Woodrow Wilson's election as the 28th President of the United States occurred amid a politically charged atmosphere, characterized by the Progressive Era's push for reform and the fragmentation of the Republican Party. The election featured three major candidates: Woodrow Wilson representing the Democratic Party, incumbent William Howard Taft as the Republican candidate, and Theodore Roosevelt running for the Bull Moose Party, a splinter group he had created after losing the Republican nomination. These divisions among Republican voters significantly influenced the election results, allowing Wilson to secure victory with a plurality of the popular vote.

Wilson campaigned on a platform that emphasized several key issues, including financial reform, anti-trust legislation, and labor rights. His ideas resonated with voters who sought changes in domestic policies after years of Republican dominance in the White House, particularly under the Taft administration which was often viewed as a continuation of Roosevelt's policies. Wilson's approach to campaigning included a focus on moral leadership and a vision for a more efficient government that would operate in the interests of the public.

The election results revealed a profound shift in political dynamics, with Wilson winning 435 electoral votes to Taft's 8 and Roosevelt's 88. This clear victory signaled not only the ascendance of the Democratic Party but also illustrated the increasing complexity of American electoral politics, with voters gravitating towards candidates who could present a coherent vision for reform over traditional party lines. Wilson's presidency would lay the groundwork for significant legislation in the subsequent years, fundamentally affecting American society and governance.