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1978 United States Senate elections

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1978 United States Senate elections

← 1976 November 7, 1978 1980 →

35 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate
51 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Robert Byrd Howard Baker
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since January 3, 1977 January 3, 1977
Leader's seat West Virginia Tennessee
Seats before 61 38
Seats after 58 41
Seat change Decrease 3 Increase 3
Popular vote 15,302,929[1] 14,794,225[1]
Percentage 49.9% 48.2%
Seats up 18 17
Races won 15 20

  Third party
 
Party Independent
Seats before 1
Seats after 1[a]
Seat change Steady
Seats up 0
Races won 0

1978 United States Senate special election in Minnesota1978 United States Senate special election in Alabama1978 United States Senate election in Alabama1978 United States Senate election in Alaska1978 United States Senate election in Arkansas1978 United States Senate election in Colorado1978 United States Senate election in Delaware1978 United States Senate election in Georgia1978 United States Senate election in Idaho1978 United States Senate election in Illinois1978 United States Senate election in Iowa1978 United States Senate election in Kansas1978 United States Senate election in Kentucky1978 United States Senate election in Louisiana1978 United States Senate election in Maine1978 United States Senate election in Massachusetts1978 United States Senate election in Michigan1978 United States Senate election in Minnesota1978 United States Senate election in Mississippi1978 United States Senate election in Montana1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska1978 United States Senate election in New Hampshire1978 United States Senate election in New Jersey1978 United States Senate election in New Mexico1978 United States Senate election in North Carolina1978 United States Senate election in Oklahoma1978 United States Senate election in Oregon1978 United States Senate election in Rhode Island1978 United States Senate election in South Carolina1978 United States Senate election in South Dakota1978 United States Senate election in Tennessee1978 United States Senate election in Texas1978 United States Senate election in Virginia1978 United States Senate election in West Virginia1978 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Republican gain
     Democratic hold      Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset (Ala. & Minn.): both seats up for election

Majority Leader before election

Robert Byrd
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Robert Byrd
Democratic

The 1978 United States Senate elections were held on November 7, in the middle of Democratic President Jimmy Carter's term. The 33 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections. Special elections were also held to fill vacancies.

Thirteen seats changed hands between parties, resulting in a net gain of three seats for the Republicans allowing them to break the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority. Democrats nevertheless retained a 58–41 majority.

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Transcription

Results summary

58 1 41
Democratic I Republican
Parties Total
Democratic Republican Independent Other
Last elections (1976)
Before these elections
61 38 1 0 100
Not up 43 21 1 0 65
Up 18 17 0 35
Class 2 (1972→1978) 16 17 33
Special: Class 1 1 1
Special: Class 3 1 1
Incumbent retired 5[b] 5 10
Held by same party 2 3 5
Replaced by other party Decrease2 Republicans replaced by Increase2 Democrats
Decrease3 Democrats replaced by Increase3 Republicans
5
Result 4 6 10
Incumbent ran 13[b][c][d] 12[e] 25
Won re-election 6 9 15
Lost re-election Decrease2 Republicans replaced by Increase2 Democrats
Decrease5 Democrats replaced by Increase5 Republicans
7
Lost renomination,
but held by same party
2 0 2
Lost renomination,
and party lost
Decrease1 Republican replaced by Increase1 Democrat 1
Result 11 14 0 0 25
Total elected 15 20 0 0 35
Net gain/loss Decrease3 Increase3 Steady Steady 3
Nationwide vote 15,302,929 14,794,225 299,624 278,078 30,674,856
Share 49.89% 48.23% 0.98% 0.91% 100%
Result 58 41 1 0 100

Source: Clerk of the United States House of Representatives[1]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

Five Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election. One Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to a full term.

State Senator Replaced by
Alabama (regular) John Sparkman Howell Heflin
Arkansas Kaneaster Hodges Jr. David Pryor
Kansas James B. Pearson Nancy Kassebaum
Minnesota (special) Muriel Humphrey David Durenberger
Mississippi James Eastland Thad Cochran
Nebraska Carl Curtis J. James Exon
Oklahoma Dewey F. Bartlett David Boren
South Dakota James Abourezk Larry Pressler
Virginia William L. Scott John Warner
Wyoming Clifford Hansen Alan Simpson

Defeats

Three Republicans and four Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election. One Democrat sought election to a full term but lost in the general election, one Democrat sought election to a full term but lost in the primary and one Democrat sought election to finish the unexpired term but lost in the primary.

State Senator Replaced by
Alabama (special) Maryon Pittman Allen Donald Stewart
Colorado Floyd Haskell William L. Armstrong
Iowa Dick Clark Roger Jepsen
Maine William Hathaway William Cohen
Massachusetts Edward Brooke Paul Tsongas
Michigan Robert P. Griffin Carl Levin
Minnesota (regular) Wendell R. Anderson Rudy Boschwitz
Montana Paul G. Hatfield Max Baucus
New Hampshire Thomas J. McIntyre Gordon J. Humphrey
New Jersey Clifford P. Case Bill Bradley

Post-election changes

One Democrat resigned on May 7, 1980, and was later replaced by Democratic appointee.

State Senator Replaced by
Maine
(Class 1)
Edmund Muskie George J. Mitchell

Change in composition

Before the elections

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10
D20 D19 D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11
D21 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 D27 D28 D29 D30
D40 D39 D38 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31
D41 D42 D43 D44
Ala. (reg)
Ran
D45
Ala. (sp)
Ran
D46
Ark.
Retired
D47
Colo.
Ran
D48
Del.
Ran
D49
Ga.
Ran
D50
Iowa
Ran
Majority → D51
Ky.
Ran
D60
S.D.
Retired
D59
R.I.
Ran
D58
N.H.
Ran
D57
Mont.
Ran
D56
Miss.
Retired
D55
Minn. (sp)
Retired
D54
Minn. (reg)
Ran
D53
Maine
Ran
D52
La.
Ran
D61
W.Va.
Ran
I1 R38
Wyo.
Retired
R37
Va.
Retired
R36
Texas
Ran
R35
Tenn.
Ran
R34
S.C.
Ran
R33
Ore.
Ran
R32
Okla.
Retired
R31
N.C.
Ran
R21 R22
Alaska
Ran
R23
Idaho
Ran
R24
Ill.
Ran
R25
Kan.
Retired
R26
Mass.
Ran
R27
Mich.
Ran
R28
Neb.
Retired
R29
N.J.
Ran
R30
N.M.
Ran
R20 R19 R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10

