The 1944 United States general election was held on November 7, as the country was preoccupied with fighting World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

. President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...

 was re-elected to an unprecedented fourth term, while the Democrats

Democratic Party (United States)

The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...

 retained their majorities in both chambers of Congress

United States Congress

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....

.

President

Seeking a record fourth term, incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...

 was challenged by Republican

Republican Party (United States)

The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...

 Thomas E. Dewey. Dewey ran an energetic campaign, seeking a smaller government and as less-regulated economy as the end of World War II seemed in sight. But Roosevelt remained popular enough to score a comfortable victory over Dewey.

United States Senate

Although the Democrats suffered a net loss of one seat to the Republicans, they still kept a large majority in the Senate.

United States House of Representatives

The Democrats picked up a net gain of 20 seats in the House, increasing their majority, 242–191 (not included two seats held by minor parties).