1974 United States Senate elections

The 1974 United States Senate elections were held on November 5, with the 34 seats of Class 3 contested in regular elections. They occurred in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Richard M. Nixon's resignation from the presidency, and Gerald Ford's subsequent pardon of Nixon. Economic issues, specifically inflation and stagnation, were also a factor that contributed to Republican losses.[2] As an immediate result of the November 1974 elections, Democrats made a net gain of three seats from the Republicans, as they defeated Republican incumbents in Colorado and Kentucky and picked up open seats in Florida and Vermont, while Republicans won the open seat in Nevada. Following the elections, at the beginning of the 94th U.S. Congress, the Democratic caucus controlled 60 seats (as well as one independent), and the Republican caucus controlled 38 seats (as well as one Conservative).

1974 United States Senate elections

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1976 →

34 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate
51 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Mike Mansfield Hugh Scott
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since January 3, 1961 September 24, 1969
Leader's seat Montana Pennsylvania
Seats before 57 41
Seats after 61[a] 37
Seat change Increase 4[a] Decrease 4
Popular vote 22,544,761[1] 16,145,793[1][b]
Percentage 55.2% 39.6%
Seats up 20 14
Races won 24[a] 10

  Third party Fourth party
 
Party Independent Conservative
Seats before 1 1
Seats after 1[c] 1
Seat change Steady Steady
Popular vote 199,108[1] 822,584[1]
Percentage 0.5% 2.0%
Seats up 0 0
Races won 0 0

1974 United States Senate election in Alabama1974 United States Senate election in Alaska1974 United States Senate election in Arizona1974 United States Senate election in Arkansas1974 United States Senate election in California1974 United States Senate election in Colorado1974 United States Senate election in Connecticut1974 United States Senate election in Florida1974 United States Senate election in Georgia1974 United States Senate election in Hawaii1974 United States Senate election in Idaho1974 United States Senate election in Illinois1974 United States Senate election in Indiana1974 United States Senate election in Iowa1974 United States Senate election in Kansas1974 United States Senate election in Kentucky1974 United States Senate election in Louisiana1974 United States Senate election in Maryland1974 United States Senate election in Missouri1974 United States Senate election in Nevada1974 United States Senate election in New Hampshire1974 United States Senate election in New York1974 United States Senate election in North Carolina1974 United States Senate election in North Dakota1974 United States Senate election in Ohio1974 United States Senate election in Oklahoma1974 United States Senate election in Oregon1974 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania1974 United States Senate election in South Carolina1974 United States Senate election in South Dakota1974 United States Senate election in Utah1974 United States Senate election in Vermont1974 United States Senate election in Washington1974 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Republican gain
     Democratic hold      Republican hold
     No election

Majority Leader before election

Mike Mansfield
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Mike Mansfield
Democratic

Democrats gained an additional seat, bringing the net pick-up to four seats, in 1975, when Democrat John A. Durkin won a disputed election in New Hampshire that was unintentionally held after the 1974 election resulted in two recounts and an extended dispute in the Senate. Durkin's Senate term began in September 1975, following his victory in that election. As of 2023, this is the most recent election in which a Democrat has been elected Senator from Idaho.

Several other Republican incumbents won very close races; Milton Young of North Dakota won reelection against Democrat William L. Guy by only 186 votes and Henry Bellmon of Oklahoma won reelection against Democrat Ed Edmondson by half a percent of the vote. Bob Dole of Kansas survived the closest election of his career against Democratic Rep. William Roy, a race undoubtedly made close due to Dole's close association with Nixon as chairman of the Republican National Committee. It was the closest the Democrats have come to winning a Senate election in Kansas since George McGill won re-election in 1932.

Results summary edit

61 1 1 37
Democratic I C Republican
Parties Total
Democratic Republican Conservative Independent Other
Last elections (1972) 56 42 1 1 0 100
Before these elections 57 41 1 1 0 100
Not up 41 23 1 1 66
Up
Class 3 (1968→1974)
20 14 0 0 34
Incumbent retired 3 4 7
Held by same party 2 1 3
Replaced by other party  3 Republicans replaced by  3 Democrats[a]
 1 Democrat replaced by  1 Republican
4
Result 5 2 0 0 0 7
Incumbent ran 17[d] 10 27
Won re-election 15 8 23
Lost re-election  2 Republicans replaced by  2 Democrats 2
Lost renomination,
but held by same party
2 0 2
Result 19 8 0 0 0 27
Total elected 24 10 0 0 0 34
Net gain/loss  4  4       4
Nationwide vote 22,544,761 16,145,793[b] 822,584 199,108 1,098,146 40,810,392
Share 55.24% 39.56% 2.02% 0.49% 2.69% 100%
Result 61 37 1 1 0 100

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

Gains, losses, and holds edit

Retirements edit

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

State Senator Replaced by
Florida Edward Gurney Richard Stone
Iowa Harold Hughes John Culver
Nevada Alan Bible Paul Laxalt
New Hampshire (later voided) Norris Cotton Louis C. Wyman
North Carolina Sam Ervin Robert Burren Morgan
Utah Wallace F. Bennett Jake Garn
Vermont George Aiken Patrick Leahy

Defeats edit

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

State Senator Replaced by
Arkansas J. William Fulbright Dale Bumpers
Colorado Peter H. Dominick Gary Hart
Kentucky Marlow Cook Wendell Ford
Ohio Howard Metzenbaum John Glenn

Post-election changes edit

One Republican appointee did not seek to finish the term following the contested election and one Democrat was elected on September 16, 1975.

State Senator Replaced by
New Hampshire
(Class 3)
Norris Cotton John A. Durkin

Change in composition edit

Before the elections edit

After the January 4, 1974 appointment in Ohio.

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
Ark.
Ran
D39
Alaska
Ran
D38
Ala.
Ran
D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31
D41
Calif.
Ran
D42
Conn.
Ran
D43
Ga.
Ran
D44
Hawaii
Ran
D45
Idaho
Ran
D46
Ill.
Ran
D47
Ind.
Ran
D48
Iowa
Retired
D49
La.
Ran
D50
Mo.
Ran
Majority → D51
Nev.
Retired
R41
Vt.
Retired
C1 I1 D57
Wisc.
Ran
D56
Wash.
Ran
D55
S.D.
Ran
D54
S.C.
Ran
D53
Ohio
Ran
D52
N.C.
Retired
R40
Utah
Retired
R39
Pa.
Ran
R38
Ore.
Ran
R37
Okla.
Ran
R36
N.D.
Ran
R35
N.Y.
Ran
R34
N.H.
Retired
R33
Md.
Ran
R32
Ky.
Ran
R31
Kan.
Ran
R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
Ariz.
Ran
R29
Colo.
Ran
R30
Fla.
Ran
R20 R19 R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10

