1983 United States Senate special election in Washington

1983 United States Senate special election in Washington

←  1982 November 8, 1983 1988  →

Nominee Daniel J. Evans Mike Lowry Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 672,326 540,981 Percentage 55.41% 44.59%

County results Evans:     50–60%     60–70% Lowry:     50–60%

U.S. senator before election Daniel J. Evans Republican Elected U.S. Senator Daniel J. Evans Republican

The 1983 United States Senate special election in Washington was a special election held to fill the seat which had been held by longtime Senator Henry Jackson, who unexpectedly died on September 1. ^[1] Three-term former Governor Dan Evans was appointed by Governor John Spellman on September 8, ^{[2] [3]} and he won the special election over congressman Mike Lowry on November 8. ^[4] Jackson had won a sixth term the previous year, so more than five years remained in the term.

The legislature ordered a primary election on October 11; ^[5] it featured 33 candidates (19 Democrats, 13 Republicans, and one Socialist Labor), ^{[6] [7]} setting the modern record for number of candidates in a Washington U.S. Senate election. ^[8]

As of 2025, this was the last time King County voted for a Republican U.S. Senate candidate. This was the first time since 1923 that Republicans held both Senate seats in the state.

Blanket primary

Candidates

Democratic

• Mike Lowry, U.S. Representative from the 7th congressional district
• Charles Royer, Mayor of Seattle
• James R.F. Curdy
• Mike Olmer

Republican

• Daniel J. Evans, incumbent U.S. Senator
• Lloyd E. Cooney, former KIRO-TV commentator
• Larry Penberthy

Results

Blanket primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Daniel J. Evans (incumbent)	250,046	36.68%
	Democratic	Mike Lowry	179,509	26.33%
	Republican	Lloyd E. Cooney	133,799	19.63%
	Democratic	Charles Royer	103,304	15.15%
	Republican	Larry Penberthy	1,642	0.24%
	Democratic	James R.F. Curdy	1,206	0.18%
	Democratic	Mike Olmer	1,032	0.15%
Total votes			670,538	100.00%

General election

Candidates

• Daniel J. Evans (R), incumbent U.S. Senator
• Mike Lowry (D), U.S. Representative from the 7th congressional district

Results

1983 Washington United States Senate special election ^[9]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Daniel J. Evans (incumbent)	672,326	55.41
	Democratic	Mike Lowry	540,981	44.59
Total votes			1,213,307	100.00%
	Republican hold

See also

• 1982 United States Senate elections
• 1988 United States Senate elections

References

1. "Sen. Henry Jackson is dead". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. September 2, 1983. p. 1.
2. "Daniel Evans will succeed Sen. Jackson". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. September 9, 1983. p. 1.
3. Balz, Dan (September 9, 1983). "Spellman picks Evans to fill Senate vacancy". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. (Washington Post). p. 1A.
4. Moody, Dick (November 9, 1983). "Evans sweeps to Senate victory". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. p. A1.
5. White, John (September 12, 1983). "Senate candidates gear up for primary race". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. p. 6.
6. "Today's vote will narrow Senate field". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. staff and wire reports. October 11, 1983. p. 1.
7. Moody, Dick (October 12, 1983). "The winners: Evans Lowry". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. p. 1.
8. Camden, Jim (May 19, 2018). "U.S. Senate primary: Cantwell and 29 challengers". The Spokesman-Review . Retrieved July 23, 2018.
9. "Election Search Results - Elections & Voting - WA Secretary of State".