Jump to content

1954 United States Senate elections

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by AlDefinitely (talk | contribs) at 19:07, 20 October 2023 (Added "%" symbol to Idaho infobox.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

1954 United States Senate elections
← 1952 September 13[a] & November 2, 1954 1956 →
38 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Lyndon Johnson William Knowland
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since January 3, 1953 August 4, 1953
Leader's seat Texas California
Seats before 46 49
Seats after 48 47
Seat change Increase 2 Decrease 2
Popular vote 15,137,069[1] 12,585,368[1]
Percentage 53.9% 44.8%
Seats up 22 16
Races won 24 14
  Third party
 
Party Independent
Seats before 1
Seats after 1[b]
Seat change Steady
Seats up 0
Races won 0
1954 United States Senate special election in California1954 United States Senate special election in Nevada1954 United States Senate special election in Ohio1954 United States Senate special elections in Nebraska1954 United States Senate special election in New Hampshire1954 United States Senate special elections in North Carolina1954 United States Senate election in Alabama1954 United States Senate election in Arkansas1954 United States Senate election in Colorado1954 United States Senate election in Delaware1954 United States Senate election in Georgia1954 United States Senate election in Idaho1954 United States Senate election in Illinois1954 United States Senate election in Iowa1954 United States Senate election in Kansas1954 United States Senate election in Kentucky1954 United States Senate election in Louisiana1954 United States Senate election in Maine1954 United States Senate election in Massachusetts1954 United States Senate election in Michigan1954 United States Senate election in Minnesota1954 United States Senate election in Mississippi1954 United States Senate election in Montana1954 United States Senate election in Nebraska1954 United States Senate election in New Hampshire1954 United States Senate election in New Jersey1954 United States Senate election in New Mexico1954 United States Senate election in North Carolina1954 United States Senate election in Oklahoma1954 United States Senate election in Oregon1954 United States Senate election in Rhode Island1954 United States Senate election in South Carolina1954 United States Senate election in South Dakota1954 United States Senate election in Tennessee1954 United States Senate election in Texas1954 United States Senate election in Virginia1954 United States Senate election in West Virginia1954 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset (Neb., N. H. & N. C.): both seats up for election
Majority Leader before election

Bill Knowland
Republican

Elected Majority Leader

Lyndon Johnson
Democratic

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

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

Results summary

↓
48 1 47
Democratic I Republican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

Parties Total
Democratic Republican Independent Other
Last elections (1952) 47 49 0 0 96
Before these elections 46 49 1 0 96
Not up 24 33 0 1 58
Up 22 16 0 — 38
Class 2 (1948→1954) 20 12 — — 32
Special: Class 1 0 1 — — 1
Special: Class 3 2 3 — — 5
Incumbent retired 2 4 — — 6
Held by same party 1 3 — — 4
Replaced by other party Decrease1 Republican replaced by Increase1 Democrat
Decrease1 Democrat replaced by Increase1 Republican 		— — 2
Result 2 4 0 0 6
Incumbent ran 20 12 — — 32
Won re-election 17 7 — — 24
Lost re-election Decrease4 Republicans replaced by Increase4 Democrats
Decrease2 Democrats replaced by Increase2 Republicans 		— — 6
Lost renomination
but held by same party 		1 1 — — 2
Result 22 10 0 0 32
Total elected 24 14 0 0 38
Net change Increase2 Decrease2 Steady Steady 2
Nationwide vote 15,137,069 12,585,368 35,661 323,147 28,081,245
Share 53.90% 44.82% 0.13% 1.15% 100%
Result 48 47 1 0 96