After the general elections edit

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
Ark.
Hold
D39
Alaska
Re-elected
D38
Ala.
Re-elected
D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31
D41
Calif.
Re-elected
D42
Conn.
Re-elected
D43
Ga.
Re-elected
D44
Hawaii
Re-elected
D45
Idaho
Re-elected
D46
Ill.
Re-elected
D47
Ind.
Re-elected
D48
Iowa
Hold
D49
La.
Re-elected
D50
Mo.
Re-elected
Majority → D51
N.C.
Hold
D60
Vt.
Gain
D59
Ky.
Gain
D58
Fla.
Gain
D57
Colo.
Gain
D56
Wash.
Re-elected
D55
S.D.
Re-elected
D54
S.C.
Re-elected
D53
Ohio
Hold
D52
N.D.
Re-elected
I1 Vacant
N.H.
Annulled
C1 R37
Nev.
Gain
R36
Wisc.
Re-elected
R35
Utah
Hold
R34
Pa.
Re-elected
R33
Ore.
Re-elected
R32
Okla.
Re-elected
R31
N.Y.
Re-elected
R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
Ariz.
Re-elected
R29
Kan.
Re-elected
R30
Md.
Re-elected
R20 R19 R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10

Beginning of the next Congress edit

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 D45 D46 D47 D48 D49 D50
Majority → D51
D60 D59 D58 D57 D56 D55 D54 D53 D52
D61
N.H.
Gain
I1 C1 R37 R36 R35 R34 R33 R32 R31
R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28 R29 R30
R20 R19 R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10


Key
C# Conservative
D# Democratic
R# Republican
I# Independent

Race summary edit

Elections leading to the next Congress edit

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1975; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 3 seats.

State
(linked to
summaries below)
Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Alabama James Allen Democratic 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y James Allen (Democratic) 95.8%
  • Alvin Abercrombie (Prohibition) 4.2%
Alaska Mike Gravel Democratic 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Mike Gravel (Democratic) 58.3%
  • C. R. Lewis (Republican) 41.7%
Arizona Barry Goldwater Republican 1952
1958
1964 (Retired)
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Arkansas J. William Fulbright Democratic 1944
1950
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
  •  Y Dale Bumpers (Democratic) 84.9%
  • John H. Jones (Republican) 15.1%
California Alan Cranston Democratic 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Alan Cranston (Democratic) 60.5%
  • H. L. Richardson (Republican) 36.2%
  • Jack McCoy (American Independent) 1.7%
  • Gayle M. Justice (Peace and Freedom) 1.6%
Colorado Peter H. Dominick Republican 1968 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Connecticut Abraham Ribicoff Democratic 1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Florida Edward Gurney Republican 1968 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Incumbent resigned December 31, 1974 to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed January 1, 1975.
Georgia Herman Talmadge Democratic 1956
1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Herman Talmadge (Democratic) 71.7%
  • Jerry Johnson (Republican) 28.2%
Hawaii Daniel Inouye Democratic 1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Daniel Inouye (Democratic) 82.9%
  • James D. Kimmel (Independent) 17.1%
Idaho Frank Church Democratic 1956
1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Illinois Adlai Stevenson III Democratic 1970 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Indiana Birch Bayh Democratic 1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Iowa Harold Hughes Democratic 1968 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Kansas Bob Dole Republican 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
Kentucky Marlow Cook Republican 1968 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Incumbent resigned December 27, 1974 to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed December 28, 1974.
Louisiana Russell B. Long Democratic 1948 (special)
1950
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Maryland Charles Mathias Republican 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
Missouri Thomas Eagleton Democratic 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
Nevada Alan Bible Democratic 1954 (special)
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Incumbent resigned December 17, 1974 to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed December 18, 1974.
New Hampshire Norris Cotton Republican 1954 (special)
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 31, 1974 and successor was appointed the same day.
Election was later contested and voided.
New York Jacob Javits Republican 1956
1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Others
  • Rebecca Finch (Socialist Workers) 0.1%
  • William F. Dowling Jr. (Courage) 0.1%
  • Robert E. Massi (Socialist Labor) 0.08%
  • Mildred Edelman (Communist) 0.08%
  • Elijah Boyd Jr. (Labor) 0.07%
North Carolina Sam Ervin Democratic 1954 (special)
1954 (Appointed)
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
North Dakota Milton Young Republican 1945 (Appointed)
1946 (special)
1950
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Ohio Howard Metzenbaum Democratic 1974 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent resigned December 23, 1974 to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed December 24, 1974.
Oklahoma Henry Bellmon Republican 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
Oregon Bob Packwood Republican 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
Pennsylvania Richard Schweiker Republican 1968 Incumbent re-elected.
South Carolina Fritz Hollings Democratic 1966 (special)
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
South Dakota George McGovern Democratic 1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
Utah Wallace F. Bennett Republican 1950
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 20, 1974 to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed December 21, 1974.
Vermont George Aiken Republican 1940 (special)
1944
1950
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Washington Warren Magnuson Democratic 1944
1944 (Appointed)
1950
1956
1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.
  •  Y Warren Magnuson (Democratic) 60.7%
  • Jack Metcalf (Republican) 36.1%
  • Gene Goosman (American Independent) 2%
  • Clare Fraenzl (Socialist Workers) 0.8%
  • Pat Ruckert (U.S. Labor) 0.4%
Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson Democratic 1962
1968
Incumbent re-elected.

Closest races edit

In fourteen races the margin of victory was under 10%.

State Party of winner Margin
New Hampshire Republican (Later Overturned) 0.0009%
North Dakota Republican 0.07%
Nevada Republican (flip) 0.37%
Oklahoma Republican 0.48%
Iowa Democratic 0.75%
Kansas Republican 1.70%
Vermont Democratic (flip) 3.09%
Florida Democratic (flip) 3.32%
Indiana Democratic 4.29%
Utah Republican 5.92%
South Dakota Democratic 6.08%
New York Republican 7.09%
Pennsylvania Republican 7.11%
Kentucky Democratic (flip) 9.48%

Illinois was the tipping point state with a margin of 25%.

Alabama edit

Alabama election
 
     
Nominee James B. Allen Alvin Abercrombie
Party Democratic Prohibition
Popular vote 572,584 21,749
Percentage 82.81% 4.16%

U.S. senator before election

James B. Allen
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James B. Allen
Democratic

Democratic United States senator James Allen won re-election to a second term, faced no Republican opponent in the general election, defeating Prohibition Party nominee Alvin Abercrombie.

1974 United States Senate election in Alabama Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James Allen (Incumbent) 501,541 95.84
Prohibition Alvin Abercrombie 21,749 4.16
Majority 479,792 91.68
Turnout 523,290
Democratic hold

Alaska edit

Alaska election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Mike Gravel C. R. Lewis
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 54,361 38,914
Percentage 58.28% 41.72%

 
 
Results by borough and census area
Gravel:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Lewis:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Mike Gravel
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Mike Gravel
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Mike Gravel won re-election to a second term over Republican State Senator Clyde "C.R." Lewis.

