1948 United States Senate elections

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1948 United States Senate elections
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg
  1946 November 2, 1948 1950  
  1947 (MS)
1949 (NY)  

33 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
(resigned after being elected vice president)
Wallace White
(retired)
Party Democratic Republican
Leader sinceJuly 22, 1937February 25, 1944
Leader's seat Kentucky Maine
Seats before4551
Seats after5442
Seat changeIncrease2.svg 9Decrease2.svg 9
Popular vote13,056,9449,764,384
Percentage56.5%42.3%
Seats up1518
Races won249

1948 United States Senate elections results map.svg
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain     Democratic hold
     Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset (Louisiana): both seats up for election

Majority Leader before election

Wallace White
Republican

Elected Majority Leader

Scott Lucas
Democratic

The 1948 United States Senate elections were held concurrently with the election of Democratic President Harry S. Truman for a full term. The 32 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections, and one special election was held to fill a vacancy. Truman campaigned against an "obstructionist" Congress that had blocked many of his initiatives, and additionally, the U.S. economy recovered from the postwar recession of 1946–1947 by election day. Thus, Truman was rewarded with a Democratic gain of nine seats in the Senate, enough to give them control of the chamber. [1] [2] This was the last time until 2020 that Democrats flipped a chamber of Congress in a presidential election cycle.

Contents

Results summary

5442
DemocraticRepublican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

PartiesTotal
DemocraticRepublicanOther
Last elections (1946)
Before these elections
4551096
Not up3033063
Up1518033
Class 2 (1942→1948)1418032
Special: Class 3101
Incumbent retired358
Held by same party347
Replaced by other partyDecrease2.svg1 Republican replaced by Increase2.svg1 Democrat1
Result4408
Incumbent ran121325
Won re-election10517
Lost re-electionDecrease2.svg8 Republicans replaced by Increase2.svg8 Democrats8
Lost renomination
but held by same party
202
Result205025
Total elected249033
Net changeIncrease2.svg9Decrease2.svg9Steady2.svg9
Nationwide vote13,056,9449,764,384269,66923,090,997
Share56.55%42.29%1.17%100%
Result5442096

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives [3]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

Five Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Kansas Arthur Capper Andrew Frank Schoeppel
Louisiana (special) William C. Feazel Russell B. Long
Maine Wallace H. White Margaret Chase Smith
New Jersey Albert W. Hawkes Robert C. Hendrickson
New Mexico Carl Hatch Clinton Anderson
Oklahoma Edward H. Moore Robert S. Kerr
South Dakota Vera C. Bushfield Karl Mundt
Texas W. Lee O'Daniel Lyndon B. Johnson

Defeats

Eight Republicans and two Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Delaware C. Douglass Buck J. Allen Frear Jr.
Idaho Henry Dworshak Bert H. Miller
Illinois C. Wayland Brooks Paul Douglas
Iowa George A. Wilson Guy Gillette
Kentucky John Sherman Cooper Virgil Chapman
Minnesota Joseph H. Ball Hubert Humphrey
North Carolina William B. Umstead J. Melville Broughton
Tennessee Tom Stewart Estes Kefauver
West Virginia Chapman Revercomb Matthew M. Neely
Wyoming Edward V. Robertson Lester C. Hunt

Post election changes

StateSenatorReplaced by
Connecticut Raymond E. Baldwin William Benton
New York Robert F. Wagner John Foster Dulles
New York John Foster Dulles Herbert H. Lehman
North Carolina J. Melville Broughton Frank Porter Graham
Idaho Bert H. Miller Henry Dworshak
Kansas Clyde M. Reed Harry Darby
Kentucky Alben W. Barkley Garrett Withers
Rhode Island J. Howard McGrath Edward L. Leahy

Change in composition

Before the elections

 D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38
Mont.
Ran
D37
Miss.
Ran
D36
La. (sp)
Retired
D35
La. (reg)
Ran
D34
Ga.
Ran
D33
Colo.
Ran
D32
Ark.
Ran
D31
Ala.
Ran
D30D29
D39
N.M.
Retired
D40
N.C. (sp)
N.C. (reg)
Ran
D41
R.I.
Ran
D42
S.C.
Ran
D43
Tenn.
Ran
D44
Texas
Retired
D45
Va.
Ran
R51
Wyo.
Ran
R50
W.Va.
Ran
R49
S.D.
Retired
Majority →
R39
Ky.
Ran
R40
Maine
Retired
R41
Mass.
Ran
R42
Mich.
Ran
R43
Minn.
Ran
R44
Neb.
Ran
R45
N.H.
Ran
R46
N.J.
Retired
R47
Okla.
Retired
R48
Ore.
Ran
R38
Kan.
Retired
R37
Iowa
Ran
R36
Ill.
Ran
R35
Idaho
Ran
R34
Del.
Ran
R33R32R31R30R29
R19R20R21R22R23R24R25R26R27R28
R18R17R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8

