1954 United States Senate elections

Last updated

1954 United States Senate elections
Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg
  1952 September 13 [lower-alpha 1] & November 2, 1954 1956  

38 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
 Majority partyMinority party
  Senator Lyndon Johnson (1).jpg William F. Knowland headshot.jpg
Leader Lyndon Johnson William Knowland
Party Democratic Republican
Leader sinceJanuary 3, 1953August 4, 1953
Leader's seat Texas California
Seats before4649
Seats after4847
Seat changeIncrease2.svg 2Decrease2.svg 2
Popular vote15,137,069 [1] 12,585,368 [1]
Percentage53.9%44.8%
Seats up2216
Races won2414

 Third party
 
Party Independent
Seats before1
Seats after1 [lower-alpha 2]
Seat changeSteady2.svg
Seats up0
Races won0

1954 United States Senate elections results map.svg
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain     Democratic hold
     Republican gain     Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset (Neb., N. H. & N. C.): both seats up for election

Majority Leader before election

Bill Knowland
Republican

Elected Majority Leader

Lyndon Johnson
Democratic

The 1954 United States Senate elections was a midterm election in the first term of Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency. The 32 Senate seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections, and six special elections were held to fill vacancies. Eisenhower's Republican party lost a net of two seats to the Democratic opposition. This small change was just enough to give Democrats control of the chamber with the support of an Independent (Wayne Morse of Oregon) who agreed to caucus with them, he later officially joined the party in April 1955.

Contents

The elections resulted in a divided government that continued to the end of Eisenhower's presidency and a Democratic majority that would last until 1981. As of 2022, this is the last Senate election cycle in which a state (both Nebraska and North Carolina) had to hold three simultaneous elections (two special elections and one regular election) due to the near-simultaneous deaths of both incumbent Senators. This is also the last time until 2024 where both Senate seats in Nebraska were concurrently up for election.

Results summary

48147
DemocraticIRepublican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

PartiesTotal
DemocraticRepublicanIndependentOther
Last elections (1952) 47490096
Before these elections46491096
Not up24330158
Up2216038
Class 2 (1948→1954)201232
Special: Class 1011
Special: Class 3235
Incumbent retired246
Held by same party134
Replaced by other partyDecrease2.svg1 Republican replaced by Increase2.svg1 Democrat
Decrease2.svg1 Democrat replaced by Increase2.svg1 Republican
2
Result24006
Incumbent ran201232
Won re-election17724
Lost re-electionDecrease2.svg4 Republicans replaced by Increase2.svg4 Democrats
Decrease2.svg2 Democrats replaced by Increase2.svg2 Republicans
6
Lost renomination
but held by same party
112
Result22100032
Total elected24140038
Net changeIncrease2.svg2Decrease2.svg2Steady2.svgSteady2.svg2
Nationwide vote15,137,06912,585,36835,661323,14728,081,245
Share53.90%44.82%0.13%1.15%100%
Result48471096

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

Gains, losses and holds

Retirements

One Republican and one Democrat retired instead of seeking re-election. Two Republicans and one Democrat also retired instead of finishing the unexpired term.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Colorado Edwin C. Johnson Gordon Allott
Nebraska (regular) Eva Bowring Carl Curtis
Nebraska (special, Class 1) Samuel W. Reynolds Roman Hruska
Nebraska (special, Class 2) Eva Bowring Hazel Abel
New Jersey Robert C. Hendrickson Clifford P. Case
South Carolina Charles E. Daniel Strom Thurmond
Wyoming Edward D. Crippa Joseph C. O'Mahoney

Defeats

Three Republicans and two Democrats sought re-election, and two Republicans and one Democrat also sought election to finish the unexpired term, but lost in the primary or general election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Iowa Guy Gillette Thomas E. Martin
Kentucky John Sherman Cooper Alben W. Barkley
Michigan Homer S. Ferguson Patrick V. McNamara
Nevada (special) Ernest S. Brown Alan Bible
New Hampshire (special) Robert W. Upton Norris Cotton
North Carolina (reg. and sp., Cl. 2) Alton Lennon W. Kerr Scott
Ohio (special) Thomas A. Burke George H. Bender
Oregon Guy Cordon Richard L. Neuberger

Party entrance

Wayne Morse (I-OR) who caucused with the Democrats, officially joined the party in April 1955.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Oregon Wayne Morse Wayne Morse

Post-election changes

StateSenatorReplaced by
Kentucky Alben W. Barkley Robert Humphreys
South Carolina Strom Thurmond Thomas A. Wofford
West Virginia Harley M. Kilgore William Laird III

Change in composition

Before the elections

D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25
Ala.
Ran
D26
Ark.
Ran
D27
Colo.
Retired
D28
Del.
Ran
D38
N.C. (sp 3)
Ran
D37
N.C. (reg)
N.C. (sp 2)
Ran
D36
N.M.
Ran
D35
Mont.
Ran
D34
Miss.
Ran
D33
Minn.
Ran
D32
La.
Ran
D31
Iowa
Ran
D30
Ill.
Ran
D29
Ga.
Ran
D39
Ohio (sp)
Ran
D40
Okla.
Ran
D41
R.I.
Ran
D42
S.C.
Retired
D43
Tenn.
Ran
D44
Texas
Ran
D45
Va.
Ran
D46
W.Va.
Ran
I1R49
Wyo. (reg)
Wyo. (sp)
Retired
Majority →
R39
Mass.
Ran
R40
Mich.
Ran
R41
Neb. (reg)
Neb. (sp 2)
Retired
R42
Neb. (sp 1)
Retired
R43
Nev. (sp)
Ran
R44
N.H. (reg)
Ran
R45
N.H. (sp)
Ran
R46
N.J.
Retired
R47
Ore.
Ran
R48
S.D.
Ran
R38
Me.
Ran
R37
Ky.
Ran
R36
Kan.
Ran
R35
Idaho
Ran
R34
Calif. (sp)
Ran
R33R32R31R30R29
R19R20R21R22R23R24R25R26R27R28
R18R17R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8

