LBJ Announces He Won't Seek Reelection in Historic 1968 Address

The former president's surprise decision came at the conclusion of a nationally televised speech on the Vietnam War.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:10am

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On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson stunned the nation by declaring during a televised address that he would not seek or accept the Democratic nomination for another term as president. The announcement came as a surprise, as Johnson had been expected to run for reelection despite growing public opposition to the Vietnam War.

Why it matters

Johnson's decision not to run marked a pivotal moment in American politics, as the president faced mounting pressure over the unpopular Vietnam conflict. His withdrawal from the 1968 race set the stage for a wide-open Democratic primary and ultimately the election of Republican Richard Nixon as the next president.

The details

In his address, Johnson cited the need to focus on seeking peace in Vietnam and uniting the country as the primary reasons for his decision not to run. The president had faced growing criticism and protests over the war, and polls showed his approval ratings had plummeted. By stepping aside, Johnson hoped to ease political tensions and allow the Democratic Party to chart a new course.

  • On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson made the announcement at the conclusion of a nationally televised address.
  • Johnson had been expected to run for reelection in 1968 despite the unpopularity of the Vietnam War.

The players

Lyndon B. Johnson

The 36th President of the United States, who served from 1963 to 1969. Johnson's decision not to seek reelection in 1968 came amid growing public opposition to the Vietnam War.

Richard Nixon

The Republican candidate who won the 1968 presidential election following Johnson's withdrawal, going on to serve as the 37th President of the United States from 1969 to 1974.

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What they’re saying

“I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president.”

— Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States

What’s next

Johnson's decision set the stage for a wide-open Democratic primary in 1968, with several candidates vying for the nomination. The eventual nominee, Hubert Humphrey, went on to lose the general election to Richard Nixon.

The takeaway

Johnson's surprise announcement marked a pivotal moment in American politics, as the president faced growing public opposition to the Vietnam War and chose to withdraw from the 1968 race. His decision paved the way for a new generation of political leaders and a shift in the balance of power in Washington.