1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming

1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming

←  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  →

Nominee Lester C. Hunt Edward V. Robertson Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 57,953 43,527 Percentage 57.11% 42.89%

County results Hunt:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Robertson:      50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election Edward V. Robertson Republican Elected U.S. Senator Lester C. Hunt Democratic

The 1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming was held on November 2, 1948. First-term Republican Senator Edward V. Robertson ran for re-election to a second term. He was challenged in the general election by Democrat Lester C. Hunt, the Governor of Wyoming. Aided in part by President Harry S. Truman's narrow victory in Wyoming over Republican Thomas E. Dewey, and with his own record of winning statewide in Wyoming, Hunt defeated Robertson in a landslide. However, Hunt would not serve a full term in the Senate; he died by suicide on June 19, 1954, and Republican Edward D. Crippa was appointed to replace him. As of 2023, this was the last time an incumbent Senator from Wyoming lost re-election for this seat.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Lester C. Hunt, Governor of Wyoming
• Carl A. Johnson

Results

Democratic primary ^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Lester C. Hunt	21,263	90.33%
	Democratic	Carl A. Johnson	2,275	9.67%
Total votes			323,538	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Edward V. Robertson, incumbent U.S. Senator

Results

Republican primary ^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Edward Vivian Robertson (inc.)	23,129	100.00%
Total votes			23,129	100.00%

General election

Results

1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming ^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Lester C. Hunt	57,953	57.11%	+11.70%
	Republican	Edward V. Robertson (inc.)	43,527	42.89%	−11.70%
Majority			14,426	14.22%	+5.03%
Turnout			101,480
	Democratic gain from Republican

References

1. Crane, A.G. (1949). 1949 Wyoming Official Directory and 1948 Election Returns. Sheridan, Wyo.: The Mills Company. pp. 58–61.