After the elections

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10
D20 D19 D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11
D21 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 D27 D28 D29 D30
D40 D39 D38 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31
D41 D42 D43 D44
Ala. (reg)
Re-elected
D45
Ala. (sp)
Hold
D46
Ark.
Hold
D47
Del.
Re-elected
D48
Ga.
Re-elected
D49
Ky.
Re-elected
D50
La.
Re-elected
Majority → D51
Mont.
Hold
R41
S.D.
Gain
I1 D58
Okla.
Gain
D57
N.J.
Gain
D56
Neb.
Gain
D55
Mich.
Gain
D54
Mass.
Gain
D53
W.Va.
Re-elected
D52
R.I.
Re-elected
R40
N.H.
Gain
R39
Miss.
Gain
R38
Minn. (sp)
Gain
R37
Minn. (reg)
Gain[f]
R36
Maine
Gain
R35
Iowa
Gain
R34
Colo.
Gain
R33
Wyo.
Hold
R32
Va.
Hold
R31
Texas
Re-elected
R21 R22
Alaska
Re-elected
R23
Idaho
Re-elected
R24
Ill.
Re-elected
R25
Kan.
Hold
R26
N.M.
Re-elected
R27
N.C.
Re-elected
R28
Ore.
Re-elected
R29
S.C.
Re-elected
R30
Tenn.
Re-elected
R20 R19 R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10
Key
D# Democratic
R# Republican
I# Independent

Race summary

Special elections during the 95th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1978 or before January 3, 1979; ordered by election date, then state.

State
(linked to
summaries below)
Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Alabama
(Class 3)
Maryon Pittman Allen Democratic 1978 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Minnesota
(Class 1)
Muriel Humphrey DFL 1978 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
  • Green tickY David Durenberger (Republican) 61.4%
  • Bob Short (DFL) 34.6%
  • Paul Helm (American) 2.9%
  • Christine Frank (Socialist) 0.7%
  • Frederick Hewitt (Libertarian) 0.3%

Elections leading to the next Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1979; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

State
(linked to
summaries below)
Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Alabama John Sparkman Democratic 1946 (special)
1948
1954
1960
1966
1972
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
  • Green tickY Howell Heflin (Democratic) 94.0%
  • Jerome B. Couch (Prohibition) 6.0%
Alaska Ted Stevens Republican 1968 (Appointed)
1970
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Ted Stevens (Republican) 75.6%
  • Donald W. Hobbs (Democratic) 24.1%
Arkansas Kaneaster Hodges Jr. Democratic 1977 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
  • Green tickY David Pryor (Democratic) 76.5%
  • Tom Kelly (Republican) 16.3%
  • John J. Black (Independent) 7.2%
Colorado Floyd Haskell Democratic 1972 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Others
  • Vedder V. Dorn (United States Party) 0.7%
  • John Shue (National Statesman) 0.3%
Delaware Joe Biden Democratic 1972 Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Joe Biden (Democratic) 58.0%
  • James H. Baxter (Republican) 41.0%
  • Donald G. Gies (American) 1.0%
Georgia Sam Nunn Democratic 1972 (special)
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Sam Nunn (Democratic) 83.1%
  • John W. Stokes (Republican) 16.9%
Idaho James A. McClure Republican 1972 Incumbent re-elected.
Illinois Charles H. Percy Republican 1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
Others
  • William R. Roy (Libertarian) 0.5%
  • Patricia Grogan (Socialist Workers) 0.5%
  • Gerald Rose (Socialist Labor) 0.2%
Iowa Dick Clark Democratic 1972 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Others
  • Gerald Leo Baker (Independent) 0.5%
  • Ben L. Olson (Libertarian) 0.4%
Kansas James B. Pearson Republican 1962 (Appointed)
1962 (special)
1966
1972
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 23, 1978 to give successor preferential seniority.
Successor appointed December 23, 1978 to finish the term.
Kentucky Walter Dee Huddleston Democratic 1972 Incumbent re-elected.
Louisiana J. Bennett Johnston Democratic 1972 (Appointed)
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
Maine William Hathaway Democratic 1972 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
  • Green tickY William Cohen (Republican) 56.6%
  • William Hathaway (Democratic) 33.9%
  • Hayes E. Gahagan (Independent) 7.4%
  • John J. Jannace (Independent) 1.5%
  • Plato Truman (Independent) 0.6%
Massachusetts Edward Brooke Republican 1966
1972
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Michigan Robert P. Griffin Republican 1966 (Appointed)
1966
1972
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Minnesota Wendell R. Anderson DFL 1976 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Incumbent resigned December 29, 1978 to give successor preferential seniority.
Successor appointed December 30, 1978 to finish the term.
Others
  • William Peterson (Socialist Workers) 0.6%
  • Brian Coyle (Public Interest Independent) 0.5%
  • Jean T. Brust (Workers) 0.2%
  • Leonard Richards (Libertarian) 0.2%
Mississippi James Eastland Democratic 1942
1948
1954
1960
1966
1972
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Incumbent resigned December 27, 1978 to give successor preferential seniority.
Successor appointed December 27, 1978 to finish the term.
Montana Paul G. Hatfield Democratic 1978 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent resigned December 12, 1978 to give successor preferential seniority.
Successor appointed December 15, 1978 to finish the term.
Nebraska Carl Curtis Republican 1954
1960
1966
1972
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
New Hampshire Thomas J. McIntyre Democratic 1962 (special)
1966
1972
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
New Jersey Clifford P. Case Republican 1954
1960
1966
1972
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Others
  • Herbert Harry Shaw (Independent) 0.2%
  • Bill Gahres (Independent) 0.2%
  • Jack Moyers (Independent) 0.2%
  • Robert Bowen (Labor) 0.2%
  • J.M. Carter Jr. (Independent) 0.2%
  • Jasper C. Gould (Independent) 0.2%
  • William R. Thorn (Independent) 0.1%
  • Paul Ferguson (Independent) 0.1%
  • Alice Conner (Independent) 0.1%
New Mexico Pete Domenici Republican 1972 Incumbent re-elected.
North Carolina Jesse Helms Republican 1972 Incumbent re-elected.
Oklahoma Dewey F. Bartlett Republican 1972 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Others
  • Glenn E. Hager (Independent) 0.5%
  • Riley Donica (Independent) 0.4%
  • Paul Edward Trent (Independent) 0.4%
  • Richard King Carter (Independent) 0.3%
Oregon Mark Hatfield Republican 1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
Rhode Island Claiborne Pell Democratic 1960
1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Claiborne Pell (Democratic) 75.1%
  • James G. Reynolds (Republican) 24.9%
South Carolina Strom Thurmond Republican 1954 (write-in)[g]
1954 (Appointed)
1956 (Resigned)
1956 (special)
1960
1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
South Dakota James Abourezk Democratic 1972 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Tennessee Howard Baker Republican 1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
Texas John Tower Republican 1961 (special)
1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY John Tower (Republican) 49.8%
  • Bob Krueger (Democratic) 49.3%
  • Luis A. Diaz de Leon (Raza Unida) 0.8%
  • Miguel Pendas (Socialist Workers) 0.2%
Virginia William L. Scott Republican 1972 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned January 1, 1979 to give successor preferential seniority.
Successor appointed January 2, 1979 to finish the term.
West Virginia Jennings Randolph Democratic 1958 (special)
1960
1966
1972
Incumbent re-elected.
Wyoming Clifford Hansen Republican 1966
1972
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 31, 1978 to give successor preferential seniority.
Successor appointed January 1, 1979 to finish the term.
  • Green tickY Alan Simpson (Republican) 62.2%
  • Raymond B. Whitaker (Democratic) 37.8%