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

Gains, losses and holds

Retirements

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

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

Defeats

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

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

Party switches

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

State Senator Replaced by
Oregon Wayne Morse Wayne Morse

Post-election changes

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

Change in composition

Before the elections

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9
D19 D20 D21 D22 D23 D24 D25
Ala.
Ran 		D26
Ark.
Ran 		D27
Colo.
Retired 		D28
Del.
Ran
D38
N.C. (sp 3)
Ran 		D37
N.C. (reg)
N.C. (sp 2)
Ran 		D36
N.M.
Ran 		D35
Mont.
Ran 		D34
Miss.
Ran 		D33
Minn.
Ran 		D32
La.
Ran 		D31
Iowa
Ran 		D30
Ill.
Ran 		D29
Ga.
Ran
D39
Ohio (sp)
Ran 		D40
Okla.
Ran 		D41
R.I.
Ran 		D42
S.C.
Retired 		D43
Tenn.
Ran 		D44
Texas
Ran 		D45
Va.
Ran 		D46
W.Va.
Ran 		I1 R49
Wyo. (reg)
Wyo. (sp)
Retired
Majority →
R39
Mass.
Ran 		R40
Mich.
Ran 		R41
Neb. (reg)
Neb. (sp 2)
Retired 		R42
Neb. (sp 1)
Retired 		R43
Nev. (sp)
Ran 		R44
N.H. (reg)
Ran 		R45
N.H. (sp)
Ran 		R46
N.J.
Retired 		R47
Ore.
Ran 		R48
S.D.
Ran
R38
Me.
Ran 		R37
Ky.
Ran 		R36
Kan.
Ran 		R35
Idaho
Ran 		R34
Calif. (sp)
Ran 		R33 R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Results of the elections

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9
D19 D20 D21 D22 D23 D24 D25
Ala.
Re-elected 		D26
Ark.
Re-elected 		D27
Del.
Re-elected 		D28
Ga.
Re-elected
D38
R.I.
Re-elected 		D37
Okla.
Re-elected 		D36
N.C. (sp 3)
Elected[c] 		D35
N.C. (reg)
N.C. (sp 2)
Hold 		D34
N.M.
Re-elected 		D33
Mont.
Re-elected 		D32
Miss.
Re-elected 		D31
Minn.
Re-elected 		D30
La.
Re-elected 		D29
Ill.
Re-elected
D39
S.C.
Hold 		D40
Tenn.
Re-elected 		D41
Texas
Re-elected 		D42
Va.
Re-elected 		D43
W.Va.
Re-elected 		D44
Ky.
Gain 		D45
Mich.
Gain 		D46
Nev. (sp)
Gain[d] 		D47
Ore.
Gain 		D48
Wyo. (reg)
Wyo. (sp)
Gain
Majority with Independent in caucus ↑ I1
R39
Neb. (sp 2)
Hold
Neb. (reg)
Hold 		R40
Neb. (sp 1)
Hold 		R41
N.H. (reg)
Re-elected 		R42
N.H. (sp)
Hold 		R43
N.J.
Hold 		R44
S.D.
Re-elected 		R45
Colo.
Gain 		R46
Iowa
Gain 		R47
Ohio (sp)
Gain[d]
R38
Mass.
Re-elected 		R37
Me.
Re-elected 		R36
Kan.
Re-elected 		R35
Idaho
Re-elected 		R34
Calif. (sp)
Elected[c] 		R33 R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
Key:
D# Democratic
I# Independent
R# Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 83rd Congress

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

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
California
(Class 3) 		Thomas Kuchel Republican 1953 (Appointed) Interim appointee elected November 2, 1954.
Nebraska
(Class 1) 		Samuel W. Reynolds Republican 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican hold.
Nebraska
(Class 2) 		Eva Bowring Republican 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican hold.
Winner was not elected to the next term; see below.
Nevada
(Class 3) 		Ernest S. Brown Republican 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Democratic gain.
New Hampshire
(Class 3) 		Robert W. Upton Republican 1953 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican hold.
North Carolina
(Class 2) 		Alton Lennon Democratic 1953 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to next term; see below.
North Carolina
(Class 3) 		Sam Ervin Democratic 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee elected November 2, 1954.
Ohio
(Class 3) 		Thomas A. Burke Democratic 1953 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Republican gain.
Wyoming
(Class 2) 		Edward D. Crippa Republican 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 2, 1954.
Democratic gain.
Winner also elected to the next term; see below.

