Quadros' victory was the largest in Brazilian history at the time; the 15.6 percent margin of victory would remain a record until Fernando Henrique Cardoso won by 27 points in 1994. When Quadros took office on January 31, 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 free presidential election held in Brazil until 1985.