1970 United States Senate election in Montana

1970 United States Senate election in Montana

November 3, 1970

Nominee Mike Mansfield Harold E. Wallace Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 150,060 97,809 Percentage 60.54% 39.46%

County results Mansfield:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Wallace:      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election Mike Mansfield Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Mike Mansfield Democratic

The 1970 United States Senate election in Montana took place on November 3, 1970. Incumbent United States Senator Mike Mansfield, who was first elected to the Senate in 1952 and was re-elected in 1958 and 1964, ran for re-election. Mansfield won the Democratic primary against several opponents, and advanced to the general election, where he was opposed by Harold E. Wallace, a sporting goods salesman and the Republican nominee. While his margin of victory decreased slightly from 1964, Mansfield still managed to defeat Wallace in a landslide, winning his fourth and final term in the Senate.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Mike Mansfield, incumbent United States Senator
• Tom McDonald
• John W. Lawlor, rancher

Results

Democratic Party primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Mike Mansfield (inc.)	68,146	77.17
	Democratic	Tom McDonald	10,773	12.20
	Democratic	John W. Lawlor	19,384	10.63
Total votes			88,303	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Harold E. Wallace, sporting goods salesman

Results

Republican Primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Harold E. Wallace	45,549	100.00
Total votes			45,549	100.00

General election

Results

United States Senate election in Montana, 1970

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Mike Mansfield (inc.)	150,060	60.54%	−3.97%
	Republican	Harold E. Wallace	97,809	39.46%	+3.97%
Majority			52,251	21.08%	−7.95%
Turnout			247,869
	Democratic hold		Swing

See also

• United States Senate elections, 1970