Election results

 D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38
Mont.
Re-elected
D37
Miss.
Re-elected
D36
La. (sp)
Hold
D35
La. (reg)
Re-elected
D34
Ga.
Re-elected
D33
Colo.
Re-elected
D32
Ark.
Re-elected
D31
Ala.
Re-elected
D30D29
D39
N.M.
Hold
D40
N.C. (sp)
N.C. (reg)
Hold
D41
R.I.
Re-elected
D42
S.C.
Re-elected
D43
Tenn.
Hold
D44
Texas
Hold
D45
Va.
Re-elected
D46
Del.
Gain
D47
Idaho
Gain
D48
Ill.
Gain
Majority →D49
Iowa
Gain
R39
N.H.
Re-elected
R40
N.J.
Hold
R41
Ore.
Re-elected
R42
S.D.
Hold
D54
Wyo.
Gain
D53
W.Va.
Gain
D52
Okla.
Gain
D51
Minn.
Gain
D50
Ky.
Gain
R38
Neb.
Re-elected
R37
Mich.
Re-elected
R36
Mass.
Re-elected
R35
Maine
Hold
R34
Kan.
Hold
R33R32R31R30R29
R19R20R21R22R23R24R25R26R27R28
R18R17R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8
Key:
D# Democratic
R# Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 80th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1948 or before January 3, 1949; ordered by election date.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
Louisiana
(Class 3)
William C. Feazel Democratic1948 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
Winner elected November 2, 1948.
Democratic hold.
North Carolina
(Class 2)
William B. Umstead Democratic1946 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost nomination.
Winner elected November 2, 1948.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to the next full term.

Elections leading to the next Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1949; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
Alabama John Sparkman Democratic 1946 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Arkansas John L. McClellan Democratic 1942 Incumbent re-elected.
Colorado Edwin C. Johnson Democratic 1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Delaware C. Douglass Buck Republican 1942 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Georgia Richard Russell Jr. Democratic 1932 (special)
1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho Henry Dworshak Republican 1946 (special) Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Illinois C. Wayland Brooks Republican 1940 (special)
1942
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Iowa George A. Wilson Republican 1942 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Kansas Arthur Capper Republican 1918
1924
1930
1936
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Kentucky John Sherman Cooper Republican 1946 (special) Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Louisiana Allen J. Ellender Democratic 1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Maine Wallace H. White Republican 1930
1936
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Massachusetts Leverett Saltonstall Republican 1944 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Michigan Homer S. Ferguson Republican 1942 Incumbent re-elected.
Minnesota Joseph H. Ball Republican1940 (Appointed)
1942 (Retired)
1942
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor gain.
Mississippi James Eastland Democratic1941 (Appointed)
1941 (Retired)
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Montana James E. Murray Democratic 1934 (special)
1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Nebraska Kenneth S. Wherry Republican 1942 Incumbent re-elected.
New Hampshire Styles Bridges Republican 1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
New Jersey Albert W. Hawkes Republican 1942 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
New Mexico Carl Hatch Democratic1933 (Appointed)
1934 (special)
1936
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
North Carolina William B. Umstead Democratic1946 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to finish the term, see above.
Oklahoma Edward H. Moore Republican 1942 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Oregon Guy Cordon Republican1944 (Appointed)
1944 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
Rhode Island Theodore F. Green Democratic 1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
South Carolina Burnet R. Maybank Democratic 1941 (special)
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
South Dakota Vera C. Bushfield Republican1948 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 26, 1948 and winner appointed December 31, 1948 to finish the term.
Tennessee Tom Stewart Democratic 1938 (special) Incumbent lost re-nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Texas W. Lee O'Daniel Democratic 1941 (special)
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Virginia A. Willis Robertson Democratic 1946 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
West Virginia Chapman Revercomb Republican 1942 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Wyoming Edward V. Robertson Republican 1942 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.

Closest races

Six races had a margin of victory under 10%:

StateParty of winnerMargin
Idaho Democratic (flip)1.5%
Michigan Republican2.2%
Delaware Democratic (flip)2.6%
New Jersey Republican2.7%
Kentucky Democratic (flip)3.1%
Massachusetts Republican6.6%

Wyoming is the tipping point state with a margin of 14.2%.