1974 U.S. Senate election in Alaska[1][3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mike Gravel (Incumbent) 54,361 58.28
Republican C. R. Lewis 38,914 41.72
Majority 15,447 16.56
Turnout 93,275
Democratic hold

Arizona edit

Arizona election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Barry Goldwater Jonathan Marshall
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 320,396 229,523
Percentage 58.26% 41.74%

 
County results
Goldwater:      50–60%      60–70%
Marshall:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Barry Goldwater
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Barry Goldwater
Republican

Incumbent Republican Barry Goldwater decided to run for reelection to a fourth term, after returning to the U.S. Senate in 1968 following his failed Presidential run in 1964 against Lyndon B. Johnson. Goldwater defeated Democratic Party nominee philanthropist Jonathan Marshall in the general election.

Democratic primary election[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic 'Jonathan Marshall', philanthropist 79,225 53.55
Democratic George Oglesby, attorney 36,262 24.51
Democratic William Mathews Feighan 32,449 21.93
Total votes 147,936 100.00
1974 United States Senate election in Arizona[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Barry Goldwater (Incumbent) 320,396 58.26
Democratic Jonathan Marshall 229,523 41.74
Majority 90,873 16.52
Turnout 549,919
Republican hold

Arkansas edit

Arkansas election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Dale Bumpers John H. Jones
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 461,056 82,026
Percentage 84.90% 15.10%

 
County Results
Bumpers:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

U.S. senator before election

J. William Fulbright
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Dale Bumpers
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat J. William Fulbright lost renomination to Governor of Arkansas Dale Bumpers. Bumpers then won the general election easily.

1974 U.S. Senate Democratic primary election in Arkansas, May 28, 1974[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dale Bumpers 380,748 65.04
Democratic J. William Fulbright (Incumbent) 204,630 34.96
Turnout 30.44
Total votes 543,082
1974 U.S. Senate general election in Arkansas[7]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Dale Bumpers 461,056 84.90  25.75
Republican John H. Jones 82,026 15.10  25.75
Majority 379,030 69.80
Total votes 93,275 100.00
Turnout 543,082 28.24
Democratic hold Swing

California edit

California election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Alan Cranston H. L. Richardson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 3,693,160 2,210,267
Percentage 60.52% 36.22%

 
County results
Cranston:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Richardson:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Alan Cranston
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Alan Cranston
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Alan Cranston won re-election to a second term over Republican H. L. Richardson, California State Senator.

1974 United States Senate election in California Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alan Cranston (Incumbent) 3,639,334 60.54
Republican H. L. Richardson 2,176,315 36.20
American Independent Jack McCoy 100,111 1.67
Peace and Freedom Gayle M. Justice 95,394 1.59
Majority 1,463,019 24.34
Turnout 6,011,154
Democratic hold

Colorado edit

Colorado election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Gary Hart Peter Dominick
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 471,691 325,508
Percentage 57.23% 39.50%

 
County results

Hart:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Dominick:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Peter Dominick
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Gary Hart
Democratic

Incumbent Republican Peter H. Dominick ran for re-election to a third term, but was defeated by Democratic challenger Gary Hart, the campaign manager for George McGovern in 1972.

1974 United States Senate election in Colorado Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gary Hart 471,688 57.23
Republican Peter H. Dominick (Incumbent) 325,526 39.50
Independent John M. King 16,131 1.96
Prohibition Joseph Fred Hyskell 8,404 1.02
American Henry John Olshaw 2,394 0.29
None Write-Ins 28 0.00
Majority 146,162 7.73
Turnout 824,171
Democratic gain from Republican

Connecticut edit

Connecticut election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Abraham Ribicoff James Brannen III
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 690,820 372,055
Percentage 63.68% 34.29%

 
County results
Ribicoff:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Abraham Ribicoff
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Abraham Ribicoff
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Abraham Ribicoff won re-election to a third term over Republican challenger James Brannen III.

1974 United States Senate election in Connecticut Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Abraham A. Ribicoff (Incumbent) 690,820 63.67
Republican James H. Brannen III 372,055 34.29
George Wallace Party Arthur F. Capozzi Jr. 19,184 1.77
American Norman L. Rochon 2,682 0.25
None Write-Ins 177 0.02
Majority 318,765 29.38
Turnout 1,084,918
Democratic hold

Florida edit

Florida election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Richard Stone Jack Eckerd
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 781,031 736,674
Percentage 43.38% 40.91%

 
Nominee John Grady
Party American Independent
Popular vote 282,659
Percentage 15.70%

 
County results
Stone:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Eckerd:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Grady:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Edward Gurney
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Richard Stone
Democratic

Incumbent Republican Edward Gurney declined to seek a second term after being indicted for taking bribes in return for his influence with the Federal Housing Administration.

The primary for the Republican nomination pitted Eckerd drug store owner Jack Eckerd against Florida Public Service Commissioner Paula Hawkins. Eckerd won handily, receiving approximately 67.5% of the vote.

Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jack Eckerd 186,897 67.49
Republican Paula Hawkins 90,049 32.52
Total votes 276,946 100.00

The Democratic primary, however, was a crowded field with eleven candidates vying for the nomination. Because no candidate received a majority of the votes, U.S. Representative Bill Gunter and Secretary of State of Florida Richard Stone advanced to a run-off election. Stone won by a small margin of 1.68%.

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Richard Stone 236,185 29.80
Democratic Bill Gunter 157,301 19.85
Democratic Richard A. Pettigrew 146,728 18.51
Democratic Mallory Horne 90,684 11.44
Democratic Glenn W. Turner 51,326 6.48
Democratic George Balmer 24,408 3.08
Democratic Burton Young 23,199 2.93
Democratic Bob Brewster 19,913 2.51
Democratic David B. Higginbottom 17,401 1.64
Democratic Duaine E. Macon 14,961 1.89
Total votes 782,106 100.00
Democratic primary runoff results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Richard Stone 321,683 50.84
Democratic Bill Gunter 311,044 49.16
Total votes 632,727 100.00

Thus, Eckerd and Stone faced off in the general election. John Grady, a family physician and member of George Wallace's American Independent Party, performed exceptionally well for a third party candidate. Grady may have split the conservative vote, allowing for Stone to win. On election day, Stone received 43.38% of the vote, Eckerd garnered 40.91% of the vote, and Grady acquired 15.7% of the vote.

General election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Richard Stone 781,031 43.38%
Republican Jack Eckerd 736,674 40.91
American Independent John Grady 282,659 15.70
Independent Jim Fair 117 0.01
Independent Henry J. Matthew 35 <0.01
Independent Hortense L. Arvan 13 <0.01
Independent Timothy L. "Tim" Adams 10 <0.01
Majority 44,357 3.32
Turnout 1,800,539
Democratic gain from Republican

Georgia edit

Georgia election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Herman Talmadge Jerry R. Johnson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 627,376 246,865
Percentage 71.76% 28.24%

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

U.S. senator before election

Herman Talmadge
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Herman Talmadge
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Herman Talmadge won re-election to a fourth term over Republican challenger Jerry Johnson.

