How Many Kennedys Served as President of the United States
Only one Kennedy was elected president of the United States: John F. Kennedy. While several Kennedys held prominent elected offices and sought higher office, none beyond John F. Kennedy won election to the presidency. This article explains the presidential records of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy, clarifying common confusion about how many Kennedys actually served as president.
John F. Kennedy: The Only Elected Kennedy President
John F. Kennedy, often referred to as JFK, served as the 35th president of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He was the first Roman Catholic elected president and the youngest person elected to the office. Kennedy’s presidency, although brief, established a enduring legacy in American politics and foreign policy.
Key Facts on John F. Kennedy
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Term | January 20, 1961 – November 22, 1963 | Official record |
| Age at inauguration | 43 years old | Biographical data |
| Party | Democratic | Official record |
| Vice President | Lyndon B. Johnson | Official record |
| Died in office | Assassinated November 22, 1963 | Historical record |
Robert F. Kennedy: Presidential Candidacy Without Election
Robert F. Kennedy, JFK’s younger brother, served as U.S. Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 and as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. He ran for president in 1968, winning several primaries before being assassinated shortly after the California primary. Robert F. Kennedy was not president, nor was he elected president.
Robert F. Kennedy’s Brief Presidential Campaign
- Announced candidacy in March 1968
- Won multiple Democratic primaries
- Assassinated on June 5, 1968, after winning the California primary
- Never held the office of president
Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy: No Presidential Candidacy Victory
Ted Kennedy, the longtime U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, is the third most prominent Kennedy in politics. He supported his brother Robert’s 1968 campaign and ran for president in 1980, challenging incumbent Jimmy Carter for the Democratic nomination. Ted Kennedy did not win the nomination or the presidency.
Ted Kennedy’s Presidential Bid
- Challenged incumbent Jimmy Carter in 1980
- U.S. Attorney General: Robert F. Kennedy (1961–1964)
- U.S. Senator: Ted Kennedy (1953–1960, 1962–2009)
- U.S. Senator: Robert F. Kennedy (1965–1968)
- Various state and local offices held by other family members
Comparison of Kennedys in National Office
| Name | Elected President | Served as President | Sought Nomination |
|---|---|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy | Yes | Yes (1961–1963) | No primary needed; elected 1960 |
| Robert F. Kennedy | No | No | 1968 (assassinated during campaign) |
| Ted Kennedy | No | No | 1980 (lost nomination) |
Other Not Kennedys in High Office
While no other Kennedys became president, many held significant elected and appointed positions. These roles, though not the presidency, demonstrate the family’s continued influence in American government.
Notable Offices Held by Kennedys
Why the Confusion About Kennedys in the Presidency
The prominence of the Kennedy family in mid-20th century politics, the tragic assassination of two prominent brothers, and the long public service of Ted Kennedy create an impression that multiple Kennedys served as president. In reality, only John F. Kennedy held that office, though others pursued it or held substantial influence in government.
Conclusion: The Factual Answer
One Kennedy was president: John F. Kennedy. Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy both sought the presidency but were not elected to the office. Understanding the distinction between holding high office, seeking the presidency, and actually serving as president clarifies how many Kennedys were president and corrects common misperceptions about the family’s historical role.