Alabama

1948 United States Senate election in Alabama
Flag of Alabama.svg
  1946 (special) November 2, 1948 1954  
  JohnSparkman-1952Portrait-.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee John Sparkman Paul G. Parsons
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote185,53435,341
Percentage84.00%16.00%

1948 United States Senate election in Alabama results map by county.svg
County results
Sparkman:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     90–100%
Parsons:      50-60%

U.S. senator before election

John Sparkman
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Sparkman
Democratic

Alabama election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John Sparkman (Incumbent) 185,534 84.00%
Republican Paul G. Parsons35,34116.00%
Majority150,19368.00%
Turnout 220,875
Democratic hold

Arkansas

Senator John L. McClellan John L McClellan.png
Senator John L. McClellan
Arkansas election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John L. McClellan (Incumbent) 216,401 93.19%
Independent R. Walter Tucker 15,821 6.81%
Turnout 232,222
Democratic hold

Colorado

1948 United States Senate election in Colorado
Flag of Colorado (1911-1964).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Edwin Johnson.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Ed Johnson Will Nicholson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote340,719165,059
Percentage66.79%32.36%

1948 United States Senate election in Colorado results map by county.svg
County results
Johnson:
  50–60%
  60–70%
  70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Edwin C. Johnson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Edwin C. Johnson
Democratic

Colorado election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Edwin C. Johnson (Incumbent) 340,719 66.79%
Republican Will Nicholson 165,06932.36%
Progressive Joe Gurule2,9810.58%
Socialist Carle Whithead1,3520.27%
Majority175,65034.43%
Turnout 510,121
Democratic hold

Delaware

1948 United States Senate election in Delaware
Flag of Delaware.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  JAllenFrear.jpg C. Douglass Buck.jpg
Nominee J. Allen Frear Jr. C. Douglass Buck
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote71,88868,246
Percentage50.85%48.28%

1948 United States Senate election in Delaware results by county.svg
County Results
Frear:     50–60%
Buck:     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

C. Douglass Buck
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

J. Allen Frear Jr.
Democratic

Delaware election
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Allen Frear Jr. 71,888 50.85%
Republican C. Douglass Buck (incumbent)68,24648.28%
Majority3,6422.57%
Turnout 141,362
Democratic gain from Republican

Georgia

1948 U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Georgia
Flag of the State of Georgia (1920-1956).svg
  1942 September 8, 1948 1954  
  Richard RussellJr.jpg
Nominee Richard Russell Jr.
Party Democratic
Electoral vote410
Popular vote703,048
Percentage99.98%

1948 United States Senate election in Georgia results map by county.svg
County results
Russell:      >90%

U.S. senator before election

Richard Russell Jr.
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Richard Russell Jr.
Democratic

Georgia election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Richard Russell Jr. (Incumbent) 362,104 99.89%
Write-InLarkin Marshall3880.11%
Write-In Ellis Arnall 90.00%
Write-InRoy Harris20.00%
Write-InHarry Sommers10.00%
Majority361,71699.78%
Turnout 362,504
Democratic hold

Idaho

1948 United States Senate election in Idaho
Flag of Idaho.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1950 (special)  
  Bert miller.png Henry Dworshak.jpg
Nominee Bert H. Miller Henry Dworshak
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote107,000103,868
Percentage49.96%48.49%

1948 United States Senate election in Idaho results map by county.svg
County results
Miller:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Dworshak:      40-50%     50-60%     60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Henry Dworshak
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bert H. Miller
Democratic

Democrat Bert H. Miller defeated incumbent Republican Henry Dworshak. As of 2024, this remains the only time that a Democrat would win Idaho's Class 2 Senate seat. Dworshak was appointed back to this seat in October 1949 after Miller died earlier that month and served until he himself died in 1962.