Closest races

Nine races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State Party of winner Margin
Virginia Republican 0.38%
Texas Republican 0.53%
West Virginia Democratic 0.96%
New Hampshire Republican (flip) 2.20%
Iowa Republican (flip) 3.21%
Michigan Democratic (flip) 4.29%
New Mexico Republican 6.82%
Illinois Republican 7.87%
North Carolina Republican 9.02%

Oklahoma was the tipping point state with a margin of 32.6%.

Alabama

There were two elections in Alabama, due to the death of senator Jim Allen.

Alabama (regular)

Alabama general election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Howell Heflin Jerome B. Couch
Party Democratic Prohibition
Popular vote 547,054 34,951
Percentage 94% 6%

County results
Heflin:      80–90%      >90%

U.S. senator before election

John Sparkman
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Howell Heflin
Democratic

Democrat John Sparkman retired and was succeeded by Howell Heflin, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama. Heflin, the Democratic candidate, faced no Republican opponent in the general election, defeating Prohibition Party nominee Jerome B. Couch.

General election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Howell Heflin 547,054 93.99%
Prohibition Jerome B. Couch 34,951 6.01%
Majority 512,103 87.98%
Turnout 582,005
Democratic hold

Alabama (special)

Alabama special election

← 1974
1980 →
 
Nominee Donald W. Stewart James D. Martin
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 401,852 316,170
Percentage 55.1% 43.3%

County results
Stewart:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Martin:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Maryon Pittman Allen
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Donald W. Stewart
Democratic

Following the death of senator Jim Allen, his widow Maryon was appointed by governor George Wallace to fill the vacancy until a special election could be held. In this election, Democratic state senator Donald W. Stewart defeated former Republican Congressman James D. Martin to serve the remaining two years of the term.

General election[2][3][4][5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Donald W. Stewart 401,852 54.93%
Republican James D. Martin 316,170 43.22%
Libertarian Michael R. A. Erdey 6,006 0.82%
Prohibition A. J. Killingsworth 5,814 0.80%
Peace and Freedom Joseph T. Robino 1,768 0.24%
Majority 85,682 11.74%
Turnout 731,610
Democratic hold

Alaska

Alaska election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Ted Stevens Donald Hobbs
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 92,783 29,574
Percentage 75.59% 24.10%

Results by state house district
Stevens:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Ted Stevens
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Ted Stevens
Republican

Republican Ted Stevens won reelection to a second full (his third total) term, defeating Democrat Donald Hobbs.

1978 United States Senate election in Alaska[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Ted Stevens (Incumbent) 92,783 75.59%
Democratic Donald Hobbs 29,574 24.09%
Write-ins Write-ins 384 0.31%
Majority 63,209 51.50%
Turnout 122,741
Republican hold Swing

Arkansas

Arkansas election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee David Pryor Thomas Kelly Jr. John G. Black
Party Democratic Republican Independent
Popular vote 399,916 84,722 37,488
Percentage 76.58% 16.22% 7.18%

County results
Pryor:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Kaneaster Hodges Jr.
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

David H. Pryor
Democratic

Following the death of senator John L. McClellan, then Kaneaster Hodges Jr. was appointed by governor David Pryor to fill the vacancy until a special election could be held. In this election, Democratic state governor David Pryor defeated former Republican challenger Thomas Kelly Jr. to serve the six-year term.

1978 United States Senate election in Arkansas[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic David Pryor 395,506 76.48%
Republican Tom Kelly 84,308 16.30%
Independent John G. Black 37,211 7.20%
None Write-ins 113 0.02%
Majority 311,198 60.18%
Turnout 517,138
Democratic hold

Colorado

Colorado election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee William L. Armstrong Floyd Haskell
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 480,801 330,148
Percentage 58.69% 40.30%

County results
Armstrong:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Haskell:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Floyd Haskell
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

William L. Armstrong
Republican

Democrat Floyd Haskell decided to run for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by William L. Armstrong, the Republican nominee and the U.S. Representative.

1978 United States Senate election in Colorado[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William L. Armstrong 480,801 58.69%
Democratic Floyd Haskell (Incumbent) 330,148 40.30%
United States Party Vedder V. Dorn 5,789 0.71%
National Statesman John Shue 2,518 0.31%
Majority 150,653 18.39%
Turnout 819,256
Republican gain from Democratic

Delaware

Delaware election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Joe Biden James H. Baxter Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 93,930 66,479
Percentage 57.96% 41.02%

County results
Biden:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Joe Biden
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Joe Biden
Democratic

Democratic United States senator Joe Biden won re-election to a second term, defeating Republican challenger James H. Baxter Jr., the Delaware Secretary of Agriculture.[6]

General election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Joe Biden (Incumbent) 93,930 57.96% +7.48%
Republican James H. Baxter Jr. 66,479 41.02% -8.08%
American Donald G. Gies 1,663 1.02% +0.68%
Majority 27,451 16.94% +15.56%
Turnout 162,072
Democratic hold Swing

Georgia

Georgia election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Sam Nunn John W. Stokes
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 536,320 108,808
Percentage 83.1% 16.9%

County results
Nunn:      50–60%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

U.S. senator before election

Sam Nunn
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Sam Nunn
Democratic

Democrat Sam Nunn won re-election to a second term.[7]

General election[8]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Sam Nunn (incumbent) 536,320 83.13% +29.17%
Republican John W. Stokes 108,808 16.87% -29.14%
Majority 427,512 66.27% +58.32%
Turnout 645,128
Democratic hold Swing

Idaho

Idaho election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee James A. McClure Dwight Jensen
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 194,412 89,635
Percentage 68.44% 31.56%

County results
McClure:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

James A. McClure
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

James A. McClure
Republican

Republican James A. McClure was elected to a second term in office.

