Quadros' victory was the largest of any free election in Brazilian history at the time; the 16 percent margin of victory would remain a record until Fernando Henrique Cardoso won by 27 points in 1994. When Quadros took office on 31 January 1961, it marked the first time since Brazil had become a republic in 1889 that an incumbent government peacefully transferred power to an elected member of the opposition. It also marked the first time in 31 years that the presidency had not been won by an heir to the legacy of Getúlio Vargas.
This would be the last direct presidential election held in Brazil until 1989.