Idaho election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Bert H. Miller 107,000 49.96%
Republican Henry Dworshak (Incumbent)103,86848.49%
Progressive John Derr3,1541.47%
Socialist Paul Wengert1660.08%
Majority3,1321.47%
Turnout 214,188
Democratic gain from Republican

Illinois

1948 United States Senate election in Illinois
Flag of Illinois (1915-1969).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Paul Howard Douglas.jpg CWBrooks-Senator (1).jpg
Nominee Paul Douglas Charles W. Brooks
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote2,147,7541,740,026
Percentage55.07%44.61%

1948 United States Senate election in Illinois results map by county.svg
County results
Douglas:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Tie:     40–50%
Brooks:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Charles W. Brooks
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Paul Douglas
Democratic

Illinois election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Paul Douglas 2,147,754 55.07%
Republican Charles W. Brooks (Incumbent)1,740,02644.61%
Prohibition Enoch A. Holtwick 9,7840.25%
Socialist Labor Frank Schnur2,6930.07%
NoneWrite-In280.00%
Majority407,72810.46%
Turnout 3,900,285
Democratic gain from Republican

Iowa

1948 United States Senate election in Iowa
Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Guy Mark Gillette.jpg George Allison Wilson.jpg
Nominee Guy Gillette George A. Wilson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote578,226415,778
Percentage57.80%41.56%

1948 United States Senate election in Iowa results map by county.svg
County results
Gillette:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Wilson:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

George A. Wilson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Guy Gillette
Democratic

Iowa election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Guy Gillette 578,226 57.80%
Republican George A. Wilson (Incumbent)415,77841.56%
Progressive Seymour Pitcher3,3870.34%
Prohibition Z. Everett Kellum2,5800.26%
Socialist Hugo Bockewitz4410.04%
Majority162,44816.24%
Turnout 1,000,412
Democratic gain from Republican

Kansas

1948 United States Senate election in Kansas
Flag of Kansas (1927-1961).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Andrew Frank Schoeppel.jpg GeorgeMcGill.jpg
Nominee Andrew Frank Schoeppel George McGill
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote393,412305,987
Percentage54.92%42.72%

1948 United States Senate election in Kansas results map by county.svg
County results
Schoeppel:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
McGill:     40–50%     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Arthur Capper
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Andrew Frank Schoeppel
Republican

Kansas election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Andrew Frank Schoeppel 393,412 54.92%
Democratic George McGill 305,98742.72%
Prohibition C. Floyd Hester16,9432.37%
Majority87,42512.20%
Turnout 716,342
Republican hold

Kentucky

1948 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Flag of Kentucky.svg
  1946 (special) November 2, 1948 1952 (special)  
  Senator Virgil Chapman (1895-1951).jpg JohnShermanCooper.jpg
Nominee Virgil Chapman John Sherman Cooper
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote408,256383,776
Percentage51.39%48.31%

1948 United States Senate election in Kentucky results map by county.svg
County results
Chapman:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Cooper:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

U.S. senator before election

John Sherman Cooper
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Virgil Chapman
Democratic

Kentucky election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Virgil Chapman 408,256 51.39%
Republican John Sherman Cooper (Incumbent)383,77648.31%
Socialist W. A. Standefur1,2320.16%
Progressive H. G. Stanfield9240.12%
Socialist Labor David R. Cox2540.03%
Write-In John Y. Brown 260.00%
Write-InO. G. Gaines10.00%
Majority24,4803.08%
Turnout 794,469
Democratic gain from Republican

Louisiana

Louisiana (regular)

1948 Democratic Senate primary election in Louisiana
Flag of Louisiana (1912-2006).svg
  1942 August 31, 1948 1954  
  AllenJosephEllender.jpg James R. Domengeaux.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Allen Ellender James Domengeaux Charles S. Gerth
Party Democratic Democratic Democratic
Popular vote284,293119,45957,047
Percentage61.70%25.92%12.38%

1948 United States Senate Democratic primary election in Louisiana results map by parish.svg
Parish results
Ellender:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     >90%

U.S. senator before election

Allen Ellender
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Allen Ellender
Democratic

Louisiana election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Allen J. Ellender (Incumbent) 330,115 100.00%
Independent Maurice Eugene Clark90.00%
Majority330,106100.00%
Turnout 330,124
Democratic hold

Louisiana (special)

1948 United States Senate special election in Louisiana
Flag of Louisiana (1912-2006).svg
  1944 November 2, 1948 1950  
  Russell Billiu Long.jpg
Nominee Russell B. Long Clem S. Clarke
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote306,336102,331
Percentage74.96%25.04%

1948 United States Senate special election in Louisiana results map by county.svg
Parish results
Long:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     90–100%
Jenkins:     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

William C. Feazel
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Russell B. Long
Democratic

1948 United States Senate special election in Louisiana [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Russell B. Long 306,336 74.96%
Republican Clem S. Clarke 102,33125.04%
Majority204,00549.92%
Turnout 408,667
Democratic hold

Maine

1948 United States Senate election in Maine
Flag of Maine.svg
  1942 September 13, 1948 1954  
  Margaret Chase Smith 1943 (cropped).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Margaret Chase Smith Adrian Scolten
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote159,18264,074
Percentage71.30%28.70%

