1944 United States Senate elections

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1944 United States Senate elections
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg
  1942 November 7, 1944 1946  

35 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
 Majority partyMinority party
  AlbenBarkley.jpg WallaceWhiteJr.jpg
Leader Alben Barkley Wallace White
Party Democratic Republican
Leader sinceJuly 22, 1937February 25, 1944
Leader's seat Kentucky Maine
Seats before5837
Seats after5738
Seat changeDecrease2.svg 1Increase2.svg 1
Popular vote19,360,257 [1] [lower-alpha 1] 18,557,087 [1]
Percentage49.4%47.3%
Seats up2213
Races won2114

 Third party
 
Party Progressive
Seats before1
Seats after1
Seat changeSteady2.svg
Popular vote73,089
Percentage0.2%
Seats up0
Races won0

1944 United States Senate elections results map.svg
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain     Democratic hold
     Republican gain     Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset (Oregon): both seats up for election

Majority Leader before election

Alben Barkley
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Alben Barkley
Democratic

The 1944 United States Senate elections coincided with the re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to his fourth term as president. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and three special elections were held to fill vacancies.

Contents

The Democrats retained their large majority, although they lost a net of one seat to the Republicans. Republicans won open seats in Indiana, New Jersey, and Missouri, and defeated an incumbent in Iowa. However, Democrats defeated incumbents in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. The Democratic majority was further reduced to 56-39-1 throughout mid-term appointments.

Results summary

57138
Democratic P Republican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

PartiesTotal
DemocraticRepublican Progressive Other
Last elections (1942) 57381096
Before these elections58371096
Not up3624161
Up2213035
Class 3 (1938→1944)2111032
Special: Class 1101
Special: Class 2022
Incumbent retired415
Held by same party213
Replaced by other partyDecrease2.svg2 Democrats replaced by Increase2.svg2 Republicans2
Result23005
Incumbent ran181230
Won re-election13821
Lost re-electionDecrease2.svg3 Republicans replaced by Increase2.svg 3 Democrats
Decrease2.svg1 Democrat replaced by Increase2.svg 1 Republican
4
Lost renomination
but held by same party
314
Lost renomination
and party lost
Decrease2.svg1 Democrat replaced by Increase2.svg 1 Republican1
Result19110030
Total elected21140035
Net changeDecrease2.svg1Increase2.svg1Steady2.svgSteady2.svg1
Nationwide vote19,360,257 [lower-alpha 1] 18,557,08773,0891,211,14839,201,581
Share49.39%47.34%0.19%3.09%100%
Result57381096

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives [1]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

One Republican retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term, one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term, one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and election to a full term and two Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Indiana (special) Samuel D. Jackson William E. Jenner
Indiana Samuel D. Jackson Homer E. Capehart
Massachusetts (special) Sinclair Weeks Leverett Saltonstall
New Jersey (special) Arthur Walsh H. Alexander Smith
North Carolina Robert R. Reynolds Clyde R. Hoey
Washington Homer Bone Warren Magnuson

Defeats

Four Republicans and five Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Arkansas Hattie Caraway J. William Fulbright
Connecticut John A. Danaher Brien McMahon
Idaho D. Worth Clark Glen H. Taylor
Iowa Guy Gillette Bourke B. Hickenlooper
Missouri Bennett Champ Clark Forrest C. Donnell
North Dakota Gerald Nye John Moses
Oregon Rufus C. Holman Wayne Morse
Pennsylvania James J. Davis Francis J. Myers
South Carolina Ellison D. Smith Olin D. Johnston

Post election changes

StateSenatorReplaced by
Arkansas John H. Bankhead II George R. Swift
California Hiram Johnson William Knowland
Nevada James G. Scrugham Edward P. Carville
Connecticut Francis T. Maloney Thomas C. Hart
North Dakota John Moses Milton Young
Ohio Harold H. Burton James W. Huffman
Idaho John Thomas Charles C. Gossett
Kentucky Happy Chandler William A. Stanfill
Virginia Carter Glass Thomas G. Burch
Missouri Harry S. Truman Frank P. Briggs
Washington Monrad Wallgren Hugh Mitchell

Change in composition

Before the elections

At the beginning of 1944.

