Incumbent Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower won reelection in a landslide, while the Democrats retained control of Congress.

In the presidential election, Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Democratic former Governor Adlai E. Stevenson of Illinois in a re-match of the 1952 election.

At the Democratic convention, Stevenson easily defeated New York Governor W. Averell Harriman, taking the nomination on the first ballot.

In the Senate, the party balance of the chamber remained unchanged as Republican and Democratic gains cancelled each other out.

In the House, the Democrats picked up two seats, increasing their majority.