Results of the elections

D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25
Ala.
Re-elected
D26
Ark.
Re-elected
D27
Del.
Re-elected
D28
Ga.
Re-elected
D38
R.I.
Re-elected
D37
Okla.
Re-elected
D36
N.C. (sp 3)
Elected [lower-alpha 3]
D35
N.C. (reg)
N.C. (sp 2)
Hold
D34
N.M.
Re-elected
D33
Mont.
Re-elected
D32
Miss.
Re-elected
D31
Minn.
Re-elected
D30
La.
Re-elected
D29
Ill.
Re-elected
D39
S.C.
Hold
D40
Tenn.
Re-elected
D41
Texas
Re-elected
D42
Va.
Re-elected
D43
W.Va.
Re-elected
D44
Ky.
Gain
D45
Mich.
Gain
D46
Nev. (sp)
Gain [lower-alpha 4]
D47
Ore.
Gain
D48
Wyo. (reg)
Wyo. (sp)
Gain
Majority with Independent in caucus ↑I1
R39
Neb. (sp 2)
Hold
Neb. (reg)
Hold
R40
Neb. (sp 1)
Hold
R41
N.H. (reg)
Re-elected
R42
N.H. (sp)
Hold
R43
N.J.
Hold
R44
S.D.
Re-elected
R45
Colo.
Gain
R46
Iowa
Gain
R47
Ohio (sp)
Gain [lower-alpha 4]
R38
Mass.
Re-elected
R37
Me.
Re-elected
R36
Kan.
Re-elected
R35
Idaho
Re-elected
R34
Calif. (sp)
Elected [lower-alpha 3]
R33R32R31R30R29
R19R20R21R22R23R24R25R26R27R28
R18R17R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8
Key:
D# Democratic
I# Independent
R# Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 83rd Congress

In these special elections, the winners were seated during 1954 or before January 3, 1955; ordered by election date, then state, then class.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
California
(Class 3)
Thomas Kuchel Republican1953 (Appointed)Interim appointee elected November 2, 1954.
Nebraska
(Class 1)
Samuel W. Reynolds Republican1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican hold.
Nebraska
(Class 2)
Eva Bowring Republican1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican hold.
Winner was not elected to the next term; see below.
Nevada
(Class 3)
Ernest S. Brown Republican1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Democratic gain.
New Hampshire
(Class 3)
Robert W. Upton Republican1953 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican hold.
North Carolina
(Class 2)
Alton Lennon Democratic1953 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to next term; see below.
North Carolina
(Class 3)
Sam Ervin Democratic1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee elected November 2, 1954.
Ohio
(Class 3)
Thomas A. Burke Democratic1953 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican gain.
Wyoming
(Class 2)
Edward D. Crippa Republican1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Democratic gain.
Winner also elected to the next term; see below.

Races leading to the 84th Congress

In these general elections, the winner was seated on January 3, 1955; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral
history
Alabama John Sparkman Democratic 1946 (special)
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Arkansas John L. McClellan Democratic 1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Colorado Edwin C. Johnson Democratic 1936
1942
1948
Incumbent retired to run for Governor.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Delaware J. Allen Frear Jr. Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Georgia Richard Russell Jr. Democratic 1932 (special)
1936
1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho Henry Dworshak Republican 1946 (special)
1948 (Lost)
1949 (Appointed)
1950 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
Illinois Paul Douglas Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Iowa Guy Gillette Democratic 1936 (special)
1938
1944 (Lost)
1948
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Kansas Andrew Frank Schoeppel Republican 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Kentucky John Sherman Cooper Republican 1946 (special)
1948 (Lost)
1952 (special)
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Louisiana Allen J. Ellender Democratic 1936
1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Maine Margaret Chase Smith Republican 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Massachusetts Leverett Saltonstall Republican 1944 (special)
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Michigan Homer S. Ferguson Republican 1942
1948
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Minnesota Hubert Humphrey DFL 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Mississippi James Eastland Democratic 1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Montana James E. Murray Democratic 1934 (special)
1936
1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Nebraska Eva Bowring Republican 1954 (special) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Winner was not elected to finish the term; see above.
Successor seated January 1, 1955.
New Hampshire Styles Bridges Republican 1936
1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
New Jersey Robert C. Hendrickson Republican 1948 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
New Mexico Clinton Anderson Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
North Carolina Alton Lennon Democratic1953 (Appointed)Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to finish the term; see above.
Oklahoma Robert S. Kerr Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
Oregon Guy Cordon Republican1944 (Appointed)
1944 (special)
1948
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Rhode Island Theodore F. Green Democratic 1936
1942
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
South Carolina Charles E. Daniel Democratic1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent then resigned December 23, 1954, to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed December 24 to finish the term.
South Dakota Karl Mundt Republican 1948
1948 (Appointed)
Incumbent re-elected.
Tennessee Estes Kefauver Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Texas Lyndon B. Johnson Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Virginia A. Willis Robertson Democratic 1946 (special)
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
West Virginia Matthew M. Neely Democratic 1922
1928 (Lost)
1930
1936
1941 (Resigned)
1948
Incumbent re-elected.
Wyoming Edward D. Crippa Republican1954 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Winner also elected to finish the term; see above.