 D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38
Ariz.
Ran
D37
Ala.
Ran
D36D35D34D33D32D31D30D29
D39
Ark.
Ran
D40
Calif.
Ran
D41
Fla.
Ran
D42
Ga.
Ran
D43
Idaho
Ran
D44
Ill.
Ran
D45
Ind. (sp)
Ind. (reg)
Retired
D46
Iowa
Ran
D47
Ky.
Ran
D48
La.
Ran
Majority →D49
Md.
Ran
D58
Wash.
Retired
D57
Utah
Ran
D56
S.C.
Ran
D55
Okla.
Ran
D54
N.C.
Retired
D53
N.Y.
Ran
D52
N.J. (sp)
Ran
D51
Nev.
Ran
D50
Mo.
Ran
P1R37
Wisc.
Ran
R36
Vt.
Ran
R35
S.D.
Ran
R34
Pa.
Ran
R33
Ore. (sp)
Ran
R32
Ore. (reg)
Ran
R31
Ohio
Ran
R30
N.D.
Ran
R29
N.H.
Ran
R19R20R21R22R23R24R25
Colo.
Ran
R26
Conn.
Ran
R27
Kan.
Ran
R28
Mass. (sp)
Retired
R18R17R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8

Election results

 D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38
Ariz.
Re-elected
D37
Ala.
Re-elected
D36D35D34D33D32D31D30D29
D39
Ark.
Hold
D40
Calif.
Re-elected
D41
Fla.
Re-elected
D42
Ga.
Re-elected
D43
Idaho
Hold
D44
Ill.
Re-elected
D45
Ky.
Re-elected
D46
La.
Re-elected
D47
Md.
Re-elected
D48
Nev.
Re-elected
Majority →D49
N.Y.
Re-elected
P1D57
Pa.
Gain
D56
N.D.
Gain
D55
Conn.
Gain
D54
Wash.
Hold
D53
Utah
Re-elected
D52
S.C.
Hold
D51
Okla.
Re-elected
D50
N.C.
Hold
R38
N.J. (sp)
Gain
R37
Mo.
Gain
R36
Iowa
Gain
R35
Ind. (sp)
Ind. (reg)
Gain
R34
Wisc.
Re-elected
R33
Vt.
Re-elected
R32
S.D.
Re-elected
R31
Ore. (sp)
Elected [lower-alpha 2]
R30
Ore. (reg)
Hold
R29
Ohio
Re-elected
R19R20R21R22R23R24R25
Colo.
Re-elected
R26
Kan.
Re-elected
R27
Mass. (sp)
Hold
R28
N.H.
Re-elected
R18R17R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8
Key
D# Democratic
P# Progressive
R# Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 78th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1944 or before January 3, 1945; ordered by election date.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
Indiana
Class 3
Samuel D. Jackson Democratic1944 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 7, 1944.
Republican gain.
Winner did not run for the next term, see below.
Massachusetts
Class 2
Sinclair Weeks Republican1944 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 7, 1944.
Republican hold.
New Jersey
Class 1
Arthur Walsh Democratic1943 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 7, 1944.
Republican gain.
Oregon
Class 2
Guy Cordon Republican1944 (Appointed)Interim appointee elected November 7, 1944.