1974 United States Senate election in Georgia Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Herman Talmadge (Incumbent) 627,376 71.74
Republican Jerry Johnson 246,866 28.23
Write-in Write-Ins 313 0.04
Majority 380,510 43.51
Turnout 874,555
Democratic hold

Hawaii edit

Hawaii election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Daniel Inouye James Kimmel
Party Democratic People's
Popular vote 207,454 42,767
Percentage 82.91% 17.09%

 
County results
Inouye:      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Daniel Inouye
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Daniel Inouye
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Daniel Inouye won re-election to a third term over Republican challenger James D. Kimmel.

1974 United States Senate election in Hawaii Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Daniel Inouye (Incumbent) 207,454 82.91
Prohibition (US) James D. Kimmel 42,767 17.09
Majority 164,687 65.82
Turnout 250,221
Democratic hold

Idaho edit

Idaho election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Frank Church Robert L. Smith
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 145,140 109,072
Percentage 56.07% 42.14%

 
County results
Church:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Smith:      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Frank Church
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Frank Church
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Frank Church won re-election to a fourth term in office, defeating Republican Bob Smith.

1974 United States Senate election in Idaho Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Frank Church (Incumbent) 145,140 56.07
Republican Robert L. Smith 109,072 42.14
American Jean Stoddard 4,635 1.79
Majority 36,068 13.93
Turnout 258,847
Democratic hold

Illinois edit

Illinois election
 
Turnout49.35%
     
Nominee Adlai Stevenson III George Burditt
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,811,496 1,084,884
Percentage 62.15% 37.22%

 
County Results
Stevenson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Burditt:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Adlai Stevenson III
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Adlai Stevenson III
Democratic

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III, who was first elected in a special election in 1970, was re-elected to a second term in office, defeating Republican George Burditt by a large margin of nearly 800,000 votes.

1974 United States Senate election in Illinois Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Adlai Stevenson III (Incumbent) 1,811,496 62.15
Republican George M. Burditt 1,084,884 37.22
Socialist Workers Edward Thomas Heisler 12,413 0.43
Communist Ishmael Flory 5,873 0.20
Majority 726,612 24.93
Turnout 2,914,666
Democratic hold

Indiana edit

Indiana election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Birch Bayh Richard Lugar
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 889,269 814,117
Percentage 50.73% 46.44%

 
Results by county
Bayh:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%
Lugar:      40–50%      50–60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Birch Bayh
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Birch Bayh
Democratic

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Birch Bayh was re-elected to a third consecutive term in office, defeating Mayor of Indianapolis Richard Lugar.

1974 United States Senate election in Indiana Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Birch Bayh (Incumbent) 889,269 50.73
Republican Richard Lugar 814,117 46.44
American Don L. Lee 49,592 2.83
Majority 75,152 4.29
Turnout 1,752,978
Democratic hold

Iowa edit

Iowa election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee John Culver David M. Stanley
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 426,947 420,546
Percentage 50.02% 49.27%

 
County results
Culver:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Stanley:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. senator before election

Harold E. Hughes
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John C. Culver
Democratic

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Harold E. Hughes retired instead of seeking a second term. This open seat was won by five-term U.S. Representative John C. Culver, defeating Republican State Representative David M. Stanley. Culver just like Hughes six years prior, defeated Stanley by a margin of less than one point.

1974 United States Senate election in Iowa Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Culver 426,947 50.02
Republican David M. Stanley 420,546 49.27
American Lorin E. Oxley 6,028 0.71
Majority 6,401 0.75
Turnout
Democratic hold

Kansas edit

Kansas election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Bob Dole William R. Roy
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 403,983 390,451
Percentage 50.85% 49.15%

 
County results
Dole:      50–60%      60–70%
Roy:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Bob Dole
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Dole
Republican

U.S. Senator Bob Dole was first elected in 1968 after Frank Carlson retired by a margin of 60-39% over his Democratic opponent. However, in 1974 he faced a closer challenge as he sought a second term. Dole was closely associated with Richard Nixon as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1971-1972. Dole himself even admitted he was "prepared to lose" the election to William R. Roy, a Topeka physician and two-term Representative from Kansas's 2nd Congressional District. Roy's advertisements contrasted Dole, "who put loyalty to Nixon and his party ahead of loyalty to his state," with Roy, a moderate and former Republican whom they described as "a respected voice for Kansas." Roy's campaign to be the first Democratic Senator from Kansas in decades received an enthusiastic response, and he led in polling for months. "I could go to any event and feel like Caesar coming back to Rome," Roy said. Still, Dole's campaign capitalized on the issue of abortion rights, which was fresh on voters minds in the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision. Roy himself had performed abortions as a physician, and Dole used this to build momentum and overtake Roy in polling.[8]

In the end, Dole narrowly prevailed over Roy by 15,533 votes in the closest election of his 35-year Congressional career.

1974 United States Senate election in Kansas Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bob Dole (Incumbent) 403,983 50.85
Democratic William R. Roy 390,451 49.15
None Write-Ins 3 0.00
Majority 13,532 1.70
Turnout 794,437
Republican hold

Kentucky edit

Kentucky election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Wendell Ford Marlow Cook
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 398,887 328,260
Percentage 53.56% 44.08%

 
County results
Ford:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Cook:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. senator before election

Marlow Cook
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Wendell Ford
Democratic

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Marlow Cook ran for a second term in office but was defeated by Democratic Governor of Kentucky Wendell Ford.

1974 United States Senate election in Kentucky Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Wendell Ford 398,887 53.56
Republican Marlow Cook (Incumbent) 328,260 44.08
American William E. Parker 17,551 2.36
Majority 70,627 9.48
Turnout 744,698
Democratic gain from Republican

Louisiana edit

Louisiana election
 
← 1968
1980 →
   
Nominee Russell B. Long
Party Democratic
Popular vote 434,643
Percentage 100.00%

U.S. senator before election

Russell Long
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Russell Long
Democratic

Incumbent Democratic Senator Russell B. Long was unopposed for re-election to a sixth term in office.