1978 United States Senate election in Idaho[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican James A. McClure (Incumbent) 194,412 68.44%
Democratic Dwight Jensen 89,635 31.56%
Majority 104,777 36.88%
Turnout 284,047
Republican hold Swing

Illinois

Illinois election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Charles Percy Alex Seith
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,698,711 1,448,187
Percentage 53.34% 45.47%

County results
Percy:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Seith:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Charles H. Percy
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles H. Percy
Republican

Republican Charles H. Percy ran for re-election to a third term in the United States Senate. Percy was opposed by Democratic nominee Alex Seith (D), attorney and former member of the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals. Though Percy had been expected to coast to re-election over Seith, a first-time candidate, the election quickly became competitive. In the last few days of the campaign, a desperate Percy ran a television advertisement that featured him apologizing and acknowledging that, "I got your message and you're right."[9] Percy's last-ditch effort appeared to have paid off, as he was able to edge out Seith to win what would end up being his third and final term in the Senate.

1978 United States Senate election in Illinois[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Charles H. Percy (Incumbent) 1,698,711 53.34% -8.88%
Democratic Alex Seith 1,448,187 45.47% +8.13%
Libertarian Bruce Lee Green 16,320 0.51%
Socialist Workers Patricia Grogan 15,922 0.50%
Socialist Labor Gerald Rose 5,465 0.18%
Write-ins 159 0.00%
Majority 250,524 7.87% -17.00%
Turnout 3,184,764
Republican hold Swing

Iowa

Iowa election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Roger Jepsen Dick Clark
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 421,598 395,066
Percentage 51.12% 47.91%

County results
Jepsen:      40–50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Clark:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Dick Clark
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Roger Jepsen
Republican

Democrat Dick Clark decided to run for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Roger Jepsen, the Republican nominee and former Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.

1978 United States Senate election in Iowa[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Roger Jepsen 421,598 51.13%
Democratic Dick Clark (Incumbent) 395,066 47.91%
Independent Gerald Leo Baker 4,223 0.51%
Libertarian Ben L. Olson 3,689 0.45%
Majority 26,532 3.22%
Turnout 824,576
Republican gain from Democratic

Kansas

Kansas election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Nancy Kassebaum Bill Roy
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 403,354 317,602
Percentage 53.86% 42.41%

County results
Kassebaum:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Roy:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

James B. Pearson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Nancy Kassebaum
Republican

Republican James B. Pearson retired and was succeeded by Nancy Kassebaum, the daughter of Alf Landon, defeating Democratic nominee William R. Roy, the former U.S. Representative. Roy also lost to Bob Dole in the 1974 election for Kansas' other Senate seat.

1978 United States Senate election in Kansas[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Nancy Kassebaum 403,354 53.86%
Democratic William R. Roy 317,602 42.41%
Conservative James R. Maher 22,497 3.00%
Prohibition Russell Mikels 5,386 0.72%
Majority 85,752 11.45%
Turnout 748,839
Republican hold

Kentucky

Kentucky election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Walter Huddleston Louie R. Guenthner Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 290,730 175,766
Percentage 60.98% 36.87%

County results
Huddleston:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Guenthner:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Walter Huddleston
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Walter Huddleston
Democratic

Democrat Walter Huddleston was re-elected to a second term.

General election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Walter Huddleston (Incumbent) 290,730 60.98%
Republican Louie R. Guenthner Jr. 175,766 36.86%
American Anthony Albert McCord 10,244 2.15%
None Write-Ins 32 0.01%
Majority 114,964 24.12
Turnout 476,783
Democratic hold

Louisiana

Louisiana election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee J. Bennett Johnston
Party Democratic

U.S. senator before election

J. Bennett Johnston
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

J. Bennett Johnston
Democratic

Democrat J. Bennett Johnston won re-election to unopposed and his second term.

1978 United States Senate election in Louisiana[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Bennett Johnston (Incumbent) Unopposed
Democratic hold

Maine

Maine election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee William Cohen William Hathaway
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 212,294 127,327
Percentage 56.59% 33.94%

 
Nominee Hayes Gahagan
Party Independent
Popular vote 27,824
Percentage 7.42%

County results
Cohen:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

William Hathaway
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

William Cohen
Republican

Democrat William Hathaway decided to run for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by William Cohen, the Republican nominee and the United States Congressman from Maine's 2nd congressional district and Hayes Gahagan, former Maine State Senator

1978 United States Senate election in Maine[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican William Cohen 212,294 56.59% +9.83%
Democratic William Hathaway (Incumbent) 127,327 33.94% -19.29%
Independent Hayes E. Gahagan 27,824 7.42%
Independent John J. Jannace 5,553 1.48%
Independent Plato Truman 2,116 0.56%
Majority 84,967 22.65% +16.19%
Turnout 375,114
Republican gain from Democratic Swing

Massachusetts

Massachusetts election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Paul Tsongas Edward Brooke
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,093,283 890,584
Percentage 55.06% 44.85%


U.S. senator before election

Edward Brooke
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Paul Tsongas
Democratic

Republican Edward Brooke was defeated by Democratic Congressman Paul E. Tsongas.

Republican primary[10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Edward Brooke (Incumbent) 146,351 53.25%
Republican Avi Nelson 128,388 46.72%
All others 78 0.03%
Democratic primary[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Paul Tsongas 296,915 35.55%
Democratic Paul Guzzi 258,960 31.01%
Democratic Kathleen Sullivan Alioto 161,036 19.28%
Democratic Howard Phillips 65,397 7.83%
Democratic Elaine Noble 52,464 6.28%
All others 379 0.05%
General election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Paul E. Tsongas 1,093,283 55.06%
Republican Edward Brooke (Incumbent) 890,584 44.85%
All others 1,833 0.09%
Total votes 1,985,700 68.01%
Majority 202,699 10.21%
Democratic gain from Republican

Michigan

Michigan election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Carl Levin Robert P. Griffin
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,484,193 1,362,165
Percentage 52.1% 47.9%

County results
Levin:      50–60%      60–70%
Griffin:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Robert P. Griffin
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Carl Levin
Democratic

Republican Robert P. Griffin ran for re-election to a third term, but was defeated by the Democratic candidate, and former Detroit City Council President Carl Levin.

General election[12]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Carl Levin 1,484,193 52.1% N/A
Republican Robert P. Griffin (Incumbent) 1,362,165 47.8% -4.29%
Independent Others 272 0.01% -52.13%
Majority 122,028 4.29%
Turnout 2,846,630
Democratic gain from Republican Swing

Minnesota

There were two elections in Minnesota, due to the death of Hubert Humphrey.

Minnesota (regular)

Minnesota general election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Rudy Boschwitz Wendell Anderson
Party Ind.-Republican Democratic (DFL)
Popular vote 894,092 638,375
Percentage 56.57% 40.39%

County results

Boschwitz:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Anderson:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Wendell Anderson
Democratic (DFL)

Elected U.S. Senator

Rudy Boschwitz
Ind.-Republican

Democrat Wendell Anderson was defeated by Republican challenger businessman Rudy Boschwitz.

