Franklin D. Roosevelt's re-election as the 32nd President of the United States marked a pivotal moment in American politics. The election took place in the context of the Great Depression, a time when unemployment rates were soaring and economic recovery was a significant concern for many Americans. Roosevelt, who had first been elected in 1932, had implemented a series of programs collectively known as the New Deal, aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the struggling economy. By the time of the 1936 election, many voters had already begun to see the benefits of these policies, even as critics maintained skepticism regarding their effectiveness.

Facing off against Republican challenger Alf Landon, the election presented a stark choice for the American electorate. Landon, the Governor of Kansas, campaigned on a platform that criticized the New Deal and promised more conservative fiscal policies. However, the overwhelming support for Roosevelt was clear as he campaigned on the successes of his initiatives and promised to continue the fight for economic recovery. Roosevelt's message resonated with a broad cross-section of voters, including labor unions, farmers, and minorities, which was evident in his sweeping victory.

On November 3, voters turned out in unprecedented numbers, resulting in Roosevelt winning 60.8% of the popular vote and a staggering 523 of the 531 electoral votes. This result not only demonstrated the public's confidence in Roosevelt but also highlighted a tremendous shift in American political alignment towards liberal policies and government intervention in the economy, effectively establishing the Democratic Party as the dominant force in American politics for the following decades. The election outcome solidified the legitimacy of Roosevelt’s New Deal and reinforced the role of the federal government in addressing societal issues.