Closest races

Twelve races had a margin of victory under 10%:

StateParty of winnerMargin
Ohio (special) Republican (flip)0.12%
New Jersey Republican0.19%
Oregon Democratic (flip)0.4% [lower-alpha 5]
Montana Democratic0.8%
Massachusetts Republican1.5%
Michigan Democratic (flip)1.9%
Colorado Republican (flip)2.6%
Wyoming Democratic (flip)3.2%
Iowa Republican (flip)4.7%
California (special) Republican7.7%
Kentucky Democratic (flip)9.0%
West Virginia Democratic9.6%

Alabama

1954 United States Senate election in Alabama
Flag of Alabama.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  JohnSparkman-1952Portrait-.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee John Sparkman Junius Foy Guin Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote259,34855,110
Percentage82.48%17.53%

1954 United States Senate Election in Alabama by County.svg
County results
Sparkman:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%

U.S. senator before election

John Sparkman
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Sparkman
Democratic

Alabama election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John Sparkman (Incumbent) 259,348 82.47
Republican J. Foy Guin Jr.55,11017.53
Majority204,43864.96
Turnout 314,458
Democratic hold

Arkansas

Senator John L. McClellan John Little McClellan.jpg
Senator John L. McClellan
Arkansas election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John L. McClellan (Incumbent) 291,058 100.00
Democratic hold

California (special)

1954 United States Senate special election in California
Flag of California.svg
  1950 November 2, 1954 1956  
  Thomas Kuchel.jpg Sam Yorty, 1954.jpg
Nominee Thomas Kuchel Sam Yorty
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote2,090,8361,788,071
Percentage53.21%45.50%

1954 United States Senate special election in California results map by county.svg
County results:

Thomas Kuchel:     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%

Sam Yorty:     50-60%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas Kuchel
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Thomas Kuchel
Republican

Following the resignation of Richard Nixon to assume the vice presidency, Governor Earl Warren appointed Thomas Kuchel to Nixon's seat; Kuchel assumed the office on January 2, 1953. [3]

California election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Thomas Kuchel (Incumbent) 2,090,836 53.2
Democratic Sam Yorty 1,788,07145.5
Independent–ProgressiveIsobel M. Cerney50,5061.3
NoneScattering2550.00
Majority302,7657.7
Turnout 3,929,668
Republican hold

Colorado

1954 United States Senate election in Colorado
Flag of Colorado (1911-1964).svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  Gordon Allott.jpg JohnACarroll.jpg
Nominee Gordon Allott John A. Carroll
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote248,502235,686
Percentage51.32%48.68%

1954 United States Senate Election in Colorado by County.svg
County results
Allott:     50–60%     60–70%
Carroll:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Edwin C. Johnson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Gordon Allott
Republican

Colorado election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Gordon Allott 248,502 51.32
Democratic John A. Carroll 235,68648.68
Majority12,8162.64
Turnout 484,188
Republican gain from Democratic

Delaware

1954 United States Senate election in Delaware
Flag of Delaware.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  JAllenFrear.jpg Herbert B. Warburton (Delaware Congressman).jpg
Nominee J. Allen Frear Jr. Herbert B. Warburton
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote82,51162,389
Percentage56.94%43.06%

U.S. senator before election

J. Allen Frear Jr.
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

J. Allen Frear Jr.
Democratic

Delaware election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic J. Allen Frear (Incumbent) 82,511 56.94
Republican Herbert B. Warburton 62,38943.06
Majority20,12213.88
Turnout 144,900
Democratic hold

Georgia

Georgia election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Richard B. Russell (Incumbent) 333,917 99.99
NoneScattering190.01
Majority333,89899.98
Turnout 333,936
Democratic hold

Idaho

Idaho election
Flag of Idaho (1927-1957).png
  1948
1960  
  Henry Dworshak (R-ID).jpg Glen Taylor (D-ID) 1954.jpg
Nominee Henry Dworshak Glen H. Taylor
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote142,26984,139
Percentage62.84%37.16%

U.S. senator before election

Henry Dworshak
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Henry Dworshak
Republican

In Idaho, Republican Incumbent Henry Dworshak defeated Glen H. Taylor, who had previously represented Idaho in the Senate from 1945 to 1951. Allegations of Communist ties were used against Taylor by Dworshak and other Republicans to win the election. [4]

Idaho election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Henry Dworshak (Incumbent) 142,269 62.84%
Democratic Glen H. Taylor 84,13937.16%
Majority58,13025.68%
Turnout 226,408
Republican hold

Illinois

1954 United States Senate election in Illinois
Flag of Illinois (1915-1969).svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
Turnout63.69%
  Senator Paul Douglas.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Paul Douglas Joseph T. Meek
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote1,804,3381,563,683
Percentage53.57%46.43%

1954 United States Senate election in Illinois results map by county.svg
County results
Douglas:     50–60%     60–70%
Meeks:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Paul Douglas
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Paul Douglas
Democratic

Illinois election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Paul H. Douglas (Incumbent) 1,804,338 53.57
Republican Joseph T. Meek1,563,68346.43
Majority240,6557.14
Turnout 3,368,021
Democratic hold

Iowa

1954 United States Senate election in Iowa
Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  Thomas Ellsworth Martin.jpg Guy Mark Gillette.jpg
Nominee Thomas E. Martin Guy Gillette
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote442,409402,712
Percentage52.21%47.53%

1954 United States Senate Election in Iowa by County.svg
County results
Martin:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Gillette:      50–60%     60–70%
Tie:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Guy Gillette
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Thomas E. Martin
Republican

Iowa election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Thomas E. Martin 442,409 52.21
Democratic Guy Gillette (Incumbent)402,71247.53
RepublicsonsErnest Seeman2,2340.26
Majority39,6974.68
Turnout 847,355
Republican gain from Democratic

Kansas

Kansas election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Andrew Schoeppel (Incumbent) 348,144 56.33
Democratic George McGill 258,57541.84
Prohibition David C. White11,3441.84
Majority89,56914.49
Turnout 618,063
Republican hold

Kentucky

1954 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Flag of Kentucky.svg
  1952 (special) November 2, 1954 1956 (special)  
  AlbenBarkley.jpg JohnShermanCooper.jpg
Nominee Alben Barkley John Sherman Cooper
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote434,109362,948
Percentage54.46%45.54%

1954 United States Senate election in Kentucky results map by county.svg
County results
Barkley:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Cooper:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

U.S. senator before election

John Sherman Cooper
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Alben Barkley
Democratic