In 1978, all three key statewide races in Minnesota were up for election—the Governorship, and both Senate Seats (the other Senate seat belonged to Hubert Humphrey, who died in 1978). But, there was a particular oddity to the three races—all three had incumbents who were never elected to the office in the first place. This became a well played issue by the Republicans—a billboard put up across the state read, "The DFL is going to face something scary -- an election".

When Walter Mondale resigned after being elected to the Vice Presidency in 1976, sitting Governor Wendell Anderson resigned in order to be appointed by his successor Rudy Perpich to the open seat. This act did not sit well with the electorate. Plywood magnate Rudy Boschwitz campaigned as a liberal Republican and spent freely of his own money, but all that seemed to really matter was that he was neither a DFLer or Wendell Anderson in an election cycle where both were rejected by the voters. The result was not even close—the challenger Boschwitz won in a 16-point landslide as all three statewide offices switched into Republican hands.

Democratic primary election[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Wendell Anderson (Incumbent) 286,209 56.9%
Democratic (DFL) John S. Connolly 159,974 31.8%
Democratic (DFL) Daryl W. Anderson 23,159 4.6%
Democratic (DFL) Lloyd M. Roberts 12,709 2.5%
Democratic (DFL) Dick Bullock 11,485 2.3%
Democratic (DFL) Emil L. Moses 9,580 1.9%
Republican primary election[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Ind.-Republican Rudy Boschwitz 185,393 86.8%
Ind.-Republican Harold Stassen 28,170 13.2%
General election[14]
Party Candidate Votes %
Ind.-Republican Rudy Boschwitz 894,092 56.57%
Democratic (DFL) Wendell Anderson (Incumbent) 638,375 40.39%
American Sal Carlone 23,261 1.47%
Socialist Workers William Peterson 9,856 0.62%
Independent Brian J. Coyle 8,083 0.51%
Workers League Jean T. Brust 3,891 0.25%
Libertarian Leonard J. Richards 2,992 0.19%
Others Write-ins 72 0.01%
Majority 255,717 16.18%
Turnout 1,580,622
Ind.-Republican gain from Democratic (DFL)

Minnesota (special)

Minnesota special election

← 1976
1982 →
 
Nominee David Durenberger Bob Short
Party Ind.-Republican Democratic (DFL)
Popular vote 957,908 538,675
Percentage 61.47% 34.57%

County results
Durenberger:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Short:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Muriel Humphrey
Democratic (DFL)

Elected U.S. senator

David Durenberger
Ind.-Republican

Incumbent Muriel Humphrey retired. Democratic candidate Bob Short was defeated by Republican candidate David Durenberger.

In 1978, all three key statewide races in Minnesota were up for election—the Governorship, and both Senate Seats (the other Senate seat belonged to Wendell Anderson, who, as Governor of Minnesota, appointed himself to fill the seat vacated by Walter Mondale, when Mondale ascended to the Vice Presidency in 1976). But, there was a particular oddity to the three races—all three had incumbents who were never elected to the office in the first place. This became a well played issue by the Republicans: a billboard put up across the state read, "The DFL is going to face something scary — an election".

When Hubert H. Humphrey died in office in January 1978, sitting Governor Rudy Perpich appointed Humphrey's widow, Muriel to sit until a special election could be held later that year. However, Muriel Humphrey opted not to seek election to the seat in her own right, and the DFL nominated former Texas Rangers owner Bob Short to run in the subsequent special election. The Independent-Republicans, on their part, nominated the liberal Republican David Durenberger, creating an unusual race in which the DFL candidate was positioned to the right of the Independent-Republican candidate. In addition to the general sense of dissatisfaction voters felt for the DFL, the DFL also had to contend with a large number of liberal members of the DFL, who were dissatisfied with Short's positions on hot button issues such as abortion, motorboat usage in the Boundary Waters Canoe area, and government spending, crossing party lines to vote for Durenberger. As a result, Durenberger won in a 26.9-percent landslide as the governorship and both U.S. Senate seats switched into Republican hands.

Democratic special primary election[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Bob Short 257,289 48.0%
Democratic (DFL) Donald M. Fraser 253,818 47.4%
Democratic (DFL) Sharon Anderson 16,094 3.0%
Democratic (DFL) Richard A. Palmer 8,425 1.6%
Republican special primary election[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Ind.-Republican David Durenberger 139,187 67.3%
Ind.-Republican Malcolm Moos 32,314 15.6%
Ind.-Republican Ken Nordstrom 14,635 7.1%
Ind.-Republican Will Lundquist 12,261 5.9%
Ind.-Republican Adell H. Campbell 8,523 4.1%
Special election[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Ind.-Republican David Durenberger 957,908 61.47%
Democratic (DFL) Bob Short 538,675 34.57%
American Paul Helm 45,402 2.91%
Socialist Workers Christine Frank 11,397 0.73%
Libertarian Frederick Hewitt 4,116 0.26%
Others Write-ins 878 0.06%
Majority 419,233 26.90%
Turnout 1,558,376
Ind.-Republican gain from Democratic (DFL)

Mississippi

Mississippi election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Thad Cochran Maurice Dantin
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 267,302 187,541
Percentage 45.3% 31.8%

 
Nominee Charles Evers
Party Independent
Popular vote 133,646
Percentage 22.6%

County results
Cochran:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Dantin:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Evers:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

James Eastland
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Thad Cochran
Republican

Democrat James Eastland retired. Republican Thad Cochran won the open seat over Democrat Maurice Dantin, former District Attorney[16] and Independent Charles Evers, Mayor of Fayette.

Evers was the first African American elected since the Reconstruction era to be mayor in any Mississippi city in 1969. He ran as an independent, and as a result his campaign divided the Democrats and allowed Cochran to win the senate seat with a 45 percent plurality.[17] This made him the first Republican in a century to win a statewide election in Mississippi for any office except US President.[18] Eastland resigned on December 27, 1978, to give Cochran a seniority advantage over new incoming senators.[19]

Mississippi U.S. Senate Election, 1978[20]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thad Cochran 267,302 45.3%
Democratic Maurice Dantin 187,541 31.8%
Independent Charles Evers 133,646 22.6%
Independent Henry Jay Kirksey 1,747 0.3%
Majority 79,761 13.52%
Turnout 590,236
Republican gain from Democratic

Montana

Montana election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Max Baucus Larry R. Williams
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 160,353 127,589
Percentage 55.69% 44.31%

County results
Baucus:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Williams:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Paul G. Hatfield
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Max Baucus
Democratic

Following the death of senator Lee Metcalf on January 12, 1978, Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul G. Hatfield was appointed to serve for the remainder of Metcalf's term. Hatfield opted to run for a full term in office, but was overwhelmingly defeated in the Democratic primary by Congressman Max Baucus of the 1st congressional district. Baucus advanced to the general election, where he was opposed by Larry R. Williams, an author and the Republican nominee. Baucus ended up defeating Williams by a solid margin to win his first term in the Senate, and, following Hatfield's resignation on December 12, 1978, he began serving his first term in the Senate.