Races leading to the 79th Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1945; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 3 seats.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
Alabama J. Lister Hill Democratic1938 (Appointed)
1938 (special)
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Arizona Carl Hayden Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Arkansas Hattie Caraway Democratic1931 (Appointed)
1932 (special)
1932
1938
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
California Sheridan Downey Democratic 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Colorado Eugene Millikin Republican1941 (Appointed)
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Connecticut John A. Danaher Republican 1938 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Florida Claude Pepper Democratic 1936 (special)
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Georgia Walter F. George Democratic 1922 (special)
1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho D. Worth Clark Democratic 1938 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Illinois Scott W. Lucas Democratic 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Indiana Samuel D. Jackson Democratic1944 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Winner did not run to finish the term, see above.
Iowa Guy Gillette Democratic 1936 (special)
1938
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Kansas Clyde M. Reed Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Kentucky Alben W. Barkley Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Louisiana John H. Overton Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Maryland Millard Tydings Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Missouri Bennett Champ Clark Democratic 1932
1933 (Appointed)
1938
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Nevada Pat McCarran Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
New Hampshire Charles W. Tobey Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
New York Robert F. Wagner Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
North Carolina Robert R. Reynolds Democratic 1932
1932 (special)
1938
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
North Dakota Gerald Nye Republican1925 (Appointed)
1926 (special)
1932
1938
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Ohio Robert A. Taft Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Oklahoma Elmer Thomas Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Oregon Rufus C. Holman Republican 1938 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Pennsylvania James J. Davis Republican 1930 (special)
1932
1938
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
South Carolina Ellison D. Smith Democratic 1909
1914
1920
1926
1932
1938
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent died November 17, 1944.
Wilton E. Hall appointed just to finish the term.
South Dakota Chan Gurney Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Utah Elbert D. Thomas Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Vermont George Aiken Republican 1940 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Washington Homer Bone Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent retired to become Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent resigned November 13, 1944, and winner was appointed December 14 to finish the term.
Wisconsin Alexander Wiley Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.

Closest races

Fourteen races had a margin of victory under 10%:

StateParty of winnerMargin
Missouri Republican (flip)0.1%
Ohio Republican0.6%
Pennsylvania Democratic (flip)0.6%
Indiana (regular) Republican1.3%
New Jersey (special) Republican (flip)1.6%
New Hampshire Republican1.8%
Idaho Democratic2.2%
Iowa Republican (flip)2.9%
Connecticut Democratic (flip)4.4%
California Democratic4.6%
Indiana (special) Republican (flip)5.0%
New York Democratic6.4%
Wisconsin Republican7.7%
Kentucky Democratic9.9%

Utah was the tipping point state with a margin of 19.8%.

Alabama

Alabama election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Lister Hill (Incumbent) 202,604 81.78%
Republican John A. Posey41,98316.95%
Prohibition Parrish3,1621.28%
Majority160,62164.83%
Turnout 247,749
Democratic hold

Arizona

1944 United States Senate election in Arizona
Flag of Arizona.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  Carl Hayden.jpg Fred Wildon Fickett, Jr.jpg
Nominee Carl Hayden Fred Wildon Fickett Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote90,33539,891
Percentage69.37%30.63%

1944 United States Senate election in Arizona results map by county.svg
County results
Hayden:     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Carl Hayden
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Carl Hayden
Democratic

Three-term Democrat Carl T. Hayden was easily re-elected.

1944 United States Senate election in Arizona [2]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Carl T. Hayden (incumbent) 90,335 69.37%
Republican Fred Wildon Fickett Jr.39,89130.63%
Majority50,44438.74%
Turnout 130,226
Democratic hold

Hayden would be re-elected three more times before retiring in 1962.

Arkansas

Arkansas election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. William Fulbright 182,499 85.10%
Republican Victor M. Wade31,94214.90%
Majority150,57570.20%
Turnout 214,441
Democratic hold

California

1944 United States Senate election in California
Flag of California (1924-1953).png
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  Washington, D.C., November 21, 1939 - A new informal photograph of Senator Sheridan Downey of California LCCN2016876632 (cropped).tif Frederick F. Houser, 1942.jpg
Nominee Sheridan Downey Frederick F. Houser
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Prohibition
Popular vote1,728,1551,576,553
Percentage52.29%47.71%

1944 United States Senate election in California results map by county.svg
Downey:     50–60%     60–70%
Houser:     50–60%     60–70%
Tie:     50%

U.S. senator before election

Sheridan Downey
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Sheridan Downey
Democratic

California election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Sheridan Downey (Incumbent) 1,728,155 52.29%
Republican Frederick F. Houser 1,576,55347.00%
NoneScattering5260.02%
Majority151,6025.29%
Turnout 3,305,234
Democratic hold