1948 United States Senate election in Maine results map by county.svg
County Results
Smith:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%

U.S. senator before election

Wallace H. White Jr.
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Margaret Chase Smith
Republican

Maine election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Margaret Chase Smith 159,182 71.30%
Democratic Adrian H. Scolten64,07428.70%
Majority95,10842.60%
Turnout 223,256
Republican hold

Massachusetts

1948 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
Flag of Massachusetts (1908-1971).svg
  1944 (special) November 2, 1948 1954  
  LeverettSaltonstall.jpg 1923 John I Fitzgerald Massachusetts House of Representatives (3x4a).png
Nominee Leverett Saltonstall John I. Fitzgerald
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote1,088,475954,398
Percentage52.95%46.43%

1948 United States Senate election in Massachussetts results map by county.svg
1948 United States Senate Election in Massachusetts by Municipality.svg
Saltonstall:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     90–100%
Fitzgerald:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Senator before election

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

Elected Senator

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

General election
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Leverett Saltonstall (Incumbent) 1,088,475 52.95%
Democratic John I. Fitzgerald 954,39846.42%
Socialist Labor Henning A. Blomen 9,2660.45%
Prohibition E. Tallmadge Root3,6520.18%
NoneScattering70.00%
Majority134,0776.53%
Turnout 2,055,798
Republican hold

Michigan

1948 United States Senate election in Michigan
Flag of Michigan.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Homer S. Ferguson 1949.png FrankHook.jpg
Nominee Homer S. Ferguson Frank E. Hook
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote1,045,1561,000,329
Percentage50.68%48.51%

1948 United States Senate election in Michigan results map by county.svg
County results
Ferguson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Hook:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Homer S. Ferguson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Homer S. Ferguson
Republican

Michigan election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Homer S. Ferguson (Incumbent) 1,045,156 50.68%
Democratic Frank E. Hook 1,000,32948.51%
Prohibition Harold A. Lindahl12,1460.59%
Socialist Michael Magee2,1600.10%
Socialist Labor Theos S. Grove1,4180.07%
Socialist Workers Genora Dollinger8820.04%
NoneScattering2.57%0.00%
Majority44,8272.17%
Turnout 2,062,093
Republican hold

Minnesota

1948 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Flag of Minnesota (1893-1957).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Hubert Humphrey crop.jpg JosephBall.jpg
Nominee Hubert H. Humphrey Joseph H. Ball
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Popular vote729,494485,801
Percentage59.78%39.81%

1948 United States Senate election in Minnesota results map by county.svg
County results
Humphrey:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Ball:      50-60%     60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Joseph H. Ball
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Hubert H. Humphrey
Democratic (DFL)

Minnesota election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic (DFL) Hubert Humphrey 729,494 59.78%
Republican Joseph H. Ball (Incumbent)485,80139.81%
Socialist Workers Vincent R. Dunne 4,9510.41%
NoneScattering41.56%0.00%
Majority243,69319.97%
Turnout 1,220,250
Democratic (DFL) gain from Republican

Mississippi

Mississippi election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic James Eastland (Incumbent) 151,478 100.00%
Democratic hold

Montana

1948 United States Senate election in Montana
Flag of Montana (1905-1981).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  M001108.jpg TomJDavis.png
Nominee James E. Murray Tom J. Davis
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote125,19394,458
Percentage56.65%42.74%

1948 United States Senate election in Montana results map by county.svg
County results
Murray:     50–60%     60–70%
Davis:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

James E. Murray
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James E. Murray
Democratic

Incumbent United States Senator James E. Murray, who was first elected to the Senate in a special election in 1934 and was re-elected in 1936 and 1942, ran for re-election. After winning the Democratic primary, he faced Tom J. Davis, an attorney and the Republican nominee, in the general election. Following a narrow re-election in 1936, Murray significantly expanded his margin of victory and comfortably won re-election over Davis, winning his fourth term and his third full term in the Senate.