Democratic Party primary[21]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Max Baucus 87,085 65.25%
Democratic Paul G. Hatfield (Incumbent) 25,789 19.32%
Democratic John Driscoll 18,184 13.62%
Democratic Steve Shugrue 2,404 1.80%
Total votes 133,462 100.00%
Republican Primary[21]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Larry R. Williams 35,479 61.66%
Republican Bill Osborne 16,436 28.57%
Republican Clancy Rich 5,622 9.77%
Total votes 57,537 100.00%
1978 United States Senate election in Montana[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Max Baucus 160,353 55.69% +3.74%
Republican Larry R. Williams 127,589 44.31% -3.74%
Majority 32,764 11.38% +7.48%
Turnout 287,942
Democratic hold Swing

Nebraska

Nebraska election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee J. James Exon Donald Eugene Shasteen
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 334,096 159,708
Percentage 67.7% 32.3%

County results
Exon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Shasteen:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Carl Curtis
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

J. James Exon
Democratic

Republican Carl Curtis retired instead of seeking a fifth term. In the elections, Democratic nominee J. James Exon won the open seat over Republican Donald Eugene Shasteen.

General election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic J. James Exon 334,096 67.66% +20.82%
Republican Donald Eugene Shasteen 159,708 32.34% -20.82%
Majority 174,390 35.32% +28.99%
Turnout 493,802
Democratic gain from Republican Swing

New Hampshire

New Hampshire election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Gordon J. Humphrey Thomas J. McIntyre
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 133,745 127,945
Percentage 50.71% 48.51%

County results

Humphrey:      50–60%      60–70%

McIntyre:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas J. McIntyre
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Gordon J. Humphrey
Republican

Incumbent Democrat Thomas J. McIntyre decided to run for re-election to a fourth term, but was defeated by Gordon J. Humphrey, the Republican nominee also a professional pilot and conservative activist.

1978 United States Senate election in New Hampshire[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Gordon J. Humphrey 133,745 50.71%
Democratic Thomas J. McIntyre (Incumbent) 127,945 48.51%
Libertarian Craig Franklin 2,070 0.78%
Majority 5,800 2.20%
Turnout 263,760
Republican gain from Democratic

New Jersey

New Jersey election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Bill Bradley Jeff Bell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,082,960 844,200
Percentage 55.32% 43.13%

County Results

Bradley:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Bell:      40-50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Clifford P. Case
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bill Bradley
Democratic

Republican Clifford P. Case narrowly lost renomination to anti-tax conservative Jeff Bell, but the Democratic nominee, former professional basketball player Bill Bradley, easily won the general election.

New Jersey Democratic primary[22]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bill Bradley 217,502 58.90%
Democratic Richard Leone 97,667 26.45%
Democratic Alexander J. Menza 32,386 8.77%
Democratic Kenneth C. McCarthy 9,524 2.58%
Democratic Wesley K. Bell 8,800 2.38%
Democratic Ray Rollinson 3,374 0.91%
Total votes 369,253 100.00%
Republican primary results[22]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jeff Bell 118,555 50.74%
Republican Clifford P. Case (incumbent) 115,082 49.26%
Total votes 233,637 100.00%
New Jersey general election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bill Bradley 1,082,960 55.32%
Republican Jeff Bell 844,200 43.13%
Independent Herbert H. Shaw 4,736 0.24%
Independent Bill Gahres 3,817 0.19%
Independent Jack Moyers 3,809 0.19%
U.S. Labor Robert Bowen 3,656 0.19%
Independent J. M. Carter Jr. 3,618 0.18%
Independent Jasper C. Gould 2,955 0.15%
Independent William R. Thorn 2,776 0.14%
Independent Paul Ferguson 2,604 0.13%
Independent Alice Conner 2,384 0.12%
Majority 238,760 12.19%
Turnout 1,957,515
Democratic gain from Republican

New Mexico

New Mexico election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Pete Domenici Toney Anaya
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 183,442 160,045
Percentage 53.4% 46.6%

County results
Domenici:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Anaya:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Pete Domenici
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Pete Domenici
Republican

Republican senator Pete Domenici successfully ran for re-election to a second term, defeating Democrat Toney Anaya, Attorney General of New Mexico.

General election[23][1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Pete Domenici (Incumbent) 183,442 53.41%
Democratic Toney Anaya 160,045 46.59%
Majority 23,397 6.81%
Total votes 343,487 100.00%
Republican hold

North Carolina

North Carolina election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Jesse Helms John Ingram
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 619,151 516,663
Percentage 54.5% 45.5%

County results

Helms:      50– 60%      60–70%      70–80%

Ingram:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Jesse Helms
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Jesse Helms
Republican

The general election was fought between the Republican Incumbent Jesse Helms and Democrat John Ingram. Helms won re-election, by a slightly wider margin than in 1972.

1978 North Carolina U.S. Senate Democratic primary election – First round[24]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Luther H. Hodges Jr. 260,868 40.08%
Democratic John Ingram 170,715 26.23%
Democratic Lawrence Davis 105,381 16.19%
Democratic McNeill Smith 82,703 12.71%
Democratic Dave McKnight 9,422 1.45%
Democratic William Griffin 8,907 1.37%
Democratic Tom Sawyer 8,482 1.30%
Turnout 650,942
1978 North Carolina U.S. Senate Democratic primary election – Second round[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic John Ingram 244,469 54.24% +28.01%
Democratic Luther H. Hodges Jr. 206,223 45.76% +5.68%
Turnout 450,692

Jesse Helms won the Republican Party's nomination unopposed.

1978 North Carolina U.S. Senate election[24]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jesse Helms (Incumbent) 619,151 54.51% +0.50%
Democratic John Ingram 516,663 45.49% -0.50%
Turnout 1,135,814

Oklahoma

Oklahoma election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee David Boren Robert B. Kamm
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 493,953 247,857
Percentage 65.49% 32.86%

County results
Boren:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Kamm:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Dewey F. Bartlett
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

David Boren
Democratic

Republican Dewey F. Bartlett retired instead of seeking a second term due to his declining health. In the elections, Democratic nominee David Boren won the open seat over Republican Robert B. Kamm.