Colorado

1944 United States Senate election in Colorado
Flag of Colorado.svg
  1942 (special) November 7, 1944 1950  
  Eugene Millikin.jpg
Nominee Eugene Millikin Barney L. Whatley
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote277,410214,335
Percentage56.06%43.31%

1944 United States Senate election in Colorado results map by county.svg
Results by county
Millikin:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Whatley:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Eugene Millikin
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Eugene Millikin
Republican

Colorado election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Eugene Millikin (Incumbent) 277,410 56.06%
Democratic Barney L. Whatley214,33543.31%
Socialist Carle Whitehead3,1430.64%
Majority63,07512.75%
Turnout 494,888
Republican hold

Connecticut

Connecticut election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Brien McMahon 430,716 51.99%
Republican John A. Danaher (Incumbent)391,74847.28%
Socialist Spender Anderson6,0330.73%
Majority38,9684.71%
Turnout 828,497
Democratic gain from Republican

Florida

Florida election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Claude Pepper (Incumbent) 335,685 71.28%
Republican Miles H. Draper135,25828.72%
Majority200,42742.56%
Turnout 470,943
Democratic hold

Georgia

Georgia election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Walter F. George (Incumbent) 272,569 99.00%
NoneScattering40.00%
Majority272,565100.00%
Turnout 272,573
Democratic hold

Idaho

Idaho election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Glen H. Taylor 107,096 51.13%
Republican C. A. Bottolfsen 102,37348.87%
Majority4,7232.26%
Turnout 209,469
Democratic hold

Illinois

1944 United States Senate election in Illinois
Flag of Illinois (1915-1969).svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  ScottWikeLucas (1).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Scott W. Lucas Richard J. Lyons
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote2,059,0231,841,793
Percentage52.61%47.06%

1944 United States Senate election in Illinois results map by county.svg
County results
Lucas:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Lyons:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Senator before election

Scott W. Lucas
Democratic

Elected Senator

Scott W. Lucas
Democratic

Illinois election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Scott W. Lucas (Incumbent) 2,059,023 52.61%
Republican Richard J. Lyons 1,841,79347.06%
Socialist Labor Frank Schnur7,3120.19%
Prohibition Enoch A. Holtwick 5,7980.15%
Majority217,2305.55%
Turnout 3,913,926
Democratic hold

Indiana

There were 2 elections in Indiana, due to the January 25, 1944, death of Democrat Frederick Van Nuys.

Democrat Samuel D. Jackson was appointed to continue the term, pending a special election. Republican William E. Jenner won the special election to finish the term, and Republican Homer E. Capehart won the general election to the next term.

Indiana (special)

Indiana special election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican William E. Jenner 857,250 52.11%
Democratic Cornelius O’Brien775,41747.14%
Prohibition Carl W. Thompson12,3490.75%
Majority81,8334.97%
Turnout 1,645,016
Republican hold

Indiana (regular)

1944 United States Senate election in Indiana
Flag of Indiana.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  HomerCapehart.jpg Henry Schricker 1943 (cropped).jpg
Nominee Homer Capehart Henry F. Schricker
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote829,489807,766
Percentage50.23%48.91%

1944 United States Senate election in Indiana results map by county.svg
County results
Capehart:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Schricker:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Samuel D. Jackson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Homer Capehart
Republican

Indiana election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Homer E. Capehart 829,489 50.23%
Democratic Henry F. Schricker 807,76648.91%
Prohibition George W. Holston12,2130.74%
Socialist Marid B. Tomish1,9170.12%
Majority21,7231.32%
Turnout 1,651,385
Republican gain from Democratic

Iowa

1944 United States Senate election in Iowa
Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  HICKENLOOPER, BOURKE. SENATOR. PORTRAIT LCCN2016870828 (cropped).jpg Guy Mark Gillette.jpg
Nominee Bourke B. Hickenlooper Guy M. Gillette
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote523,963494,229
Percentage51.28%48.37%

