On 24 June 1894, after the assassination of President Carnot, he was elected President of the Republic by 451 votes against 195 for Henri Brisson and 97 for Charles Dupuy.
O 24 de xuño de 1894, tralo asasinato do presidente Carnot, elixírono presidente da república con 451 votos a favor contra 195 de Henri Brisson e 97 de Charles Dupuy.