Democratic primary[9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Russell Long (Incumbent) 520,606 74.75
Democratic Sherman A. Bernard 131,540 18.89
Democratic Annie Smart 44,341 6.37
Total votes 696,487 100.00
1974 United States Senate election in Louisiana Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Russell B. Long (Incumbent) 434,643 100.00
Democratic hold

Maryland edit

Maryland election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Charles Mathias Barbara Mikulski
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 503,223 374,663
Percentage 57.32% 42.68%

 
County results
Mathias:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Mikulski:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Charles Mathias
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles Mathias
Republican

Incumbent Republican Charles Mathias won re-election to a second term. As a Republican representing heavily-Democratic Maryland, Mathias faced a potentially difficult re-election bid for the 1974 election. State Democrats nominated Barbara Mikulski, then a Baltimore City Councilwoman who was well-known to residents in her city as a social activist, but with limited name recognition in the rest of the state.[10] Mathias was renominated by Republicans, fending off a primary election challenge from conservative doctor Ross Pierpont. Pierpont was never a substantial threat to Mathias, whose lack of competition was due in part to fallout from the Watergate scandal.[11][12]

As an advocate for campaign finance reform, Mathias refused to accept any contribution over $100 to "avoid the curse of big money that has led to so much trouble in the last year".[13] However, he still managed to raise over $250,000, nearly five times Mikulski's total. Ideologically, Mikulski and Mathias agreed on many issues, such as closing tax loopholes and easing taxes on the middle class. On two issues, however, Mathias argued to reform Congress and the U.S. tax system to address inflation and corporate price fixing, contrary to Mikulski.[10] In retrospect, The Washington Post felt the election was "an intelligent discussion of state, national, and foreign affairs by two smart, well-informed people".[14]

1974 United States Senate election in Maryland[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles Mathias (Incumbent) 503,223 57.3
Democratic Barbara A. Mikulski 374,663 42.7
Total votes 877,886 100.00
Majority 129,560 14.6
Republican hold

Missouri edit

Missouri election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Thomas Eagleton Thomas B. Curtis
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 735,433 480,900
Percentage 60.07% 39.28%

 
County Results
Eagleton:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Curtis:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas Eagleton
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Thomas Eagleton
Democratic

Thomas Eagleton was first elected in 1968, defeating incumbent U.S. senator Edward V. Long in an upset three-way primary victory. He then defeated Republican Representative Thomas B. Curtis by just over two percentage points. Eagleton served as the initial vice presidential nominee for George McGovern's campaign against incumbent Richard Nixon in 1968. However, Eagleton resigned from the ticket and was replaced by Sargent Shriver after reports surfaced that Eagleton had received electroshock therapy for clinical depression. McGovern, who was trailing Nixon badly in the polls, requested Eagleton's resignation.[16]

Despite negative publicity from his vice presidential nomination withdrawal, Eagleton cruised to re-election in a rematch over Curtis, taking over 60% of the vote. This would be Eagleton's largest victory margin for U.S. Senate. In 1980, he faced a close re-election battle against Gene McNary, winning by only about 5 percentage points.

1974 United States Senate election in Missouri Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Thomas Eagleton (Incumbent) 735,433 60.07
Republican Thomas B. Curtis 480,900 39.28
Independent Cliff Talmage 7,970 0.65
Majority 254,533 20.79
Turnout 1,224,303
Democratic hold

Nevada edit

Nevada election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Paul Laxalt Harry Reid
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 79,605 78,981
Percentage 47.0% 46.6%

 
Nominee Jack C. Doyle
Party Independent American Party (Nevada)
Popular vote 10,887
Percentage 6.42%

 
County results
Laxalt:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Reid:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Alan Bible
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Paul Laxalt
Republican

Incumbent Democrat Alan Bible decided to retire instead of seeking a fifth term. Republican nominee Paul Laxalt won the open seat.

Former Governor Paul Laxalt won by less than 700 votes, becoming one of the few bright spots in a bad year for Republicans. He beat Lieutenant Governor Harry Reid. Reid would succeed Laxalt twelve years later.

General election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Paul Laxalt 79,605 46.97 +1.73%
Democratic Harry Reid 78,981 46.60 -8.16%
Independent American Party (Nevada) Jack C. Doyle 10,887 6.42
Majority 624 0.37 -9.15%
Turnout 169,473
Republican gain from Democratic

New Hampshire edit

New Hampshire election
 
     
Nominee Louis C. Wyman John A. Durkin
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 110,926 110,924
Percentage 49.6618% 49.6609%

 
County results
Wyman:      50–60%      60–70%
Durkin:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Norris Cotton
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Louis C. Wyman
(Disputed)
Republican

The New Hampshire election resulted in the longest contested election for the U.S. Congress in United States history.

In 1973, then-incumbent senator Norris Cotton announced he would not seek re-election. Republican strategists admitted that it would be tough for their party to hold on to the seat.[17]

The campaign of 1974 pitted Democrat John A. Durkin, who had served as New Hampshire's Insurance Commissioner and as Attorney General, against Republican Louis C. Wyman, a conservative, widely known member of the United States House of Representatives from New Hampshire's 1st congressional district. As Wyman was the more experienced politician, he was predicted by many to win handily.[18]

On election day, Wyman won with a margin of just 355 votes.[citation needed] Durkin immediately demanded a recount, which, completed November 27, 1974, declared Durkin the winner by a margin of 10 votes. Republican Governor Meldrim Thomson Jr. awarded Durkin a provisional certificate of election. However, Wyman demanded another recount in which he prevailed by two votes.

New Hampshire United States Senate Election, 1974: Second Recount
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Louis Wyman 110,926 49.6618
Democratic John A. Durkin 110,924 49.6609
American Independent Carmen C. Chimento 1,513 0.68
Plurality 2 0.0009
Turnout 223,363

Wyman promptly appealed to the New Hampshire State Ballot Law Commission. Durkin tried to defeat the appeal in the New Hampshire courts. The state ballot commission conducted its own partial recount and announced on December 24, 1974, that Wyman had won by just two votes. Governor Thomson rescinded Durkin’s certificate, and awarded a new credential to Wyman.

Senator Cotton resigned on December 31, 1974, and Governor Thomson appointed Wyman to fill the remainder of the term, which would expire January 3, 1975.

The election contest was not settled, however, and eventually a new election would be called in 1975.

New York edit

New York election
 
← 1968
1980 →
       
Nominee Jacob Javits Ramsey Clark Barbara A. Keating
Party Republican Democratic Conservative
Alliance Liberal
Popular vote 2,340,188 1,973,781 822,584
Percentage 45.32% 38.23% 15.93%

 
County results
Javits:      40–50%      50–60%
Clark:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Jacob Javits
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Jacob Javits
Republican

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Jacob Javits won against Democratic challenger Ramsey Clark in a three way election.

1974 United States Senate election in Alabama Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jacob Javits (Incumbent) 2,340,188 45.32
Democratic Ramsey Clark 1,973,781 38.23
Conservative Barbara A. Keating 822,584 15.93
Socialist Workers Rebecca Finch 7,727 0.15
Courage William F Dowling Jr. 7,459 0.14
Socialist Labor Robert E. Massi 4,037 0.08
Communist Mildred Edelman 3,876 0.08
U.S. Labor Elijah C. Boyd Jr. 3,798 0.07
Majority 366,407 7.09
Turnout 5,163,450
Republican hold

North Carolina edit

North Carolina election
 
← 1968 November 5, 1974 1980 →
     
Nominee Robert Morgan William Stevens
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 633,647 386,720
Percentage 61.6% 37.6%

 
County results
Morgan:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Stevens:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Sam Ervin
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Robert Morgan
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Sam Ervin chose to retire. The general election was fought between the Democratic nominee Robert Morgan and the Republican nominee William Stevens.

