Did any us president choose not to run for a 2nd term?

Answer 1

Lyndon Johnson Harry Truman Polk, Buchanan, Hayes, and Coolidge. Others have sought a second term, but either not been renominated - Tyler, Fillmore, Pierce, A Johnson, Arthur, L B Johnson - or else defeated in election - J Adams, JQ Adams, Van Buren, Harrison, Taft, Hoover, Ford, GHW Bush.

Answer 2

Yes. James Polk and Rutherford Hayes announced early in their only terms that they would not run again. Calvin Coolidge who had finished Harding's term and served one term of his own, did not seek another term.

Most recently, lyndon B Johnson chose not to run for President in 1968. He had served for 5 years at that point (due to taking over after Kennedy's assassination), but had only been elected once, and was eligible to run again if had wanted.

Answer 3

Yes. James Polk and Rutherford Hayes both declined to seek a second term.

Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson, all of whom became president upon the death of the president and then were elected to a full term of their own, declined to run for another term. Lyndon Johnson decided not to run again due to political pressure. The other two had the full support of their parties and a fair chance to be elected again but wanted to retire.