2004Final results
2004 election for President in California
President · California
John Kerry (D) won with 54.3% of the vote, defeating George W. Bush (R) by 9.9 points.
John KerryDemocrat · winner
54.3%6,745,485
George W. BushRepublican
44.4%5,509,826
Michael BadnarikLibertarian
0.4%50,165
David CobbGreen
0.3%40,771
Leonard PeltierPeace and Freedom
0.2%27,607
Michael PeroutkaAmerican Independent
0.2%26,645
12,421,353 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 2004
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
John Kerry (D)George W. Bush (R)
Also on the ballot: Michael Badnarik (Libertarian), 0.4%; David Cobb (Green), 0.3%; Leonard Peltier (Peace and Freedom), 0.2%; Michael Peroutka (American Independent), 0.2%