1948 United States Senate election in Montana [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic James E. Murray (Incumbent) 125,193 56.65%
Republican Tom J. Davis94,45842.74%
Prohibition C. S. Hanna1,3520.61%
Majority30,73513.91%
Turnout 221,003
Democratic hold

Nebraska

1948 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Flag of Nebraska.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1952 (special)  
  Ken Wherry crop.jpg Terry Carpenter (Nebraska Congressman).jpg
Nominee Kenneth S. Wherry Terry Carpenter
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote267,575204,320
Percentage56.67%43.27%

1948 United States Senate election in Nebraska results map by county.svg
County results
Wherry:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Carpenter:      50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Kenneth S. Wherry
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Kenneth S. Wherry
Republican

Nebraska election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Kenneth S. Wherry (Incumbent) 267,575 56.67%
Democratic Terry Carpenter 204,32043.27%
N/AScattering2610.06%
Majority63,25513.40%
Turnout 472,156
Republican hold

New Hampshire

1948 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Flag of New Hampshire.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  StylesBridges(R-NH) (cropped, 3x4).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Styles Bridges Alfred E. Fortin
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote129,60091,760
Percentage58.14%41.17%

1948 United States Senate election in New Hampshire results map by county.svg
County results
Bridges:     50–60%     60–70%     80–90%
Fortin:     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Styles Bridges
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Styles Bridges
Republican

New Hampshire election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Styles Bridges (Incumbent) 129,600 58.14%
Democratic Alfred E. Fortin91,76041.17%
Progressive John G. Rideout1,5380.69%
Majority37,84016.97%
Turnout 222,898
Republican hold

New Jersey

1948 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Flag of New Jersey (1896-1965).png
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Robert Clymer Hendrickson.jpg
Nominee Robert C. Hendrickson Archibald S. Alexander
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote934,720884,414
Percentage49.99%47.30%

1948 United States Senate election in New Jersey results map by county.svg
County Results
Hendrickson:      40–50%     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%
Alexander:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Albert Hawkes
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Robert C. Hendrickson
Republican

New Jersey election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Robert C. Hendrickson 934,720 49.99%
Democratic Archibald S. Alexander 884,41447.30%
Progressive James Imbrie22,6581.21%
Socialist Rubye Smith11,4500.61%
Socialist Workers George Breitman 8,0760.43%
Prohibition George W. Rideout4,6560.25%
Socialist Labor George E. Bopp3,9080.21%
Majority50,3062.69%
Turnout 1,869,882
Republican hold

New Mexico

1948 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Flag of New Mexico.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Clinton Presba Anderson.jpg Patrick J. Hurley, 1935.jpg
Nominee Clinton Anderson Patrick J. Hurley
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote108,26980,226
Percentage57.44%42.40%

1948 United States Senate election in New Mexico results map by county.svg
County results
Anderson:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Hurley:      40–50%     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Carl Hatch
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Clinton Anderson
Democratic

New Mexico election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Clinton Anderson 108,269 57.44%
Republican Patrick J. Hurley 80,22642.40%
Progressive Brígido Provencio7050.37%
Majority28,04314.04%
Turnout 188,202
Democratic hold

North Carolina

There were 2 elections to the same seat, due to the December 15, 1946 death of three-term Democrat Josiah Bailey. Democratic former congressman William B. Umstead was appointed December 18, 1946 to continue Bailey's term, pending a special election.

Umstead supported the conservative Taft–Hartley Act. The Democratic former Governor of North Carolina J. Melville Broughton was seen as a "rather liberal alternative" to Umstead. Broughton beat Umstead in the Democratic primaries and then won the general elections.

North Carolina (special)

North Carolina special Democratic primary election, May 29, 1948 [4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Melville Broughton 206,605 52.30%
Democratic William B. Umstead (Incumbent)188,42047.70%
Majority18,1964.60%
North Carolina special election, November 2, 1948 [5]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Melville Broughton 534,917 100.00%
Democratic hold

North Carolina (regular)

1948 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Flag of North Carolina (1885-1991).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1950 (special)  
  Melville Broughton.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee J. Melville Broughton John A. Wilkinson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote540,762220,307
Percentage70.70%28.80%

1948 United States Senate election in North Carolina results map by county.svg
County results
Scott:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     90-100%
West:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Senator before election

William B. Umstead
Democratic

Elected Senator

J. Melville Broughton
Democratic

North Carolina regular Democratic primary election, May 29, 1948 [4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Melville Broughton 207,981 53.10%
Democratic William B. Umstead (Incumbent)183,86546.90%
Majority23,8946.10%
North Carolina regular election, November 2, 1948 [5]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Melville Broughton 540,762 70.70%
Republican John A. Wilkinson220,30728.80%
Majority320,45541.91%
Democratic hold

Broughton was seated December 31, 1948 to finish the current term but died March 6, 1949, just after the new term began. His death lead to another appointment (Democrat Frank Graham) in 1949 and another special election in 1950 of Democrat Willis Smith. Smith also died during the term, leading to yet another appointment (Democrat Alton A. Lennon) and 1954 special election (of Democrat W. Kerr Scott). In all, five senators held the seat during the 1949–1955 term.