Races leading to the 84th Congress

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

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral
history
Alabama John Sparkman Democratic 1946 (special)
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Arkansas John L. McClellan Democratic 1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Colorado Edwin C. Johnson Democratic 1936
1942
1948 		Incumbent retired to run for Governor.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Delaware J. Allen Frear Jr. Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Georgia Richard Russell Jr. Democratic 1932 (special)
1936
1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho Henry Dworshak Republican 1946 (special)
1948 (Lost)
1949 (Appointed)
1950 (special) 		Incumbent re-elected.
Illinois Paul Douglas Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Iowa Guy Gillette Democratic 1936 (special)
1938
1944 (Lost)
1948 		Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Kansas Andrew Frank Schoeppel Republican 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Kentucky John Sherman Cooper Republican 1946 (special)
1948 (Lost)
1952 (special) 		Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Louisiana Allen J. Ellender Democratic 1936
1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Maine Margaret Chase Smith Republican 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Massachusetts Leverett Saltonstall Republican 1944 (special)
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Michigan Homer S. Ferguson Republican 1942
1948 		Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Minnesota Hubert Humphrey DFL 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Mississippi James Eastland Democratic 1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Montana James E. Murray Democratic 1934 (special)
1936
1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Nebraska Eva Bowring Republican 1954 (special) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Winner was not elected to finish the term; see above.
Successor seated January 1, 1955.
New Hampshire Styles Bridges Republican 1936
1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
New Jersey Robert C. Hendrickson Republican 1948 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
New Mexico Clinton Anderson Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
North Carolina Alton Lennon Democratic 1953 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to finish the term; see above.
Oklahoma Robert S. Kerr Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
Oregon Guy Cordon Republican 1944 (Appointed)
1944 (special)
1948 		Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Rhode Island Theodore F. Green Democratic 1936
1942
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
South Carolina Charles E. Daniel Democratic 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent then resigned December 23, 1954, to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner appointed December 24 to finish the term.
South Dakota Karl Mundt Republican 1948
1948 (Appointed) 		Incumbent re-elected.
Tennessee Estes Kefauver Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Texas Lyndon B. Johnson Democratic 1948 Incumbent re-elected.
Virginia A. Willis Robertson Democratic 1946 (special)
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
West Virginia Matthew M. Neely Democratic 1922
1928 (Lost)
1930
1936
1941 (Resigned)
1948 		Incumbent re-elected.
Wyoming Edward D. Crippa Republican 1954 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Winner also elected to finish the term; see above.

Closest races

Twelve races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State Party of winner Margin
Ohio (special) Republican (flip) 0.12%
New Jersey Republican 0.19%
Oregon Democratic (flip) 0.4%[e]
Montana Democratic 0.8%
Massachusetts Republican 1.5%
Michigan Democratic (flip) 1.9%
Colorado Republican (flip) 2.6%
Wyoming Democratic (flip) 3.2%
Iowa Republican (flip) 4.7%
California (special) Republican 7.7%
Kentucky Democratic (flip) 9.0%
West Virginia Democratic 9.6%

Alabama

Alabama election
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee John Sparkman Junius Foy Guin Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 259,348 55,110
Percentage 82.48% 17.53%
County results
Sparkman:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
U.S. senator before election

John Sparkman
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Sparkman
Democratic

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Alabama
See also: List of United States senators from Alabama and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama
Alabama election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Sparkman (Incumbent) 259,348 82.47
Republican J. Foy Guin Jr. 55,110 17.53
Majority 204,438 64.96
Turnout 314,458
Democratic hold

Arkansas

Senator John L. McClellan
Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Arkansas
See also: List of United States senators from Arkansas and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Arkansas
Arkansas election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John L. McClellan (Incumbent) 291,058 100.00
Democratic hold

California (special)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate special election in California
See also: List of United States senators from California and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in California