Democratic primary[19]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Morgan 294,986 50.40
Democratic Nick Galifianakis 189,815 32.43
Democratic Henry Wilson 67,247 11.49
Democratic James Johnson 6,138 1.05
Democratic Others 27,140 4.64
Turnout 585,326
Republican primary [19]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William Stevens 62,419 65.12
Republican Wood Hall Young 26,918 28.08
Republican B. E. Sweatt 6,520 6.80
Turnout 95,857
General election[19]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Robert Morgan 633,647 61.56 +1.00%
Republican William Stevens 386,720 37.57 -1.87%
Independent 8,974 0.87 N/A
Turnout 1,029,341
Majority 246,927 23.99
Democratic hold Swing

North Dakota edit

North Dakota election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Milton R. Young William L. Guy
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 114,852 114,675
Percentage 48.45% 48.37%

 
County results
Young:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Guy:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Milton R. Young
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Milton R. Young
Republican

Incumbent Republican Milton Young was re-elected to his sixth term, defeating North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party candidate William L. Guy, a former Governor of North Dakota.[1]

Only Young filed as a Republican, and the endorsed Democratic candidate was William L. Guy of Bismarck, North Dakota, who had served as Governor of the state from 1961 to 1973; and had presumably left the office to seek the senate seat. Young and Guy won the primary elections for their respective parties. Guy, who was very popular as governor throughout the state, and Young, who had a high approval rating as senator for the state, created the closest ever election for one of North Dakota's senate seats. Young won the election by only 177 votes, and Guy retired from politics.

Two independent candidates, James R. Jungroth and Kenneth C. Gardner, also filed before the deadline. Jungroth's platform was based on his opposition to strip mining the state's coal reserves.[20] Gardner would later run for the state's other seat in 1988 against then incumbent Quentin Burdick.

1974 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Milton R. Young (Incumbent) 114,852 48.45
Democratic William L. Guy 114,675 48.37
Independent James R. Jungroth 6,679 2.82
Independent Kenneth C. Gardiner 853 0.36
Majority 177 0.07
Turnout 237,059
Republican hold

Ohio edit

Ohio election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee John Glenn Ralph Perk
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,930,670 918,133
Percentage 64.6% 30.7%

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

U.S. senator before election

Howard Metzenbaum
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Glenn
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Howard Metzenbaum was running for election to a full term after he was appointed in 1974 by Ohio governor John J. Gilligan to fill out the Senate term of William B. Saxbe, who had resigned to become United States Attorney General. Metzenbaum lost the primary election to retired astronaut John Glenn, who went on to win the general election and win every county in the state over Republican Ralph Perk, Mayor of Cleveland

1974 OH United States Senate election[21]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Glenn 1,930,670 64.6
Republican Ralph Perk 918,133 30.7
Independent Kathleen G. Harroff 76,882 2.6
Independent Richard B. Kay 61,921 2.1
Independent John O'Neill 257 0.0
Independent Ronald E. Girkins 88 0.0
Majority 1,012,357 33.9
Turnout 2,987,606
Democratic hold

Oklahoma edit

Oklahoma election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Henry Bellmon Ed Edmondson
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 390,997 387,162
Percentage 49.4% 48.9%

 
County results

Bellmon:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

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

U.S. senator before election

Henry Bellmon
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Henry Bellmon
Republican

Incumbent Republican Henry Bellmon narrowly won re-election to a second term, beating Representative Ed Edmondson by nearly 4,000 votes.

General election[22]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Henry Bellmon (Incumbent) 390,997 49.4
Democratic Ed Edmondson 387,162 48.9
Independent Paul E. Trent 13,650 1.7
Majority 3,835 0.5
Turnout 791,809
Republican hold

Oregon edit

Oregon election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Bob Packwood Betty Roberts
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 420,964 338,591
Percentage 54.9% 44.2%

 
County results

Packwood:      50-60%      60-70%

Roberts:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Bob Packwood
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Packwood
Republican

Incumbent Republican Bob Packwood won re-election to a second term. Betty Roberts was chosen to replace former U.S. senator Wayne Morse, who won the Democratic primary but died before the general election.[23][24]

 
Wayne Morse won the Democratic primary, but died prior to the general election.

The Democratic primaries were held on May 28, 1974. Incumbent senator Bob Packwood was running for re-election after his upset victory against popular incumbent Democrat Wayne Morse in 1968 made him the youngest member of the Senate.[25]

In the Democratic primary, former senator Morse, trying to win back the seat he had for 24 years before losing to Packwood six years earlier, faced Oregon State Senate President Jason Boe and several other candidates for a chance to take back his Senate seat.[26] Boe, who was 45, made Morse's age, 73, an issue in the race while Morse said his experience in the Senate made him a stronger candidate.[27] Boe called for a series of debates around the state, but Morse refused. He went on to defeat Boe 49% to 39%, and planned to use the same strategy in the general election against Packwood, whose narrow victory over Morse 6 years earlier was attributed to Packwood's superior performance at a debate in Portland late in the campaign.[23]

Democratic primary for the United States Senate from Oregon, 1974[28]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Wayne Morse 155,729 48.98
Democratic Jason Boe 125,055 39.33
Democratic Robert T. Daly 21,881 6.88
Democratic Robert E. O'Connor 14,984 4.71
Democratic (Scattering) 319 0.10
Total votes 396,204 100.00

In July, Morse was hospitalized in Portland with what was originally described as a serious urinary tract infection. His condition deteriorated and he died on July 22.[24] The death was originally reported to have been caused by kidney failure, but it was later revealed that Morse died of leukemia; Boe apparently knew of the diagnosis during the campaign but did not make it a campaign issue.[29]

The Oregon Democratic State Central Committee met on August 11, two days after Richard Nixon resigned the Presidency. They chose State senator Betty Roberts over Boe to replace Morse as the Democratic nominee.[30] Roberts, an Oregon State Senator, had run for the Democratic nomination for Governor that year, but lost in the May primary to eventual general election winner Robert W. Straub.[30]

Outgoing Oregon governor Tom McCall, who had decided not to run in 1968, had pledged to Packwood a year earlier that he would not challenge him in 1974.[31] But as his term as governor ended, McCall began reconsidering his decision, believing he would bring more integrity to the job. In March 1974, at a dinner party held at Packwood's Washington D.C. home in McCall's honor, McCall informed Packwood that he would challenge him.[31] The news of McCall's change of plans soon reached the media. Eventually, McCall decided that he had little chance against Packwood, who had similar positions to his own and had a reputation for ruthless campaigning that McCall did not share.[31][32] McCall did not run, and Packwood was unopposed in the Republican primary.[26]

