Has any incumbent POTUS ever sought and failed to gain his party's nomination for re-election?

[Little_Nemo]

@Jonathan_Chance

Um. The devastating stroke Wilson had in 1919 might have had more to do with it than anything else. It may have been hidden for a while but by the time the 1920 election began in earnest it was well known that he was largely incapacitated.

Yes, that would be the health problem I mentioned. But Wilson was still seeking a third term even after his stroke.

[Steve_MB]

@Jim_s_Son

Chester Arthur: A former Stalwart (i.e. opposed to civil service reform) who made reforms as President, he didn’t have enough support in either wing of the party (Stalwarts, Half-breeds, Mugwumps…we need nicknames like those again). There were also rumors about his health and he did die two years after the election.

Apparently he suffered from kidney disease and showed definite signs of illness toward the end of his term.

There were also rumors that he was actually born in Ireland or Canada. No word on whether these rumors were studied by investigators that couldn’t believe what they were finding.