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

California election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas Kuchel (Incumbent) 2,090,836 53.2
Democratic Sam Yorty 1,788,071 45.5
Independent–Progressive Isobel M. Cerney 50,506 1.3
None Scattering 255 0.00
Majority 302,765 7.7
Turnout 3,929,668
Republican hold

Colorado

Colorado election
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee Gordon Allott John A. Carroll
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 248,502 235,686
Percentage 51.32% 48.68%
County results
Allott:      50–60%      60–70%
Carroll:      50–60%      60–70%
U.S. senator before election

Edwin C. Johnson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Gordon Allott
Republican

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Colorado
See also: List of United States senators from Colorado and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado
Colorado election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Gordon Allott 248,502 51.32
Democratic John A. Carroll 235,686 48.68
Majority 12,816 2.64
Turnout 484,188
Republican gain from Democratic

Delaware

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Delaware
See also: List of United States senators from Delaware and 1954 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware
Delaware election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Allen Frear (Incumbent) 82,511 56.94
Republican Herbert B. Warburton 62,389 43.06
Majority 20,122 13.88
Turnout 144,900
Democratic hold

Georgia

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Georgia
See also: List of United States senators from Georgia and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Georgia
Georgia election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Richard B. Russell (Incumbent) 333,917 99.99
None Scattering 19 0.01
Majority 333,898 99.98
Turnout 333,936
Democratic hold

Idaho

See also: List of United States senators from Idaho and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Idaho
Idaho election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Henry Dworshak (Incumbent) 142,269 62.84%
Democratic Glen H. Taylor 84,139 37.16%
Majority 58,130 25.68%
Turnout 226,408
Republican hold

Illinois

Illinois election
← 1948
1960 →
Turnout63.69%
 
Nominee Paul Douglas Joseph T. Meek
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,804,338 1,563,683
Percentage 53.57% 46.43%
County results
U.S. senator before election

Paul Douglas
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Paul Douglas
Democratic

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Illinois
See also: List of United States senators from Illinois and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois
Illinois election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Paul H. Douglas (Incumbent) 1,804,338 53.57
Republican Joseph T. Meek 1,563,683 46.43
Majority 240,655 7.14
Turnout 3,368,021
Democratic hold

Iowa

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Iowa
See also: List of United States senators from Iowa and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Iowa
Iowa election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas E. Martin 442,409 52.21
Democratic Guy Gillette (Incumbent) 402,712 47.53
Republicsons Ernest Seeman 2,234 0.26
Majority 39,697 4.68
Turnout 847,355
Republican gain from Democratic

Kansas

See also: List of United States senators from Kansas and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Kansas
Kansas election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Andrew Schoeppel (Incumbent) 348,144 56.33
Democratic George McGill 258,575 41.84
Prohibition David C. White 11,344 1.84
Majority 89,569 14.49
Turnout 618,063
Republican hold

Kentucky

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Kentucky
See also: List of United States senators from Kentucky and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Kentucky
Kentucky election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alben Barkley 434,109 54.46
Republican John Sherman Cooper (Incumbent) 362,948 45.54
Majority 71,161 8.92
Turnout 797,057
Democratic gain from Republican

Louisiana

Senator Allen J. Ellender
Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Louisiana
See also: List of United States senators from Louisiana and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Louisiana
Louisiana election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Allen J. Ellender (Incumbent) 207,115 100.00
Democratic hold

Maine

Maine election
← 1948 September 13, 1954 1960 →
 
Nominee Margaret Chase Smith Paul Fullam
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 144,530 102,075
Percentage 58.61% 41.39%
U.S. senator before election

Margaret Chase Smith
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Margaret Chase Smith
Republican

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Maine
See also: List of United States senators from Maine and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Maine
Maine election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Margaret Chase Smith (Incumbent) 144,530 58.61
Democratic Paul A. Fullam 102,075 41.39
Majority 42,455 17.22
Turnout 246,605
Republican hold

Massachusetts

Massachusetts election
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee Leverett Saltonstall Foster Furcolo
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 956,605 927,899
Percentage 50.54% 49.03%
Municipal results
U.S. senator before election

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
See also: List of United States senators from Massachusetts and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, Republican Incumbent Leverett Saltonstall defeated his challengers.

