During that time , Republicans have been in the Oval Office for almost twice as many years as the Democrats -- Nixon ( elected to two terms , but resigned at the start of his second ) , Ford ( served out Nixon 's second term ) , Reagan ( elected to two terms ) , George H.W . Republicans emerge as an anti - slavery party in 1860 . Abraham Lincoln was party 's first president . Party got name Grand Old Party from a Chicago newspaper .
Republicans emerge as an anti - slavery party in 1860 . Abraham Lincoln was party 's first president . Party got name Grand Old Party from a Chicago newspaper .