Because Washington was such a strong leader at the Constitutional Convention, many people wanted him to become president. At first, Washington did not want to do this. He had served his country and wanted to live as a farmer. But others wanted him to lead, so he agreed. He easily won the first presidential election in 1789. Which piece of evidence from the passage supports the reason "many people wanted Washington to become president”? At first, Washington did not want to be president. Washington easily won the first presidential election in 1789. Washington had served his country and wanted to live as a farmer. Washington was a very strong leader at the Constitutional Convention.