John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States, serving from January 20, 1961, until his assassination on 1963. He was elected in a closely contested race against Richard Nixon in the 1960 election, becoming the youngest president in U.S. history at the time. Kennedy's presidency was marked by his inspiring vision of public service, the establishment of the "New Frontier," and his leadership during critical moments in the Cold War.