew Jackson (1829–1837)

Birth State: South Carolina (disputed; possibly North Carolina)

Key Highlight: Championed populist policies, vetoed the Second Bank of the United States, and oversaw the controversial Indian Removal Act.

Martin Van Buren (1837–1841)

Birth State: New York

Key Highlight: Faced the Panic of 1837 and advocated for an independent treasury system.

James K. Polk (1845–1849)

Birth State: North Carolina

Key Highlight: Led the U.S. through the Mexican-American War, expanding territory with the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Treaty.

Franklin Pierce (1853–1857)

Birth State: New Hampshire

Key Highlight: Signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, escalating tensions over slavery.

James Buchanan (1857–1861)

Birth State: Pennsylvania

Key Highlight: Struggled to address growing sectional conflicts, leading to the Civil War’s onset.

Andrew Johnson (1865–1869)

Birth State: North Carolina

Key Highlight: Oversaw early Reconstruction but clashed with Congress, leading to his impeachment (acquitted by one vote).

Grover Cleveland (1885–1889, 1893–1897)

Birth State: New Jersey

Key Highlight: Only president to serve two non-consecutive terms; focused on fiscal conservatism and vetoed numerous bills.

Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)

Birth State: Virginia

Key Highlight: Led the U.S. through World War I, championed the League of Nations, and implemented Progressive reforms.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)

Birth State: New York

Key Highlight: Guided the U.S. through the Great Depression with the New Deal and World War II.

Harry S. Truman (1945–1953)

Birth State: Missouri

Key Highlight: Ended World War II with the atomic bomb, initiated the Cold War, and established the Marshall Plan.

John F. Kennedy (1961–1963)

Birth State: Massachusetts

Key Highlight: Navigated the Cuban Missile Crisis and advanced civil rights and space exploration.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)

Birth State: Texas

Key Highlight: Signed the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act; escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981)

Birth State: Georgia

Key Highlight: Brokered the Camp David Accords and focused on human rights in foreign policy.

Bill Clinton (1993–2001)

Birth State: Arkansas

Key Highlight: Oversaw economic prosperity and signed NAFTA; faced impeachment over personal scandals.

Barack Obama (2009–2017)

Birth State: Hawaii

Key Highlight: Passed the Affordable Care Act and led recovery efforts after the 2008 financial crisis.

Joe Biden (2021–2025)

Birth State: Pennsylvania

Key Highlight: Implemented COVID-19 recovery plans and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Note: The Democratic Party, as it exists today, emerged in the 1820s under Andrew Jackson. Earlier presidents like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were part of the Democratic-Republican Party, a distinct entity, and are not included here. As of July 24, 2025, Joe Biden is the most recent Democratic president.

Fun Facts About Democratic Presidents

• Non-Consecutive Terms: Grover Cleveland is the only Democratic president to serve two non-consecutive terms (1885–1889, 1893–1897).
• Longest-Serving Democrat: Franklin D. Roosevelt served over 12 years, the longest of any U.S. president, due to his four-term tenure.
• Diverse Birthplaces: Democratic presidents hail from varied states, from Hawaii (Obama) to Georgia (Carter), reflecting the party’s broad geographic reach.

Final Thoughts

This list of U.S. Democratic presidents is a valuable resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in American political history.