This study tested the hypothesis that suicide might be a function of national elections. Rates for California (n=49,897) & Riverside Cty., CA (n=1,092) were studied for 1960-74. Both cty & state rates showed a 4 yr cyclic fluctuation marked by yearly increases peaking in the campaign yr preceding the election & precipitously declining election yr, except for 1972, after which the rate climbed to a peak in 1973 & dropped again in 1974 when Nixon resigned. Greater fluctuation was found in the cty.