Kentucky election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Alben Barkley 434,109 54.46
Republican John Sherman Cooper (Incumbent)362,94845.54
Majority71,1618.92
Turnout 797,057
Democratic gain from Republican

Louisiana

Senator Allen J. Ellender AllenJosephEllender.jpg
Senator Allen J. Ellender
Louisiana election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Allen J. Ellender (Incumbent) 207,115 100.00
Democratic hold

Maine

1954 United States Senate election in Maine
Flag of Maine.svg
  1948 September 13, 1954 1960  
  Margaret Chase Smith 1943 (cropped).jpg Paul Fullam.png
Nominee Margaret Chase Smith Paul Fullam
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote144,530102,075
Percentage58.61%41.39%

1954 United States Senate Election in Maine by County.svg
County results
Smith:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Fullam:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Margaret Chase Smith
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Margaret Chase Smith
Republican

Maine election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Margaret Chase Smith (Incumbent) 144,530 58.61
Democratic Paul A. Fullam102,07541.39
Majority42,45517.22
Turnout 246,605
Republican hold

Massachusetts

1954 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
Flag of Massachusetts (1908-1971).svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  LeverettSaltonstall.jpg Foster Furcolo.jpg
Nominee Leverett Saltonstall Foster Furcolo
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote956,605927,899
Percentage50.54%49.03%

1954 United States Senate Election in Massachusetts by County.svg
1954 United States Senate Election in Massachusetts by Town.svg

Senator before election

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

Elected Senator

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

In Massachusetts, Republican Incumbent Leverett Saltonstall defeated his challengers.

Democrat Foster Furcolo (Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts since 1952 and member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district from 1949 to 1952) beat John I. Fitzgerald (former member of the Boston City Council and Democratic candidate for Senate in 1948) and Joseph L. Murphy (former member of the Massachusetts Senate).

Republican incumbent Leverett Saltonstall (United States senator since 1945 and Governor of Massachusetts from 1939 to 1945) was renominated. Other nominees included Socialist Workers Thelma Ingersoll (ran for Senate in 1952. [5] ) and Prohibition Harold J. Ireland (candidate for Treasurer and Receiver-General in 1948 and 1952).

Democratic primary [6]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Foster Furcolo 207,232 59.13
Democratic Joseph L. Murphy 79,46322.68
Democratic John I. Fitzgerald 63,75218.19
General election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Leverett Saltonstall (Incumbent) 956,605 50.54 -2.41%
Democratic Foster Furcolo 927,89949.03+2.60%
Socialist Labor Thelma Ingersoll 5,3530.28-0.17%
Prohibition Harold J. Ireland 2,8320.15-0.03%
NoneScattering210.00
Majority28,7061.52
Turnout 1,892,710
Republican hold Swing

Michigan

1954 United States Senate election in Michigan
Flag of Michigan.svg
  1948
1960  
  Patrick Vincent McNamara.jpg HomerFerguson.jpg
Nominee Patrick V. McNamara Homer S. Ferguson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote1,088,5501,049,420
Percentage50.75%48.93%

1954 United States Senate election in Michigan results map by county.svg
County results
McNamara:     50–60%     60–70%
Ferguson:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Homer S. Ferguson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Patrick V. McNamara
Democratic

Michigan election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Patrick V. McNamara 1,088,550 50.75
Republican Homer S. Ferguson (Incumbent)1,049,42048.93
Prohibition Leroy M. Lowell4,8410.23
Socialist Labor James Sim1,1260.05
Socialist Workers Rita Shaw9020.04
NoneScattering10.00
Majority39,1301.82
Turnout 2,144,840
Democratic gain from Republican

Minnesota

1954 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Flag of Minnesota (1893-1957).svg
  1948
1960  
  Hubert Humphrey crop.jpg Uncle Valdi Mug.jpg
Nominee Hubert H. Humphrey Val Bjornson
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Popular vote642,193479,619
Percentage56.39%42.11%

1954 United States Senate election in Minnesota results map by county.svg
County results
Humphrey:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Bjornson:      40-50%     50-60%     60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Hubert H. Humphrey
Democratic (DFL)

Elected U.S. Senator

Hubert H. Humphrey
Democratic (DFL)

Minnesota election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic (DFL) Hubert Humphrey (Incumbent) 642,193 56.38
Republican Val Bjornson 479,61942.11
Liberal IndependentFrancis Patrick Ryan12,4571.09
Socialist Workers Vincent R. Dunne 4,6830.41
Majority162,57414.27
Turnout 1,138,952
Democratic (DFL) hold

Mississippi

Mississippi election
Flag of Mississippi (1894-1996).png
  1948
1960  
  James O Eastland.jpg No image.svg
Nominee James Eastland James A. White
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote100,8484,678
Percentage95.6%4.43%

1954 United States Senate election in Mississippi results map by county.svg
County results
Eastland:     80-90%     90-100%

U.S. senator before election

James Eastland
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

James Eastland
Democratic

Mississippi election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic James Eastland (Incumbent) 100,848 95.57
Republican James A. White4,6784.43
Majority96,07091.14
Turnout 105,526
Democratic hold

Montana

1954 United States Senate election in Montana
Flag of Montana (1905-1981).svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  M001108.jpg Wesley D'Ewart (Montana Congressman).jpg
Nominee James E. Murray Wesley A. D'Ewart
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote114,591112,863
Percentage50.38%49.62%

1954 United States Senate Election in Montana by County.svg
County results
Murray:     50–60%     60–70%
D'Ewart:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

U.S. senator before election

James E. Murray
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James E. Murray
Democratic

In Montana incumbent senator James E. Murray, who was first elected to the Senate in a special election in 1934 and was re-elected in 1936, 1942, and 1948, ran for re-election.

Murray won the Democratic primary against trivial opponents (farmer Ray E. Gulick and Sam G. Feezell).