1944 United States Senate election in Iowa results map by county.svg
Hickenlooper:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Gillette:      40–50%     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Guy M. Gillette
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Bourke B. Hickenlooper
Republican

Iowa election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Bourke B. Hickenlooper 523,963 51.28%
Democratic Guy Gillette (Incumbent)494,22948.37%
Prohibition W. S. Bowden2,7510.27%
Socialist C. W. Drescher7440.07%
Majority29,7342.91%
Turnout 1,021,687
Republican gain from Democratic

Kansas

Kansas election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Clyde M. Reed (Incumbent) 387,090 57.84%
Democratic Thurman Hill272,05340.65%
Prohibition L. B. Dubbs7,6741.15%
Socialist Arthur Goodwin Billings2,3740.35%
Majority115,03717.19%
Turnout 669,191
Republican hold

Kentucky

Kentucky election
Flag of Kentucky (1918-1963).svg
  1938
1950  
  AlbenBarkley.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Alben W. Barkley James Park
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote464,053380,425
Percentage54.81%44.93%

1944 United States Senate election in Kentucky results map by county.svg
County results
Barkley:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Park:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%

U.S. senator before election

Alben W. Barkley
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Alben W. Barkley
Democratic

Kentucky election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Alben W. Barkley (Incumbent) 464,053 54.81%
Republican James Park380,42544.93%
Prohibition Robert H. Garrison1,8080.21%
Socialist Labor Yona M. Marret3400.04%
NoneScattering1.15%0.00%
Majority83,6289.88%
Turnout 846,627
Democratic hold

Louisiana

Senator John H. Overton John Overton.jpg
Senator John H. Overton
Louisiana election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John H. Overton (Incumbent) 287,365 99.99%
Independent Maurice E. Clark260.01%
Majority287,33999.98%
Turnout 287,391
Democratic hold

Maryland

1944 United States Senate election in Maryland
Flag of Maryland.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  Millardetydings.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Millard Tydings Blanchard Randall
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote344,725213,705
Percentage61.73%38.27%

1944 United States Senate election in Maryland results map by county.svg
County results
Randall:     50–60%     60–70%
Tydings:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Millard Tydings
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Millard Tydings
Democratic

Maryland election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Millard Tydings (Incumbent) 344,725 61.73%
Republican Blanchard Randall Jr.213,70538.27%
Majority131,02023.44%
Turnout 558,430
Democratic hold

Massachusetts (special)

1944 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts
Flag of Massachusetts (1908-1971).svg
  1942 November 7, 1944 1948  
  Leverett Saltonstall cph.3b10555.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Leverett Saltonstall John H. Corcoran
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote1,228,754667,086
Percentage64.29%34.90%

1944 United States Senate Election in Massachusetts by County.svg
1944 United States Senate Election in Massachusetts by Town.svg

U.S. senator before election

Sinclair Weeks
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

Republican Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. resigned February 3, 1944, to return to active duty in the U.S. Army during World War II. Republican Sinclair Weeks was appointed February 8 to continue the term until an election was held. A special election was held on November 7 with Republican Massachusetts Governor Leverett Saltonstall defeating his challengers. He didn't take office until January 4, 1945, when his term as Governor ended.

Massachusetts special election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Leverett Saltonstall 1,228,754 64.29% +11.85%
Democratic John H. Corcoran 667,08634.90%-11.71%
Socialist Labor Bernard G. Kelly 12,2960.64%+0.29%
Prohibition E. Tallmadge Root 3,2690.17%-0.09%
NoneScattering170.00%
Majority561,66829.38%
Turnout 1,911,422
Republican hold

Missouri

1944 United States Senate election in Missouri
Flag of Missouri.svg
  1938
1950  
  Forrest C. Donnell.jpg
Nominee Forrest C. Donnell Roy McKittrick
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote778,778776,790
Percentage49.95%49.82%

1944 United States Senate election in Missouri results map by county.svg
County results
Donnell:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
McKittrick:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Bennett Champ Clark
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Forrest C. Donnell
Republican

