John F. Kennedy is elected president of the United States.

Kennedy (D) narrowly defeats Richard Nixon (R) to become the youngest person elected president. He is inaugurated in 1961.*In Boston, Kennedy receives 218,422 votes and Nixon 74,086. Turnout is 297,694 or 87.1%. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline begin the day by voting in Boston at the Old West Church, then drive to Hyannisport to await the election results. The first Catholic elected president of the United States and the youngest person elected to the office, he is inaugurated in January 1961.*