Democratic Party primary results [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic James E. Murray (Incumbent) 65,896 86.94
Democratic Ray E. Gulick4,9616.55
Democratic Sam G. Feezell4,9416.52
Total votes75,798 100.00

Republican Wesley A. D'Ewart United States Congressman from Montana's 2nd congressional district beat Robert Yellowtail, former Superintendent of the Crow Indian Reservation, for the GOP nomination.

Republican Primary results [7]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Wesley A. D'Ewart 49,964 82.36
Republican Robert Yellowtail 10,70517.64
Total votes60,669 100.00

A contentious and close election ensued, but ultimately, Murray was able to narrowly win re-election over D'Ewart to a final term in the Senate.

Montana election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic James E. Murray (Incumbent) 114,591 50.38 -6.27%
Republican Wesley A. D'Ewart 112,86349.62+6.88%
Majority1,7280.76-13.15%
Turnout 227,454
Democratic hold Swing

Nebraska

Nebraska had three Senate elections on the ballot. Both incumbents had died in the span of three months, leading to appointments and special elections.

Nebraska (special, class 1)

1954 United States Senate Class I special election in Nebraska
Flag of Nebraska.svg
  1952 November 2, 1954 1958  
  Roman Hruska.png Noimage.png
Nominee Roman Hruska James F. Green
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote250,341160,881
Percentage60.88%39.12%

1954 United States Senate Special Election Class I in Nebraska by County.svg
County results
Hruska:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Green:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Samuel W. Reynolds
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Roman Hruska
Republican

Incumbent Republican Hugh A. Butler died July 1, 1954, and Republican Samuel W. Reynolds was appointed July 3 to continue the term. Reynolds did not run to finish the term, and Republican Roman Hruska won the seat in November to finish the term ending in 1959.

Nebraska class 1 special election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Roman Hruska 250,341 60.88
Democratic James F. Green 160,88139.12
NoneScattering30.00
Majority89,46021.76
Turnout 411,225
Republican hold

Nebraska (special, class 2)

1954 United States Senate Class II special election in Nebraska
Flag of Nebraska.svg
  1952 (special) November 2, 1954 1954  
  Hazel Abel 1954 (cropped).jpg Noimage.png
Nominee Hazel Abel William H. Meier
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote233,589170,828
Percentage57.76%42.24%

1954 United States Senate Special Election Class II in Nebraska by County.svg
County results
Abel:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Meier:      50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Eva Bowring
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Hazel Abel
Republican

Incumbent Republican Dwight P. Griswold died April 12, 1954, and Republican Eva Bowring was appointed April 16 to continue the term. In November, Republican Hazel Abel was elected to finish the term.

Nebraska class 2 special election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Hazel Abel 233,589 57.76
Democratic William H. Meier 170,82842.24
NoneScattering50.00
Majority62,76115.52
Turnout 404,422
Republican hold

Nebraska (regular)

1954 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Flag of Nebraska.svg
  1954 (special) November 2, 1954 1960  
  Carl Curtis.png KeithNeville.jpg
Nominee Carl Curtis Keith Neville
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote255,695162,990
Percentage61.07%38.93%

1954 United States Senate Election in Nebraska by County.svg
County results
Curtis:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Neville:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Hazel Abel
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Carl Curtis
Republican

Although elected to finish the class 2 term, Abel did not run for the next term, and Republican Carl Curtis was elected in November to the next term.

Nebraska general election (class 2) [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Carl T. Curtis 255,695 61.07
Democratic Keith Neville 162,99038.93
NoneScattering60.00
Majority92,70522.14
Turnout 418,691
Republican hold

On December 31, 1954, Abel resigned and Curtis was appointed January 1, 1955, two days ahead of his elected term.

Nevada (special)

Nevada election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Alan Bible 45,043 58.11
Republican Ernest S. Brown (Incumbent)32,47041.89
Majority12,57316.22
Turnout 77,513
Democratic gain from Republican

New Hampshire

New Hampshire (regular)

1954 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Flag of New Hampshire.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  StylesBridges(R-NH) (cropped, 3x4).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Styles Bridges Gerald L. Morin
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote117,15077,386
Percentage60.22%39.78%

1954 United States Senate election in New Hampshire results map by county.svg
County results
Bridges:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Styles Bridges
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Styles Bridges
Republican

New Hampshire election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Styles Bridges (Incumbent) 117,150 60.22
Democratic Gerard L. Morin77,38639.78
Majority39,76420.44
Turnout 194,536
Republican hold

New Hampshire (special)

1954 United States Senate special election in New Hampshire
Flag of New Hampshire.svg
  1950 November 2, 1954 1956  
  Norris Cotton.jpg No image.svg
Nominee Norris Cotton Stanley J. Betley
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote114,06875,490
Percentage60.18%39.82%

1962 United States Senate election in New Hampshire results map by county.svg
County results

Cotton:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

Betley:     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Robert W. Upton
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Norris Cotton
Republican

New Hampshire election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Norris Cotton 114,068 60.18
Democratic Stanley J. Betley75,49039.82
Majority38,57820.36
Turnout 189,558
Republican hold

New Jersey

New Jersey election
Flag of New Jersey (1896-1965).png
  1948
1960  
  Rep Clifford P Case.jpg Charles R. Howell (New Jersey Congressman).jpg
Nominee Clifford P. Case Charles R. Howell
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote861,528858,158
Percentage48.66%48.47%

1954 United States Senate election in New Jersey results map by county.svg
County Results
Case:      40–50%     50-60%     60-70%
Howell:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Robert C. Hendrickson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Clifford P. Case
Republican

New Jersey election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Clifford Case (Incumbent) 861,528 48.66
Democratic Charles R. Howell 858,15848.47
American Third Henry Krajewski 35,4212.00
Write-In Fred A. Hartley 7,0250.40
Socialist Labor Albert Ronis4,8320.27
Socialist Workers George Breitman 3,5900.20
Majority3,3700.19
Turnout 1,770,554
Republican hold

New Mexico

New Mexico election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Clinton P. Anderson (Incumbent) 111,351 57.10
Republican Edwin L. Mechem 83,67142.90
Majority27,68014.20
Turnout 195,022
Democratic hold

North Carolina

Like Nebraska, North Carolina, had three elections on the ballot. Both senators had died during the 83rd Congress, leading to appointments and special elections.