1978 United States Senate election in Oklahoma[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic David Boren 493,953 65.49%
Republican Robert B. Kamm 247,857 32.86%
Independent Glenn E. Hager 3,875 0.51%
Independent Riley Donica 3,355 0.44%
Independent Paul Edward Trent 3,015 0.40%
Independent Richard King Carter 2,209 0.29%
Majority 246,096 32.63%
Turnout 754,264
Democratic gain from Republican

Bartlett died 2 months after leaving the U.S. Senate

Oregon

Oregon election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Mark Hatfield Vernon Cook
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 550,615 341,616
Percentage 61.66% 38.26%

County results
Hatfield:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Cook:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Mark Hatfield
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Mark Hatfield
Republican

Republican senator Mark Hatfield successfully ran for re-election to a third term, defeating Democrat Vernon Cook, State Legislator and candidate for U.S. Representative in 1970 and 1974.

1978 United States Senate election in Oregon[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mark Hatfield (Incumbent) 550,165 61.64%
Democratic Vernon Cook 341,616 38.28%
Independent Write-Ins 737 0.08%
Majority 208,549 23.36%
Turnout 892,518
Republican hold

Rhode Island

Rhode Island election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Claiborne Pell James G. Reynolds
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 229,557 76,061
Percentage 75.1% 24.9%

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

U.S. senator before election

Claiborne Pell
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Claiborne Pell
Democratic

Democrat Claiborne Pell successfully sought re-election, defeating Republican James G. Reynolds.

Democratic primary[25]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claiborne Pell (Incumbent) 69,729 87.01%
Democratic Raymond J. Greiner 6,076 7.58%
Democratic Francis P. Kelley 4,330 5.41%
Majority 63,653 79.43%
Total votes 80,135 100.00%
General election[26][1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claiborne Pell (Incumbent) 229,557 75.11%
Republican James G. Reynolds 76,061 24.89%
Majority 153,496 50.22%
Total votes 305,618 100.00%
Democratic hold

South Carolina

South Carolina election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Strom Thurmond Charles D. Ravenel
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 351,733 281,119
Percentage 55.6% 44.4%

County results
Thurmond:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Ravenel:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Strom Thurmond
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Strom Thurmond
Republican

Popular incumbent Republican Strom Thurmond defeated Democratic challenger Charles D. Ravenel.

The South Carolina Democratic Party held their primary for governor on June 13, 1978. Charles D. Ravenel, an unsuccessful candidate in the 1974 gubernatorial contest, originally planned to run for governor again in 1978, but was convinced by Vice President Walter Mondale in 1977 to run for senator. He garnered over 50% of the vote in the primary and avoided a runoff election.

South Carolina Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Charles D. Ravenel 205,348 55.9%
Democratic John Bolt Culbertson 69,184 18.9%
Democratic Tom Triplett 50,957 13.9%
Democratic Tom McElveen 41,550 11.3%

Senator Strom Thurmond faced no opposition from South Carolina Republicans and avoided a primary election.

Thurmond generally ignored Ravenel on the campaign and refused to debate him. When they did cross paths, Thurmond criticized Ravenel for never having held a political office. Ravenel did not help his cause by his actions in the 1974 gubernatorial race when he refused to endorse the Democratic nominee after he had been disqualified. This irritated many Democrats and they also accused him of being nothing more than a liberal New Yorker. Age was beginning to become an issue with Thurmond, so to combat perceptions of old age, Thurmond often appeared with his children on the campaign trail. While 1978 was generally a Democratic year, Thurmond was able to pull off a commanding victory over Ravenel.

South Carolina general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Strom Thurmond (Incumbent) 351,733 55.6% -7.9%
Democratic Charles D. Ravenel 281,119 44.4% +7.9%
No party Write-Ins 257 0.0% 0.0%
Majority 70,614 11.2% -15.8%
Turnout 633,109 57.7% -7.5%
Republican hold Swing

South Dakota

South Dakota election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Larry Pressler Don Barnett
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 170,832 84,767
Percentage 66.84% 33.16%

County results
Pressler:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80–90%
Barnett:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

James Abourezk
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Larry Pressler
Republican

Incumbent Democrat James Abourezk retired instead of seeking a second term. In the elections, Republican Congressman Larry Pressler won the open seat over Democratic former Mayor of Rapid City Don Barnett, thus becoming the first Vietnam veteran to serve in the Senate

1978 United States Senate election in South Dakota[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Larry Pressler 170,832 66.84%
Democratic Don Barnett 84,767 33.16%
Majority 86,065 33.68%
Turnout 255,599
Republican gain from Democratic

Tennessee

Tennessee election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Howard Baker Jane Eskind
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 642,644 466,228
Percentage 55.54% 40.30%

County results
Baker:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Eskind:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Howard Baker
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Howard Baker
Republican

Two-term popular incumbent Howard Baker, who had served as United States Senate Minority Leader since 1977, ran for reelection against first-time candidate and Democratic Party activist Jane Eskind.

In the August 3 Democratic primary Eskind won in an open primary against eight other candidates:[27]

  • Eskind - 196,156 (34.52%)
  • Bruce - 170,795 (30.06%)
  • Lee - 89,939 (15.83%)
  • Boyd - 48,458 (8.53%)
  • Bradley - 22,130 (3.90%)
  • Heinsohn - 17,787 (3.13%)
  • Foster - 10,671 (1.88%)
  • Nyabongo - 7,682 (1.35%)
  • Vick - 4,414 (0.78%)
  • Write-in - 147 (0.03%)

In the Republican primary, also held August 3, Baker easily emerged as the winner:[28]

  • Baker - 205,680 (83.44%)
  • Howard - 21,154 (8.58%)
  • Boles - 8,899 (3.61%)
  • Patty - 3,941 (1.60%)
  • Seiler - 3,831 (1.55%)
  • Trapp - 2,994 (1.22%)

Baker won with a 15-point margin in the general election, held on November 7:[29]

General election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Howard Baker (Incumbent) 642,644 55.54%
Democratic Jane Eskind 466,228 40.29%
Independent Thomas J. Anderson 45,908 3.97%
Independent Fern L. Keasler 2,243 0.19%
None Write-Ins 71 0.01%
Majority 176,416 15.25%
Turnout 1,157,094
Republican hold

Texas

Texas election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee John Tower Bob Krueger
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,151,376 1,139,149
Percentage 49.8% 49.3%

County results
Tower:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Krueger:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Tie:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

John Tower
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John Tower
Republican

Republican incumbent John Tower won re-election to a fourth term over Democrat Bob Krueger, U.S. Congressman of Texas's 21st congressional district.