Oklahoma

1948 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
Flag of Oklahoma (1941-1988).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Robert S. Kerr (OK).png Ross Rizley.jpg
Nominee Robert S. Kerr Ross Rizley
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote441,654265,169
Percentage62.30%37.40%

1948 United States Senate election in Oklahoma results map by county.svg
County results
Kerr:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Rizley:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Edward H. Moore
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Robert S. Kerr
Democratic

Oklahoma election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Robert S. Kerr 441,654 62.30%
Republican Ross Rizley 265,16937.40%
Independent W. O. Pratt2,1080.30%
Majority176,48524.90%
Turnout 708,931
Democratic gain from Republican

Oregon

1948 United States Senate election in Oregon
Flag of Oregon.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Guy Cordon.jpg
Nominee Guy Cordon Manley J. Wilson
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote299,295199,275
Percentage60.03%39.97%

1948 United States Senate election in Oregon results map by county.svg
County results
Cordon:      50-60%     60-70%     70-80%
Wilson:      50–60%

Senator before election

Guy Cordon
Republican

Elected Senator

Guy Cordon
Republican

Oregon election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Guy Cordon (Incumbent) 299,295 60.03%
Democratic Manley J. Wilson199,27539.97%
Majority100,02020.06%
Turnout 498,570
Republican hold

Rhode Island

Rhode Island election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Theodore F. Green (Incumbent) 190,158 59.35%
Republican Thomas P. Hazard 130,26240.65%
Majority59,89618.70%
Turnout 320,420
Democratic hold

South Carolina

1948 Democratic Senate primary in South Carolina
Flag of South Carolina.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Burnet R. Maybank.jpg W. J. Bryan Dorn.jpg
Nominee Burnet R. Maybank W.J. Bryan Dorn
Party Democratic Democratic
Popular vote161,60876,749
Percentage51.63%24.85%

 
NomineeNeville BennettAlan Johnstone
Party Democratic Democratic
Popular vote43,06817,689
Percentage13.48%5.44%

1948 United States Democratic primary in South Carolina results map by county.svg
Results by county
Maybank:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Dorn:      30–40%     40–50%     50-60%     60–70%
Bennett:      80-90%

U.S. senator before election

Burnet R. Maybank
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Burnet R. Maybank
Democratic

Senator Burnet R. Maybank was opposed in the Democratic primary by U.S. Representative William Jennings Bryan Dorn and three other candidates. Maybank obtained over 50% in the primary election on August 10 to avoid a runoff election.

Democratic Primary
CandidateVotes %
Burnet R. Maybank 161,60851.5
W.J. Bryan Dorn 76,74924.4
Neville Bennett43,06813.7
Alan Johnstone17,6895.6
Marcus A. Stone14,9044.8

Since the end of Reconstruction in 1877, the Democratic Party dominated the politics of South Carolina and its statewide candidates were never seriously challenged. Maybank did not campaign for the general election as there was no chance of defeat.

South Carolina U.S. Senate Election, 1948
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Burnet R. Maybank (Incumbent) 135,998 96.45%
Republican J. Bates Gerald5,0083.55%
Majority130,99092.90
Turnout 141,006
Democratic hold

South Dakota

1948 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Flag of South Dakota (1909-1963).svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Rep. Karl Mundt, Repub., of S.D., 2-21-40 LCCN2016877155 (cropped).jpg
Nominee Karl E. Mundt John A. Engel
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote144,08498,749
Percentage59.33%40.67%

1948 United States Senate election in South Dakota results map by county.svg
County results
Mundt:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Engel:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Vera C. Bushfield
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Karl E. Mundt
Republican

South Dakota election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Karl E. Mundt 144,084 59.33%
Democratic John A. Engel98,74940.67%
Majority45,33518.66%
Turnout 242,833
Republican hold

Tennessee

1948 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Flag of Tennessee.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  SenatorKefauver(D-TN).jpg B. Carroll Reece.jpg
Nominee Estes Kefauver B. Carroll Reece
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote326,142166,947
Percentage65.33%33.44%

1948 United States Senate election in Tennessee results map by county.svg
Results by county
Kefauver:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     90–100%
Reece:      40–50%     50-60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

