On Nov. 6, 1860, former Illinois congressman Abraham Lincoln of the Republican Party was elected president of the United States as he defeated John Breckinridge, John Bell and Stephen Douglas. Also on this date: In 1861, an unopposed Jefferson Davis was elected to a six-year term as president of the Confederate States of America, after serving much of the year as its provisional president.
Today is Tuesday, Nov. 4, the 308th day of 2025. There are 57 days left in the year. Today in history: On Nov. 4, 2008, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was elected the first Black president of the United States, defeating the Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Also on this date: In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in Egypt.