Strong Democratic gains were predicted, giving Roberts a good chance at an upset. In addition, the Senate had no female members and Roberts was one of three women (along with Barbara Mikulski in Maryland and Gwenyfred Bush in South Carolina) seeking a Senate seat.[33] But on the issues, Packwood and Roberts shared many positions, such as on abortion, military spending, and the environment.[34] Moreover, Packwood had distanced himself from Watergate, calling for Nixon's impeachment and denouncing Gerald Ford's pardon of Nixon.[34][35] Roberts was also at a financial disadvantage, having entered the race late and facing debt from her failed gubernatorial run; Packwood was able to use money he had raised for a primary challenge that never materialized, and led in most polls by a double-digit margin.[34]

Roberts lost the election to Packwood 54% to 44%.[36] Packwood was the only Oregon Republican up for re-election to keep his seat: Democrats won every other available seat. In the Governor's race, Bob Straub, who beat Roberts in the Democratic primary, defeated Vic Atiyeh to become the first elected Democratic governor since 1956; in the U. S. House of Representatives races, Les AuCoin won an open seat in the 1st district and in the 4th district, Jim Weaver upset incumbent John Dellenback.[37]

After the election, Roberts, whose criticism of Packwood's ethics was a theme in her campaign, considered filing a lawsuit against Packwood for misrepresenting her positions on gun control, abortion, and Social Security in campaign advertisements, but later dropped the idea.[38]

1974 United States Senate election in Oregon[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bob Packwood (Incumbent) 420,984 54.93
Democratic Betty Roberts 338,591 44.18
Write-In Jason Boe 5,072 0.66
Write-In Misc. 1,767 0.23
Total votes 766,414 100.00
Republican hold

Pennsylvania edit

Pennsylvania election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Richard Schweiker Peter Flaherty
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,843,317 1,596,121
Percentage 53.0% 45.9%

 
County results

Schweiker:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Flaherty:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Richard Schweiker
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Richard Schweiker
Republican

Incumbent Republican Richard Schweiker won re-election, defeating Democratic nominee Peter F. Flaherty, Mayor of Pittsburgh.

In the general election campaign, Schweiker faced popular Pittsburgh mayor Peter Flaherty. Both candidates, as highlighted by a New York Times article, "[took] firm stands against inflation, recession, big spending by the Federal Government and abortion on demand."[40] Schweiker, who was endorsed by the AFL–CIO, distanced himself from the Richard Nixon administration, specifically the Watergate scandal, by emphasizing his early calls for Nixon's resignation and the fact that he was on Nixon's "enemies list."[40]

In the end, Schweiker won re-election with 53% of the popular vote, with Flaherty winning 45.9%. Schweiker carried 53 of Pennsylvania's counties, a decrease from the 59 counties he carried in the 1968 election. Flaherty had a strong showing in Allegheny County, which contains his home town of Pittsburgh, which Schweiker had won in 1968. The final election results represented a political divide between the eastern and western portions of the state, Schweiker in the east and Flaherty in the west, with the exception of Flaherty's slim 4,491 vote victory in Philadelphia.[40]

Pennsylvania United States Senate Election, 1974[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Richard Schweiker (Incumbent) 1,843,317 53.00
Democratic Peter F. Flaherty 1,596,121 45.89
Constitution George W. Shankey 38,004 1.09
Write-in Other 370 0.01
Majority 247,196 7.11
Turnout 3,477,812
Republican hold

South Carolina edit

South Carolina election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Ernest Hollings Gwen Bush
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 355,107 146,649
Percentage 69.4% 28.7%

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

U.S. senator before election

Ernest Hollings
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Ernest Hollings
Democratic

The 1974 South Carolina United States Senate election was held on November 5, 1974 to select the U.S. Senator from the state of South Carolina. Incumbent Democratic senator Fritz Hollings easily defeated Republican challenger Gwen Bush to win his third term. Both Hollings and Bush faced no opposition in their party's primaries which allowed both candidates to concentrate solely on the general election. The Watergate scandal caused the Republicans to perform poorly nationwide in 1974 and Gwen Bush was little more than a sacrificial lamb. The main focus of the voters in South Carolina was on the competitive gubernatorial contest and Hollings easily cruised to a comfortable re-election.

South Carolina U.S. Senate Election, 1974
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Fritz Hollings (Incumbent) 355,107 69.4 +7.5%
Republican Gwen Bush 146,649 28.7 -9.4%
Independent Harold Hough 9,624 1.9 +1.9%
Majority 208,458 40.7 +16.9%
Turnout 511,380 51.3 -25.2%
Democratic hold

South Dakota edit

1974 South Dakota Senate election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee George McGovern Leo K. Thorsness
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 147,929 130,955
Percentage 53.04% 46.96%

 
County results
McGovern:      50–60%      60–70%
Thorsness:      50–60%      60-70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

George McGovern
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

George McGovern
Democratic

1974 United States Senate election in South Dakota Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic George McGovern (Incumbent) 147,929 53.04
Republican Leo K. Thorsness 130,955 46.96
Majority 16,974 6.08
Turnout 278,884
Democratic hold

Utah edit

Utah election
 
← 1968
1980 →
       
Nominee Jake Garn Wayne Owens Bruce Bangerter
Party Republican Democratic American
Popular vote 210,299 185,377 24,966
Percentage 49.99% 44.07% 5.94%

 
County results
Garn:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Owens:      40–50%      50–60%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Wallace F. Bennett
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Jake Garn
Republican

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Wallace F. Bennett did not run for re-election to a fifth term, but retired. Salt Lake City mayor Jake Garn won the Republican nomination, while U.S. representative Wayne Owens won the Democratic nomination. Garn defeated Owens, 50% to 44%, with third-party candidate Bruce Bangerter winning 6% of the vote.

1974 United States Senate election in Utah Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jake Garn 210,299 49.99
Democratic Wayne Owens 185,377 44.07
American Bruce Bangerter 24,966 5.94
Majority 24,922 5.92
Turnout 420,642
Republican hold

Vermont edit

Vermont election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Patrick Leahy Richard W. Mallary
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 70,629 66,223
Percentage 49.5% 46.4%

 
County results
Leahy:      40–50%      50–60%
Mallary:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

George Aiken
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Patrick Leahy
Democratic

Incumbent Republican George Aiken did not run for re-election to another term in the United States Senate. Democratic candidate, attorney and prosecutor Patrick Leahy defeated the Republican candidate, congressman Richard W. Mallary to succeed him. Leahy was the first Democrat ever elected to the senate from Vermont.

