Complete List of U.S. Republican Presidents and Their Terms (1854–Present)

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

Why This List Matters

The Republican Party, founded in 1854, has played a significant role in shaping U.S. history, from the Civil War era to modern times. Republican presidents have led during pivotal moments, including Reconstruction, the Industrial Age, the Cold War, and beyond. Understanding their tenures offers insight into the party’s evolving policies and impact on the nation.

List of U.S. Republican Presidents by Term

Below is the complete list of U.S. presidents who were members of the Republican Party, their terms of office, and notable highlights from their presidencies. The list begins with the party’s first president, elected after its founding in 1854.

Abraham Lincoln (1861–1865)

Birth State: Kentucky

Key Highlight: Led the Union during the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and preserved the United States.

Ulysses S. Grant (1869–1877)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Oversaw Reconstruction and worked to protect civil rights for freed slaves, though faced corruption scandals.

Rutherford B. Hayes (1877–1881)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Ended Reconstruction and promoted civil service reform.

James A. Garfield (1881)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Advocated civil service reform before his assassination after six months in office.

Chester A. Arthur (1881–1885)

Birth State: Vermont

Key Highlight: Signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act to curb political patronage.

Benjamin Harrison (1889–1893)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Oversaw the admission of six western states and passed the Sherman Antitrust Act.

William McKinley (1897–1901)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Led the U.S. to victory in the Spanish-American War and promoted economic protectionism.

Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)

Birth State: New York

Key Highlight: Championed Progressive reforms, trust-busting, and conservation of national parks.

William Howard Taft (1909–1913)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Continued antitrust efforts and established the Department of Labor.

Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)

Birth State: Ohio

Key Highlight: Promoted “normalcy” post-World War I but faced scandals like Teapot Dome.

Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929)

Birth State: Vermont

Key Highlight: Advocated limited government and economic policies during the Roaring Twenties.

Herbert Hoover (1929–1933)

Birth State: Iowa

Key Highlight: Led during the onset of the Great Depression, with efforts to address economic collapse.

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961)

Birth State: Texas

Key Highlight: Oversaw post-WWII prosperity, built the interstate highway system, and navigated Cold War tensions.

Richard Nixon (1969–1974)

Birth State: California

Key Highlight: Opened diplomatic relations with China but resigned due to the Watergate scandal.

Gerald R. Ford (1974–1977)

Birth State: Nebraska

Key Highlight: Pardoned Nixon and led during economic challenges post-Watergate.

Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)

Birth State: Illinois

Key Highlight: Promoted “Reaganomics,” tax cuts, and a strong anti-communist foreign policy.

George H. W. Bush (1989–1993)

Birth State: Massachusetts

Key Highlight: Led during the Gulf War and the end of the Cold War.

George W. Bush (2001–2009)

Birth State: Connecticut

Key Highlight: Responded to 9/11, launched the War on Terror, and implemented tax cuts.

Donald J. Trump (2017–2021, 2025–Present)

Birth State: New York

Key Highlight: Focused on deregulation, tax reform, and America First policies; first non-consecutive two-term Republican president.

Note: The Republican Party was founded in 1854, so no presidents before Abraham Lincoln were Republicans.  As of July 24, 2025, Donald J. Trump is the current Republican president.

Fun Facts About Republican Presidents

• Ohio’s Dominance: Six Republican presidents were born in Ohio, more than any other state.
• First Republican President: Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican to win the presidency, in 1860, on an anti-slavery platform.
• Non-Consecutive Terms: Donald J. Trump is the only Republican president to serve non-consecutive terms (2017–2021, 2025–present).

Final Thoughts

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