North Carolina (special, class 2)

Democrat Willis Smith died June 26, 1953, and Democrat Alton A. Lennon was appointed July 10 to continue the term. In November, Lennon lost the nomination to Democrat W. Kerr Scott to finish the term. [8] Scott took office November 29, 1954.

North Carolina class 2 special election [1] [9]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic W. Kerr Scott 420,268 100.00
Democratic hold

North Carolina (regular)

Democrat W. Kerr Scott was also elected to the next term, which would begin January 3, 1955. [10]

North Carolina (class 2) general election [1] [11]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic W. Kerr Scott 408,312 65.90
Republican Paul C. West211,32234.10
Majority196,99031.80
Turnout 619,634
Democratic hold

North Carolina (special, class 3)

Democrat Clyde R. Hoey died May 12, 1954, and Democrat Sam Ervin was appointed June 5 to continue the term. In November, Ervin was elected to finish the term.

North Carolina class 3 special election [1] [12]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Samuel J. Ervin Jr. (Incumbent) 410,574 100.00
Democratic hold

Ohio (special)

1954 United States Senate special election in Ohio
Flag of Ohio.svg
  1950 November 6, 1954 1956  
  George Bender (3x4a).jpg ThomasBurke (2).jpg
Nominee George H. Bender Thomas A. Burke
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote1,257,8741,254,904
Percentage50.06%49.94%

1954 United States Senate special election in Ohio results map by county.svg
County results
Bender:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Burke:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas A. Burke
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

George H. Bender
Republican

Ohio election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican George H. Bender 1,257,874 50.06
Democratic Thomas A. Burke (Incumbent)1,254,90449.94
Majority2,9700.12
Turnout 2,512,778
Republican gain from Democratic

Oklahoma

Oklahoma election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Robert S. Kerr (Incumbent) 335,127 55.84
Republican Fred M. Mock262,01343.66
Independent George V. Fried1,5630.26
Independent George H. Brasier1,4170.24
Majority73,11412.18
Turnout 600,120
Democratic hold

Oregon

Oregon election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Richard L. Neuberger 285,775 50.22
Republican Guy Cordon (Incumbent)283,31349.78
Majority2,4620.44
Turnout 569,088
Democratic gain from Republican

Rhode Island

1954 United States Senate election in Rhode Island
Flag of Rhode Island.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  Theodore Francis GREEN.jpg No image.svg
Nominee Theodore F. Green Walter I. Sundlun
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote193,654132,970
Percentage59.29%40.71%

1954 United States Senate election in Rhode Island results map by county.svg
1954 United States Senate election in Rhode Island results map by municipality.svg
Green:     50–60%     60–70%
Sundlun:     50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Theodore F. Green
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Theodore F. Green
Democratic

Rhode Island election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Theodore Francis Green (Incumbent) 193,654 59.29
Republican Walter I. Sundlun132,97040.71
Majority60,68418.58
Turnout 326,624
Democratic hold

South Carolina

1954 United States Senate election in South Carolina
Flag of South Carolina.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1956 (special)  
  Governor Strom Thurmond b&w crop.jpg EdgarAllanBrown (cropped).jpg
Candidate Strom Thurmond Edgar A. Brown
Party Democratic Democratic
Popular vote143,44483,525
Percentage63.13%36.76%

1954 United States Senate Election in South Carolina by County.svg
Thurmond:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%Brown:     50-60%     60-70%     >90%

U.S. senator before election

Charles E. Daniel
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Strom Thurmond
Democratic

In South Carolina, Senator Burnet R. Maybank did not face a primary challenge in the summer and was therefore renominated as the Democratic Party's nominee for the election in the fall. However, his death on September 1 left the Democratic Party without a nominee and the executive committee decided to nominate state Senator Edgar A. Brown as their candidate for the election. Many South Carolinians were outraged by the party's decision to forgo a primary election and former Governor Strom Thurmond entered the race as a write-in candidate. He easily won the election and became the first U.S. senator to be elected by a write-in vote (William Knowland of California in 1946 was technically the first, but the ballots in that election were blank with no candidates listed, so essentially every candidate was running a write-in campaign). [13]

Sitting Senator Burnet R. Maybank entered the 1954 contest without a challenge in the Democratic primary nor in the general election. His unexpected death on September 1 caused panic and confusion within the hierarchy of the state Democratic party because the state law required that a party's nominee be certified by September 3. Hours after Maybank's funeral, the state Democratic executive committee met in secret and chose state Senator Edgar A. Brown of Barnwell County as the party's nominee for the general election. Not only was Brown a part of the "Barnwell Ring", but he was also a member of the executive committee.

The state Democratic Party's decision to choose a candidate without holding a special primary election drew widespread criticism across the state. On September 3, The Greenville News ran an editorial advocating that a primary election be called and several newspapers across the state followed suit. At least six county Democratic committees repudiated the action by the state committee and called for a primary election. Despite repeated calls for a primary, the state executive committee voted against holding a primary because they did not think that there was enough time before the general election to hold a primary election.

Immediately after the executive committee voted against holding a primary election, former Governor Strom Thurmond and lumberman Marcus Stone announced their intention to run as Democratic write-in candidates. Thurmond and his supporters stated that the executive committee had several legal alternatives as opposed to the outright appointment of state Senator Brown. In addition, Thurmond promised that if he were elected he would resign in 1956 so that the voters could choose a candidate in the regular primary for the remaining four years of the term.