General election[30]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Tower (Incumbent) 1,151,376 49.8%
Democratic Bob Krueger 1,139,149 49.3%
Raza Unida Luis A. Diaz de Leon 17,869 0.8%
Socialist Workers Miguel Pendas 4,018 0.2%
None Others 128 0.0%
Majority 12,227 0.5%
Turnout 2,312,540
Republican hold

Virginia

Virginia election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee John Warner Andrew P. Miller
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 613,232 608,511
Percentage 50.2% 49.8%

County and independent city results
Warner:      50–60%      60–70%
Miller:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

William L. Scott
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John Warner
Republican

Incumbent William L. Scott retired. Former Secretary of the Navy Republican John Warner beat Attorney General of Virginia Andrew P. Miller. Scott then resigned January 1, 1979 and Warner was appointed January 2, 1979 for early seniority purposes.

1978 United States Senate election in Virginia[31]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John Warner 613,232 50.17% -1.28%
Democratic Andrew P. Miller 608,511 49.79% +3.67%
Write-ins 513 0.04% +0.04%
Majority 4,721 0.39% +0.39%
Turnout 1,222,256
Republican hold

West Virginia

West Virginia election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Jennings Randolph Arch Moore
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 249,034 244,317
Percentage 50.48% 49.52%

County results
Randolph:      50–60%      60–70%
Moore:      50–60%      60–70%      70-80%

U.S. senator before election

Jennings Randolph
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Jennings Randolph
Democratic

Democratic incumbent Jennings Randolph won re-election to a fifth term over Republican Arch Moore, former Governor of West Virginia.

1978 United States Senate election in West Virginia[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jennings Randolph (Incumbent) 249,034 50.48%
Republican Arch A. Moore Jr. 244,317 49.52%
Majority 4,717 0.92%
Turnout 493,351
Democratic hold

Wyoming

Wyoming election

← 1972
1984 →
 
Nominee Alan K. Simpson Raymond B. Whitaker
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 82,908 50,456
Percentage 62.17% 37.83%

County results
Simpson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Whitaker:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Clifford Hansen
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Alan K. Simpson
Republican

Incumbent Republican Clifford Hansen retired instead of seeking a third term. In the elections, Republican nominee Alan K. Simpson won the open seat over Democrat Raymond B. Whitaker, an attorney from Casper and nominee for U.S. Senate in 1960.

1978 United States Senate election in Wyoming[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Alan Simpson 82,908 62.17%
Democratic Raymond B. Whitaker 50,456 37.83%
Majority 32,452 24.34%
Turnout 133,364
Republican hold

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Harry F. Byrd Jr. (VA) was an Independent who caucused with the Democrats. In some circles he is called an "Independent Democrat," but his actual registration was listed as "Independent." See, e.g., United States Congress. "Harry Flood Byrd Jr. (id: B001209)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  2. ^ a b Interim appointee Muriel Humphrey of Minnesota did not seek election to finish the unexpired term and interim appointee Kaneaster Hodges Jr. of Arkansas did not seek election to a full term.
  3. ^ Allen and Hatfield lost nomination to represent Alabama and Montana, respectively.
  4. ^ Includes the interim appointee who ran for election.
  5. ^ Clifford P. Case lost renomination to represent New Jersey. Jeffrey Bell became the party's new nominee.
  6. ^ Appointee defeated
  7. ^ Senator Strom Thurmond was originally elected as a Democrat in 1954, but as a write-in candidate, a special election in 1956 and 1960 before switching to a Republican in 1964. Thurmond won re-election as a Republican in 1966 and 1972.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Clerk of the House of Representatives (April 1, 1979). "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 1978" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 1, 19, 41.
  2. ^ "AL US Senate - Special Election, 1978". OurCampaigns.com. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  3. ^ Scammon, Richard M.; McGillivray, Alice V.., eds. (November 30, 1979). America Votes 13: a handbook of contemporary American election statistics, 1978. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, Inc. (published 1979). p. 37. ISBN 9780871871831.
  4. ^ Congressional Elections, 1946-1996. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. p. 81. ISBN 1-56802-248-4.
  5. ^ Clerk of the United States House of Representatives (1979). "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 1978" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office.
  6. ^ "Delaware Department of Agriculture - State of Delaware". Delaware Department of Agriculture - State of Delaware.
  7. ^ "Ourcampaigns.com". Ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns - GA US Senate Race - Nov 07, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  9. ^ "The Message of the 1978 Off-Year Elections". Time.com. November 20, 1978. Archived from the original on October 14, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "Our Campaigns - MA US Senate- R Primary Race - Sep 19, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  11. ^ "Our Campaigns - MA US Senate- D Primary Race - Sep 19, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  12. ^ Parker, Randy; crickets chirp (July 7, 2003). "Our Campaigns: MI U.S. Senate". Our Campaigns.
  13. ^ a b c d "Minnesota Election Results 1978 (Primary Election)" (PDF). Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  14. ^ "Our Campaigns - MN US Senate Race - Nov 07, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  15. ^ "Our Campaigns - MN US Senate - Special Election Race - Nov 07, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  16. ^ "Lakeland Ledger - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com.[permanent dead link]
  17. ^ Black, Earl; Merle Black (2003). The Rise of Southern Republicans. Harvard University Press. p. 118. ISBN 978-0-674-01248-6.
  18. ^ "Results of Elections Across the Nation". The Blade. November 7, 1978. Retrieved April 18, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ Associated Press (December 27, 1978). "Eastland Quits Early To Aid His Successor". The Blade. Retrieved April 19, 2010.
  20. ^ "Our Campaigns - MS US Senate Race - Nov 07, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  21. ^ a b "Report of the Official Canvass of the Vote Cast at the Primary Election Held in the State of Montana, June 6, 1978". Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  22. ^ a b "1978 Primary Election Results" (PDF). Secretary of State of New Jersey. 1978. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 21, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  23. ^ "NM US Senate". OurCampaigns. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
  24. ^ a b c "North Carolina DataNet #46" (PDF). University of North Carolina. April 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 25, 2008. Retrieved June 12, 2009.
  25. ^ "RI US Senate - D Primary". OurCampaigns. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  26. ^ "RI US Senate". OurCampaigns. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  27. ^ "Our Campaigns - TN US Senate - D Primary Race - Aug 03, 1978". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  28. ^ "Our Campaigns - TN US Senate - R Primary Race - Aug 03, 1978". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  29. ^ "Our Campaigns - TN US Senate Race - Nov 07, 1978". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
  30. ^ "Our Campaigns - TX US Senate Race - Nov 07, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  31. ^ "Our Campaigns - VA US Senate Race - Nov 07, 1978". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  • Bass, Jack; Marilyn W. Thompson (1998). Ol' Strom: An Unauthorized Biography of Strom Thurmond. Longstreet. pp. 290–292.
  • State Election Commission (1979). Report of the South Carolina State Election Commission. Columbia, SC: State Election Commission. p. 54.
  • "Challenging a Southern Legend". Time. October 16, 1978. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2008.
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