2008Final results
2008 election for President in California
President · California
Barack H. Obama (D) won with 61.0% of the vote, defeating John McCain (R) by 24.1 points.
Barack H. ObamaDemocrat · winner
61.0%8,274,473
John McCainRepublican
37.0%5,011,781
Ralph NaderPeace and Freedom
0.8%108,381
Bob BarrLibertarian
0.5%67,582
Alan KeyesAmerican Independent
0.3%40,673
Cynthia McKinneyGreen
0.3%38,774
13,561,900 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 2008
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
Barack H. Obama (D)John McCain (R)
Also on the ballot: Ralph Nader (Peace and Freedom), 0.8%; Bob Barr (Libertarian), 0.5%; Alan Keyes (American Independent), 0.3%; Cynthia McKinney (Green), 0.3%