Senator before election

Tom Stewart
Democratic

Elected Senator

Estes Kefauver
Democratic

Tennessee election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Estes Kefauver 326,142 65.33%
Republican B. Carroll Reece 166,94733.44%
Independent John Randolph Neal Jr. 6,1031.22%
NoneScattering260.01%
Majority159,19531.89%
Turnout 499,218
Democratic hold

Texas

1948 United States Senate election in Texas
Flag of Texas.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Senator Lyndon Johnson (1).jpg Homa Jackson (Jack) Porter US Senate candidate from Texas (1).jpg
Nominee Lyndon B. Johnson Jack Porter
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote702,985349,665
Percentage66.22%32.94%

1948 United States Senate election in Texas results map by county.svg
County Results [6]

Johnson:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%

Porter:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

U.S. senator before election

W. Lee O'Daniel
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Lyndon B. Johnson
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat W. Lee O'Daniel decided to retire rather than seek a second full term. Congressman Lyndon Johnson won the highly contested Democratic primary against former governor Coke Stevenson. Johnson went on to win the general election against Republican Jack Porter, but by a closer margin than usual for Texas Democrats.

Texas election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Lyndon Johnson 702,985 66.22%
Republican Jack Porter 349,66532.94%
Prohibition Samuel N. Morris8,9130.84%
Majority353,32033.28%
Turnout 1,061,563
Democratic hold

Virginia

Virginia election
Flag of Virginia (1931-1950).png
  1946 (special) November 2, 1948 1954  
  Absalom Willis Robertson.jpg No image.svg
Nominee A. Willis Robertson Robert H. Woods
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote253,865118,546
Percentage65.7%30.7%

1948 United States Senate election in Virginia results map by county.svg
County and independent city results
Robertson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     90-100%
Woods:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%

U.S. senator before election

A. Willis Robertson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

A. Willis Robertson
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat A. Willis Robertson defeated Republican Robert H. Woods and was re-elected to his first full term in office.

1948 United States Senate election in Virginia [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic A. Willis Robertson (Incumbent) 253,865 65.74% −2.41%
Republican Robert H. Woods118,54630.70%+1.68%
Independent Howard Carwile 6,7881.76%
Progressive Virginia Foster Durr 5,3471.38%+1.38%
Socialist Clarke T. Robb1,6270.42%−2.40%
Write-ins5<0.01%
Majority135,31935.04%−4.09%
Turnout 386,168
Democratic hold Swing

West Virginia

1948 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Flag of West Virginia.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Matthewneely.jpg Chapman Revercomb.jpg
Nominee Matthew M. Neely Chapman Revercomb
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote435,354328,534
Percentage56.99%43.01%

1954 United States Senate special election in West Virginia results map by county.svg
County results
Neely:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Revercomb:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Chapman Revercomb
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Matthew M. Neely
Democratic

West Virginia election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Matthew M. Neely 435,354 56.99%
Republican Chapman Revercomb (Incumbent)328,53443.01%
Majority106,81013.98%
Turnout 763,888
Democratic gain from Republican

Wyoming

1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Flag of Wyoming.svg
  1942 November 2, 1948 1954  
  Lester Hunt.jpg Edward V Robertson.jpg
Nominee Lester C. Hunt Edward V. Robertson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote57,95343,527
Percentage57.11%42.89%

1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming results map by county.svg
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

Wyoming election [3]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Lester C. Hunt 57,953 57.11%
Republican Edward V. Robertson (Incumbent)43,52742.89%
Majority14,42614.22%
Turnout 101,480
Democratic gain from Republican

|}

See also

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The 2002 House elections in Georgia occurred on November 5, 2002 to elect the members of the State of Georgia's delegation to the United States House of Representatives. Georgia has thirteen seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census.

References

  1. William S. White (November 4, 1948). "SWEEP IN CONGRESS – Democrats Obtain 54-42 Margin in Senate by Winning 9 G.O.P. Seats". New York Times. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  2. "Truman Sweep". New York Times. November 7, 1948. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
  3. 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 Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (1949-03-01). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1948" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 14–15, 50.
  4. 1 2 Kalb, Deborah, ed. (2010). Guide to U.S. Elections. Washington, DC: CQ Press. p. 1524. ISBN   978-1-60426-536-1.
  5. 1 2 Kalb, Deborah, ed. (2010). Guide to U.S. Elections. Washington, DC: CQ Press. p. 1458. ISBN   978-1-60426-536-1.
  6. Heard, Alexander; Strong, Donald (1950). Southern Primaries and Elections 1920-1949. University of Alabama Press. pp. 184–186. ISBN   9780836955248.

Further reading