Thurmond received support from Governor James F. Byrnes and from those who backed his Presidential bid as a Dixiecrat in the 1948 Presidential election. Thurmond framed the race as a "moral issue: democracy versus committee rule" [14] and his write-in campaign was repeatedly assisted by every newspaper in the state, except for those in Anderson. For instance, The News and Courier devoted its front page on November 2 to show voters a sample ballot and it also provided detailed instructions on how to cast a write-in vote. Not only that, but the newspaper also printed an editorial on the front page giving precise reasons why voters should vote for Thurmond instead of Brown.

On the other hand, Brown was supported by the Democratic party regulars and he also gained the endorsement of Senator Olin D. Johnston. Brown based his campaign entirely on the issue of party loyalty, stressing that Thurmond was a Republican ally because he had voted for President Eisenhower in 1952.

Marcus A. Stone, a lumberman in Florence and Dillon, was a candidate in previous Democratic primaries for governor and senator. He did very little campaigning for the general election.

South Carolina U.S. Senate Election, 1954
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Write-in Strom Thurmond (Write-In) 143,444 63.13 +63.13
Democratic Edgar A. Brown 83,52536.76-59.64
Write-in Marcus Stone (Write-In)2400.11+0.11
No party Write-Ins 230.000.00
Majority59,91926.37-66.43
Turnout 227,232
Democratic hold

South Dakota

1954 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Flag of South Dakota (1909-1963).svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  Rep. Karl Mundt, Repub., of S.D., 2-21-40 LCCN2016877155 (cropped).jpg
Nominee Karl E. Mundt Kenneth Holum
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote135,071100,674
Percentage57.30%42.70%

1954 United States Senate Election in South Dakota Results Map by County.svg
County results
Mundt:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Holum:     50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Karl E. Mundt
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Karl E. Mundt
Republican

South Dakota election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Karl Mundt (Incumbent) 135,071 57.30
Democratic Kenneth Holum100,67442.70
Majority34,39714.60
Turnout 235,745
Republican hold

Tennessee

Tennessee election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Estes Kefauver (Incumbent) 249,121 69.96
Republican Thomas P. Wall Jr.106,97130.04
NoneWrite-Ins20.00
Majority142,15039.92
Turnout 356,094
Democratic hold

Texas

Texas election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Lyndon Johnson (Incumbent) 538,417 84.59
Republican Carlos Watson95,03314.93
Constitution Fred T. Spangler3,0250.48
Majority443,38469.66
Turnout 636,475
Democratic hold

Virginia

1954 United States Senate election in Virginia
Flag of Virginia.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  Absalom Robertson.png No image.svg No image.svg
Nominee Absalom Willis Robertson Charles W. Lewis, Jr.Clarke T. Robb
Party Democratic Independent Democrat Independent
Popular vote244,84432,68128,922
Percentage79.88%10.66%9.44%

1954 United States Senate election in Virginia results map by county.svg
County and independent city results
Robertson:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Lewis:     40-50%

U.S. senator before election

Absalom Willis Robertson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Absalom Willis Robertson
Democratic

In Virginia, Democratic incumbent Senator A. Willis Robertson defeated Independent Democrat Charles Lewis and Social Democrat Clarke Robb and was re-elected to a third term in office.

Virginia election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic A. Willis Robertson (Incumbent) 244,844 79.88 +14.14%
Independent Democratic Charles W. Lewis Jr.32,68110.66+10.66%
Social Democratic Clarke T. Robb28,9229.44+9.02%
Write-ins630.02+0.02%
Majority212,16369.22+34.18%
Turnout 306,510
Democratic hold Swing

West Virginia

1954 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Flag of West Virginia.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1958 (special)  
  Matthewneely.jpg No image.svg
Nominee Matthew M. Neely Thomas Sweeney
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote325,263268,066
Percentage54.82%45.18%

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

U.S. senator before election

Matthew M. Neely
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Matthew M. Neely
Democratic

West Virginia election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Matthew M. Neely (Incumbent) 325,263 54.82
Republican Thomas Sweeney 268,06645.18
Majority57,1979.64
Turnout 593,329
Democratic hold

Wyoming

Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney JosephCOMahoney.jpg
Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney

There were two elections the same day to the same seat, due to the June 19, 1954, death of Democrat Lester C. Hunt. Both elections were won by Democratic former senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney.

Wyoming (special)

Republican Edward D. Crippa was appointed June 24, 1954, to continue the term, pending a November 2 special election.

Wyoming special election, November 2, 1954 [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Joseph C. O'Mahoney 57,163 51.56
Republican William Henry Harrison III 53,70548.44
Majority3,4583.12
Turnout 110,868
Democratic gain from Republican

Wyoming (regular)

1954 United States Senate elections in Wyoming
Flag of Wyoming.svg
  1948 November 2, 1954 1960  
  Sen. Joseph O'Mahoney, LCCN2016876768 (cropped).jpg William H. Harrison (Wyoming Congressman).jpg
Nominee Joseph C. O'Mahoney William Henry Harrison III
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote57,84554,407
Percentage51.53%48.47%

1954 United States Senate election in Wyoming results map by county.svg
County results
O'Mahoney:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Harrison:      50–60%     60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Edward D. Crippa
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Joseph C. O'Mahoney
Democratic

Wyoming general election [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic Joseph C. O'Mahoney 57,845 51.53
Republican William Henry Harrison III 54,40748.47
Majority3,4383.06
Turnout 112,252
Democratic gain from Republican

O'Mahoney would serve out the remainder of Hunt's term followed by this one term and then retire after 1960.

See also

Notes

  1. Maine held its election in September
  2. Independent Wayne Morse caucused with the Democrats.
  3. 1 2 Appointee elected
  4. 1 2 Appointee defeated
  5. Oregon was the "tipping-point state".