Missouri election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Forrest C. Donnell 778,778 49.95%
Democratic Roy McKittrick 776,79049.82%
Socialist D. B. Preisler3,3200.21%
Socialist Labor William Wesley Cox 2150.01%
Majority1,9880.13%
Turnout 1,559,103
Republican gain from Democratic

Nevada

Nevada election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Pat McCarran (Incumbent) 30,595 58.38%
Republican George W. Malone 21,81641.62%
Majority8,77916.76%
Turnout 52,411
Democratic hold

New Hampshire

New Hampshire election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Charles W. Tobey (Incumbent) 110,549 50.93%
Democratic Joseph J. Betley106,50849.07%
Majority4,0411.86%
Turnout 217,057
Republican hold

New Jersey (special)

1944 United States Senate special election in New Jersey
Flag of New Jersey (1896-1965).png
  1940 November 7, 1944 1946  
  Howardalexandersmith.jpg ElmerHWene (cropped).jpg
Nominee H. Alexander Smith Elmer H. Wene
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote939,987910,096
Percentage50.44%48.84%

1944 United States Senate special election in New Jersey results map by county.svg
County results
Smith:      50–60%     60–70%
Wene:      50–60%     60–70%

Senator before election

Arthur Walsh
Democratic

Elected Senator

H. Alexander Smith
Republican

New Jersey special election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican H. Alexander Smith 940,051 50.44%
Democratic Elmer H. Wene 910,09648.84%
Prohibition George W. Ridout9,8730.53%
Socialist Labor John C. Butterworth1,9970.11%
Socialist Morris Riger1,5930.09%
Majority29,9551.60%
Turnout 1,863,610
Republican gain from Democratic

New York

1944 United States Senate election in New York
Flag of New York (1909-2020).svg
  1938 November 8, 1944 1949 (special)  
  Robert F. Wagner.jpg Thomas E. Dewey 1948 campaign NYWTS (cropped).jpg
Nominee Robert F. Wagner Thomas J. Curran
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance
Popular vote3,294,5762,899,497
Percentage53.06%46.70%

1944 United States Senate Election in New York by County.svg
County Results
Wagner:     50–60%     60–70%
Curran:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Senator before election

Robert F. Wagner
Democratic

Elected Senator

Robert F. Wagner
Democratic

The Socialist Labor state convention met on April 2 at the Cornish Arms Hotel, the corner of Eighth Avenue and Twenty-eighth Street, in New York City. They nominated Eric Hass for the U.S. Senate. [3] At that time, the party used the name "Industrial Government Party" on the ballot, but was also referred to as the "Industrial Labor Party".

The Liberal Party was organized by a state convention with about 1,100 delegates who met on May 19 and 20 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. They endorsed the incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner for re-election. [4] The party filed a petition to nominate candidates which was allowed by Secretary of State Curran on August 25. [5]

The Republican State Committee met on August 8 at Albany, New York. They nominated Secretary of State Thomas J. Curran for the U.S. Senate. [6]

The Democratic State Committee met on August 8 at the National Democratic Club at 233, Madison Avenue in New York City. They re-nominated the incumbent U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner. [7]

The American Labor state convention met on August 10. They endorsed the Democratic nominee Wagner. [8]

The Democratic/American Labor/Liberal ticket was elected and incumbent Wagner was re-elected.

Democratic Robert F. Wagner 2,485,735
Republican Thomas J. Curran 2,899,497
American Labor Robert F. Wagner 483,785
Liberal Robert F. Wagner 325,056
Industrial Government Eric Hass 15,244

North Carolina

North Carolina election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Clyde R. Hoey 533,813 70.25%
Republican A. I. Ferree 226,03729.75%
Majority307,77640.50%
Turnout 759,850
Democratic hold

North Dakota

1944 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Flag of North Dakota.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1946 (special)  
  John Moses.jpg Gerald Nye (cropped).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee John Moses Gerald Nye Lynn Stambaugh
Party Democratic Republican Independent Republican
Popular vote95,10269,53044,596
Percentage45.20%33.04%21.19%

