John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign began when Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) announced his candidacy for U.S. president on April 25, 2007. McCain became the Republican Party’s presidential nominee on September 4, 2008. On September 3, 2008, McCain formally announced that he had selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) to be his running mate.

McCain was defeated by Democratic opponent Barack Obama on November 4, 2008.