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The 1966 United States Senate elections were elections on November 8, 1966, for the United States Senate which occurred midway through the second term of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The 33 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections. Special elections were also held to fill vacancies. With divisions in the Democratic base over the Vietnam War, and with the traditional mid-term advantage of the party not holding the presidency, the Republicans took three Democratic seats, thereby breaking Democrats' 2/3rds supermajority. Despite Republican gains, the balance remained overwhelmingly in favor of the Democrats, who retained a 64–36 majority. Democrats were further reduced to 63–37, following the death of Robert F. Kennedy in June 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1964 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1964 United States Senate elections were held on November 3. The 33 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections. Special elections were also held to fill vacancies. They coincided with the election of President Lyndon B. Johnson by an overwhelming majority, to a full term. His Democratic Party picked up a net two seats from the Republicans. As of 2023, this was the last time either party has had a two-thirds majority in the Senate, which allowed the Senate Democrats to override a veto, propose constitutional amendments, or convict and expel certain officials without any votes from Senate Republicans. However, internal divisions would have prevented the Democrats from having done so. The Senate election cycle coincided with Democratic gains in the House in the same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1962 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1962 United States Senate elections was an election for the United States Senate. Held on November 6, the 34 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections. Special elections were also held to fill vacancies. They occurred in the middle of President John F. Kennedy's term. His Democratic Party made a net gain of four seats from the Republicans, increasing their control of the Senate to 68–32. However, this was reduced to 67–33 between the election and the next Congress, as on November 18, 1962, Democrat Dennis Chávez, who was not up for election that year, died. He was replaced on November 30, 1962, by Republican appointee Edwin L. Mechem. Additionally, Democrat Strom Thurmond became a Republican in 1964, further reducing Democrats to 66–34. This was the first time since 1932 that Democrats gained seats in this class of Senators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1958 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1958 United States Senate elections were elections for the United States Senate which occurred in the middle of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's second term. Thirty-two seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections, the new state of Alaska held its first Senate elections for its Class 2 and 3 seats, and two special elections were held to fill vacancies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1956 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1956 United States Senate elections were elections for the United States Senate that coincided with the re-election of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and three special elections were held to fill vacancies. Although Democrats gained two seats in regular elections, the Republicans gained two seats in special elections, leaving the party balance of the chamber unchanged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1952 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1952 United States Senate elections was an election for the United States Senate which coincided with the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower to the presidency by a large margin. The 32 Senate seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections, and three special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans took control of the Senate by managing to make a net gain of two seats. However, Wayne Morse (R-OR) became an independent forcing Republicans to rely on Vice President Richard Nixon's tie-breaking vote, although Republicans maintained a 48–47–1 plurality. Throughout the next Congress, Republicans were able to restore their 49–46–1 majority. This was the third time, as well as second consecutive, in which a sitting Senate leader lost his seat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1946 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1946 United States Senate elections were held November 5, 1946, in the middle of Democratic President Harry S. Truman's first term after Roosevelt's passing. The 32 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections, and four special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans took control of the Senate by picking up twelve seats, mostly from the Democrats. This was the first time since 1932 that the Republicans had held the Senate, recovering from a low of 16 seats following the 1936 Senate elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1938 United States Senate elections</span>

The 1938 United States Senate elections occurred in the middle of Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans gained eight seats from the Democrats, though this occurred after multiple Democratic gains since the 1932 election, leading to the Democrats retaining a commanding lead over the Republicans with more than two-thirds of the legislative chamber.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1932 United States Senate elections</span> Clickable imagemap for the 1932 US Senate elections

The 1932 United States Senate elections coincided with Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt's landslide victory over incumbent Herbert Hoover in the presidential election. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and special elections were held to fill vacancies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1930 United States Senate elections</span> Clickable imagemap for the 1930 US Senate elections

The 1930 United States Senate elections occurred in the middle of Republican President Herbert Hoover's term. The 32 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections, and special elections were held to fill vacancies. With the Great Depression beginning to take hold, Republican incumbents became unpopular, and Democrats picked up a net of eight seats, erasing the Republican gains from the previous election cycle, however, Republicans retained control of the chamber. This was the first of four consecutive Senate elections during the Depression in which Democrats made enormous gains, achieving a cumulative pick-up of 34 seats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1954 United States Senate election in South Carolina</span> Election

The 1954 South Carolina United States Senate election was held on November 2, 1954 to select the next U.S. senator from the state of South Carolina. Senator Burnet R. Maybank did not face a primary challenge in the summer and was therefore renominated as the Democratic Party's nominee for the election in the fall. However, his death on September 1 left the Democratic Party without a nominee and the executive committee decided to nominate state Senator Edgar A. Brown as their candidate for the election. Many South Carolinians were outraged by the party's decision to forgo a primary election and former Governor Strom Thurmond entered the race as a write-in candidate. He easily won the election and became the first U.S. senator to be elected by a write-in vote in an election where other candidates had ballot access. A Senate election where the victor won by a write-in campaign would not happen again until 2010.

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 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (October 15, 1955). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1954" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 2, 4, 20–21, 28–29, 30–31, 43.
  2. 1 2 "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  3. "SENATORS OF THE UNITED STATES, 1789-present, A chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789" (PDF). United States Senate. p. 63. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  4. Beal, Merrill (March 1959). "The 1954 Election in Idaho". The Western Political Quarterly. 12 (1): 309–312 via JSTOR.
  5. Thelma Ingersoll at ourcampaigns.com
  6. "Our Campaigns - MA US Senate Race - Nov 08, 1960". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  7. 1 2 "Report of the Official Canvass of the Vote Cast at the Primary Election Held in the State of Montana, July 20, 1954" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  8. "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - Special D Primary Race - May 29, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  9. "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - Special Election Race - Nov 02, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  10. "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - D Primary Race - May 29, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  11. "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate Race - Nov 02, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  12. "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - Special Election Race - Nov 02, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  13. Wilgoren, Debbi (November 3, 2010). "Murkowski appears to make history in Alaska". The Washington Post . Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  14. Lander, Ernest: A History of South Carolina 1865-1960, page 183. University of South Carolina Press, 1970.

Sources