North Dakota 1944 Senate.svg
County results
Moses:     30–40%     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Nye:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     80–90%
Stambaugh:     30–40%

U.S. senator before election

Gerald Nye
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John Moses
Democratic

North Dakota election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John Moses 95,102 45.20%
Republican Gerald Nye (Incumbent)69,53033.04%
Independent Lynn U. Stumbaugh44,59621.19%
Independent Bernard J. O’Laughlin7050.34%
Prohibition L. D. Harris4890.23%
Majority25,57212.16%
Turnout 210,422
Democratic gain from Republican

Ohio

1944 United States Senate election in Ohio
Flag of Ohio.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  RobertATaft83rdCongress (1).png 3x4.svg
Nominee Robert A. Taft William Pickrel
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote1,500,6091,482,610
Percentage50.30%49.70%

1944 United States Senate election in Ohio results by county map.svg
County results
Taft:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Pickrel:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Robert A. Taft
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Robert A. Taft
Republican

Ohio election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Robert A. Taft (Incumbent) 1,500,609 50.30%
Democratic William G. Pickrel 1,482,61049.70%
Majority17,9990.60%
Turnout 2,983,219
Republican hold

Oklahoma

Oklahoma election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Elmer Thomas (Incumbent) 390,851 55.65%
Republican William J. Otjen309,22244.02%
Independent Paul V. Beck1,1280.16%
Independent T. B. Williams6740.10%
Independent Paul R. Nagle5190.07%
Majority81,62911.63%
Turnout 702,394
Democratic hold

Oregon

Oregon (special)

Oregon special election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Guy Cordon (Incumbent) 260,631 57.54%
Democratic Willis Mahoney 192,30542.46%
Majority68,32615.08%
Turnout 452,936
Republican hold

Oregon (regular)

Incumbent Republican Rufus C. Holman ran for re-election, but was defeated in the Republican primary by Wayne Morse.

Oregon election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Wayne Morse 269,095 60.71%
Democratic Edgar W. Smith174,14039.29%
Majority94,95521.42%
Turnout 443,235
Republican hold

Pennsylvania

1944 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania
Flag of Pennsylvania.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  M001127.jpg Jjdavis.jpg
Nominee Francis J. Myers James J. Davis
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote1,864,6221,840,938
Percentage49.99%49.35%

1944 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania results map by county.svg
County results
Myers:     50–60%     60–70%
Davis:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

James J. Davis
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Francis J. Myers
Democratic

General election results [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Francis J. Myers 1,864,622 49.99%
Republican James J. Davis (Incumbent)1,840,93849.35%
Socialist J. Henry Stump 14,1290.38%
Prohibition Charles Palmer8,5990.23%
Socialist Labor Frank Knotek1,9890.05%
Majority23,6840.64%
Turnout 3,730,277
Democratic gain from Republican

South Carolina

Senator Olin D. Johnston Olin D. Johnston, seated portrait.jpg
Senator Olin D. Johnston
South Carolina U.S. Senate Election, 1944
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic Olin D. Johnston 94,556 92.94%
Republican James B. Gaston3,8073.74%
Progressive Democratic Osceola E. McKaine3,2143.16%3.16%
Prohibition B. L. Hendrix1410.14%
No party Write-Ins 180.00%0.00%
Majority90,74989.20%
Turnout 101,736
Democratic hold Swing

South Dakota

1944 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Flag of South Dakota (1909-1963).svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  John Chandler Gurney.jpg No image.svg
Nominee Chan Gurney George M. Bradshaw
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote145,24882,199
Percentage63.86%36.14%

1944 United States Senate election in South Dakota results map by county.svg
County results
Gurney:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Bradshaw:     50–60%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Chan Gurney
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Chan Gurney
Republican

South Dakota election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican John Chandler Gurney (Incumbent) 145,248 63.86%
Democratic George M. Bradshaw82,19936.14%
Majority63,04927.72%
Turnout 227,447
Republican hold

Utah

Incumbent Democratic Senator Elbert D. Thomas won a third term. As of 2024, this is the last time that a Democrat was elected to Utah's class 3 Senate seat.