Republican primary election[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Richard W. Mallary 27,221 59.1
Republican Charles R. Ross 16,479 35.8
Republican T. Serse Ambrosini 2,265 4.9
Republican Other 61 0.1
Total votes 46,026 100.0
Democratic primary election[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Patrick Leahy 19,801 83.9
Democratic Nathaniel Frothingham 3,703 15.7
Democratic Other 97 0.4
Total votes 23,601 100.0
1974 United States Senate election in Vermont[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Patrick Leahy 70,629 49.47
Republican Richard W. Mallary 66,223 46.38
Liberty Union Bernie Sanders 5,901 4.13
Write-in Other 19 0.0
Total votes 142,772 100.0
Majority 4,406 3.09
Democratic gain from Republican Swing

Washington edit

Washington Election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Warren Magnuson Jack Metcalf
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 611,811 363,626
Percentage 60.70% 36.08%

 
County results
Magnuson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Metcalf:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Warren G. Magnuson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Warren G. Magnuson
Democratic

1974 United States Senate election in Washington Results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Warren Magnuson (Incumbent) 611,811 60.70
Republican Jack Metcalf 363,626 36.08
American Independent Gene Goosman 19,871 1.97
Socialist Workers Clare Fraenzl 8,176 0.81
U.S. Labor Pat Ruckert 4,363 0.43
Majority 248,185 24.62
Turnout 1,007,847
Democratic hold

Wisconsin edit

Wisconsin election
 
← 1968
1980 →
     
Nominee Gaylord Nelson Tom Petri
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 740,700 429,327
Percentage 61.8% 35.8%

 
County results
Nelson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Petri:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Gaylord Nelson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Gaylord Nelson
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Gaylord Nelson won re-election to a third term over Tom Petri, State senator since 1973.

General election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gaylord Nelson (Incumbent) 740,700 61.8
Republican Tom Petri 429,327 35.8
American Gerald L. McFarren 24,003 2.0
Lowering the Property Tax Roman Blenski 5,396 0.6
Write-in Write-Ins 69 0.0
Majority 311,373 26.0
Turnout 1,199,426
Democratic hold

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ a b c d Includes New Hampshire, where the result of the November election was voided; in the ensuing Special Election of September 1975, where the same two major party candidates as that of the November election stood, a Democratic pickup occurred. The Clerk of the House of Representatives considers the immediate results of these elections to have resulted in a 61–37–2 majority, which would include this pickup in New Hampshire.[1]
  2. ^ a b The Liberal Party in New York endorsed Jacob Javits, but the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives did not tabulate their votes, totaling 241,659, into the national Republican total.[1]
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ The two senators, J. William Fulbright of Arkansas and Howard Metzenbaum of Ohio, both lost renomination and nomination to the full term, respectively, Dale Bumpers and John Glenn became the party's new nominees in each state.
  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 aa ab ac "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 1974 [sic]" (PDF). Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House. August 1, 1975. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  2. ^ James M. Naughton (November 6, 1974). "Senate and House Margins Are Substantially Enlarged". New York Times. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
  3. ^ "Our Campaigns - AK US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1974". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  4. ^ "AZ US Senate - D Primary Race - Sep 10, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  5. ^ "AZ US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  6. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR US Senate - D Primary Race - May 28, 1974". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  7. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1974". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  8. ^ "Abortion, Dole's Sword in '74, Returns to Confront Him in '96". The New York Times. July 8, 1996. p. A1. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  9. ^ "LA US Senate – D Primary". Ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  10. ^ a b Barker, Karlyn (November 6, 1974). "Mathias Is Elected To a Second Term". The Washington Post. p. A12.
  11. ^ Watson, Douglas (August 15, 1974). "Mathias Purge Threat Ends: White House Scandals Boost Senator's Re-election Bid". The Washington Post. p. C1.
  12. ^ Barker, Karlyn (September 11, 1974). "Mathias Wins GOP Md. Race". The Washington Post. p. A24.
  13. ^ Richards, Bill (February 3, 1974). "Sen. Mathias Re-Election Drive Opens". The Washington Post. p. B1.
  14. ^ "U.S. Senate Choice in Maryland". The Washington Post. October 22, 1980. p. A22.
  15. ^ "1974 Senatorial General Election Results - Maryland".
  16. ^ McGovern, George S. (1977). Grassroots: The Autobiography of George McGovern. New York: Random House. pp. 214–215.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  17. ^ Lydon, Christopher (December 17, 1973). "Republican Strategists See Major 1974 Election Losses for G.O.P.; Most Incredible'". The New York Times.
  18. ^ "Message from New Hampshire". Time. September 29, 1975. Archived from the original on July 13, 2009.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - James R. Jungroth". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  21. ^ "OH US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  22. ^ "OK US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  23. ^ a b "No debate". The Register-Guard. April 9, 1974. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
  24. ^ a b "Death claims ex-Sen. Wayne Morse". The Bulletin (Bend). July 22, 1974. Retrieved January 29, 2010.[dead link]
  25. ^ "From political obscurity, Packwood defeated veteran". The Bulletin (Bend). November 12, 1974. Retrieved February 1, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  26. ^ a b "Packwood, unopposed, spent most in Senate primary". The Bulletin (Bend). June 28, 1974. Retrieved January 29, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  27. ^ Willis, Henny (May 26, 1974). "Four want to battle Packwood". The Register-Guard. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
  28. ^ "Oregon US Senate Democratic Primary Race, May 28, 1974". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
  29. ^ "Leukemia claimed Wayne Morse". The Bulletin (Bend). May 28, 1975. Retrieved January 29, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  30. ^ a b "State Sen. Betty Roberts chosen to oppose Packwood". Tri City Herald. August 12, 1974. Retrieved January 29, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ a b c Walth, Brent (November 24, 1994). "McCall wanted Senate seat, despite pledge to Packwood". The Register-Guard. Retrieved February 1, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ "He won't run for Senate, says McCall". Tri City Herald. March 14, 1974. Retrieved February 1, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  33. ^ "All-male ballots may soon become unusual". The Tuscaloosa News. September 19, 1974. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
  34. ^ a b c Aarons, Leroy F. (October 24, 1974). "Packwood faces strong challenge from a woman". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved February 1, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  35. ^ "Packwood believes many Republicans want Nixon to quit". The Bulletin (Bend). March 27, 1974. Retrieved February 1, 2010.
  36. ^ Robinson, Sue (November 6, 1974). "Packwood survives dark night". The Register-Guard. Retrieved January 29, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  37. ^ Willis, Henny (November 6, 1974). "Weaver wins stunning upset". The Register-Guard. Retrieved February 2, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  38. ^ "Election suit idea dropped by Roberts". The Register-Guard. November 16, 1974. Retrieved January 29, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  39. ^ "Oregon US Senate Race, Nov 5, 1974". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
  40. ^ a b c Sundquist, Renée M. Lamis ; with a foreword by James L. (2009). The realignment of Pennsylvania politics since 1960 : two-party competition in a battleground state. University Park, Pa.: Pennsylvania State University Press. pp. 100–102. ISBN 978-0271034195.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ a b "Primary Election Results" (PDF). Office of the Vermont Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 31, 2014. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  42. ^ "General Election Results - U.S. senator - 1914-2014" (PDF). Office of the Vermont Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2015.

References edit