Utah election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Elbert D. Thomas (Incumbent) 148,748 59.91%
Republican Adam S. Bennion 99,53240.09%
Majority49,21619.82%
Turnout 248,280
Democratic hold

Vermont

Senator George Aiken GeorgeAiken-VTSEN-.jpg
Senator George Aiken
1944 United States Senate election in Vermont [9]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican George Aiken (Incumbent) 81,094 65.80%
Democratic Harry W. Witters 42,13634.19%
NoneScattering180.01%
Majority38,95831.61%
Turnout 123,248
Republican hold

Washington

1944 United States Senate election in Washington
Flag of Washington.svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  Warren Magnuson 1945 better.png HP Cain Senate (cropped).jpg
Nominee Warren Magnuson Harry P. Cain
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote397,719342,464
Percentage55.13%44.44%

1944 United States Senate election in Washington results map by county.svg
Results by county
Magnuson:     50–60%     60–70%
Cain:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Homer Bone [lower-alpha 3]
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Warren Magnuson
Democratic

Washington election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Warren Magnuson 452,013 55.13%
Republican Harry P. Cain 364,35644.44%
Socialist Ray C. Roberts1,9120.23%
Prohibition Josephine B. Sulston1,5980.19%
Majority87,65710.69%
Turnout 819,879
Democratic hold

Wisconsin

1944 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Flag of Wisconsin (1913-1981).svg
  1938 November 7, 1944 1950  
  Alexander Wiley.png Howard J. McMurray (Wisconsin Congressman).jpg Harry Sauthoff (Wisconsin congressman) 2.jpg
Nominee Alexander Wiley Howard J. McMurray Harry Sauthoff
Party Republican Democratic Progressive
Popular vote634,513537,14473,089
Percentage50.50%42.75%5.82%

1944 United States Senate election in Wisconsin results map by county.svg
County results
Wiley:      40-50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
McMurray:      40-50%     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Alexander Wiley
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Alexander Wiley
Republican

Wisconsin election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Alexander Wiley (Incumbent) 634,513 50.50%
Democratic Howard J. McMurray 537,14442.75%
Progressive Harry Sauthoff 73,0895.82%
Socialist Walter H. Uphoff9,9640.79%
Socialist Labor Adolf Wiggert1,6640.13%
NoneScattering1060.01%
Majority97,3697.75%
Turnout 1,256,480
Republican hold

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 National vote totals for the Democratic Party do not include a combined 808,841 votes for the American Labor Party and the Liberal Party of New York, which endorsed and voted for the Democratic candidate, Robert F. Wagner.
  2. Appointee elected
  3. Bone resigned from office on April 1 to take his commission as a federal judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (March 1, 1945). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 7, 1944" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 16–17, 25–26, 36, 54.
  2. Kalb, Deborah, ed. (2010). Guide to U.S. Elections. Washington, DC: CQ Press. p. 1436. ISBN   978-1-60426-536-1.
  3. "2 CANDIDATES NAMED BY SOCIALIST LABOR" . The New York Times . April 3, 1944.
  4. "NEW PARTY FIXES 400,000-VOTE GOAL FOR ROOSEVELT" . The New York Times . May 21, 1944.
  5. "LIBERAL PARTY WINS; Curran Overrules Objections by O'Connor to Petitions" . The New York Times . August 26, 1944.
  6. "CURRAN IS NAMED" . The New York Times . August 9, 1944.
  7. "DEMOCRATS NAME WAGNER AND DYE" . The New York Times . August 9, 1944.
  8. "ROOSEVELT NAMED AT ALP CONVENTION; Wagner, Also Renominated" . The New York Times . August 11, 1944.
  9. "General Election Results - U.S. Senator - 1914-2014" (PDF). Office of the Vermont Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2015.