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

Republican incumbent Leverett Saltonstall (United States senator since 1945 and Governor of Massachusetts from 1939 to 1945) was renominated. Other nominees included Socialist Workers Thelma Ingersoll (ran for Senate in 1952.[4]) and Prohibition Harold J. Ireland (candidate for Treasurer and Receiver-General in 1948 and 1952).

Democratic primary [5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Foster Furcolo 207,232 59.13
Democratic Joseph L. Murphy 79,463 22.68
Democratic John I. Fitzgerald 63,752 18.19
General election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Leverett Saltonstall (Incumbent) 956,605 50.54 −2.41%
Democratic Foster Furcolo 927,899 49.03 +2.60%
Socialist Labor Thelma Ingersoll 5,353 0.28 −0.17%
Prohibition Harold J. Ireland 2,832 0.15 −0.03%
None Scattering 21 0.00
Majority 28,706 1.52
Turnout 1,892,710
Republican hold Swing

Michigan

1954 United States Senate election in Michigan
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee Patrick V. McNamara Homer S. Ferguson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,088,550 1,049,420
Percentage 50.75% 48.93%
County results
McNamara:      50–60%      60–70%
Ferguson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
U.S. senator before election

Homer S. Ferguson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Patrick V. McNamara
Democratic

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Michigan
See also: List of United States senators from Michigan and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan
Michigan election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Patrick V. McNamara 1,088,550 50.75
Republican Homer S. Ferguson (Incumbent) 1,049,420 48.93
Prohibition Leroy M. Lowell 4,841 0.23
Socialist Labor James Sim 1,126 0.05
Socialist Workers Rita Shaw 902 0.04
None Scattering 1 0.00
Majority 39,130 1.82
Turnout 2,144,840
Democratic gain from Republican

Minnesota

1954 United States Senate election in Minnesota
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee Hubert H. Humphrey Val Bjornson
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Popular vote 642,193 479,619
Percentage 56.39% 42.11%
County results
Humphrey:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Bjornson:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%
U.S. senator before election

Hubert H. Humphrey
Democratic (DFL)

Elected U.S. Senator

Hubert H. Humphrey
Democratic (DFL)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Minnesota
See also: List of United States senators from Minnesota and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota
Minnesota election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Hubert Humphrey (Incumbent) 642,193 56.38
Republican Val Bjornson 479,619 42.11
Liberal Independent Francis Patrick Ryan 12,457 1.09
Socialist Workers Vincent R. Dunne 4,683 0.41
Majority 162,574 14.27
Turnout 1,138,952
Democratic (DFL) hold

Mississippi

Mississippi election
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee James Eastland James A. White
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 100,848 4,678
Percentage 95.6% 4.43%
County results
Eastland:      80-90%      90-100%
U.S. senator before election

James Eastland
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

James Eastland
Democratic

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Mississippi
See also: List of United States senators from Mississippi and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Mississippi
Mississippi election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James Eastland (Incumbent) 100,848 95.57
Republican James A. White 4,678 4.43
Majority 96,070 91.14
Turnout 105,526
Democratic hold

Montana

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Montana
See also: List of United States senators from Montana and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Montana

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

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

Democratic Party primary results[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James E. Murray (Incumbent) 65,896 86.94
Democratic Ray E. Gulick 4,961 6.55
Democratic Sam G. Feezell 4,941 6.52
Total votes 75,798 100.00

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

Republican Primary results[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Wesley A. D'Ewart 49,964 82.36
Republican Robert Yellowtail 10,705 17.64
Total votes 60,669 100.00

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

Montana election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic James E. Murray (Incumbent) 114,591 50.38 −6.27%
Republican Wesley A. D'Ewart 112,863 49.62 +6.88%
Majority 1,728 0.76 −13.15%
Turnout 227,454
Democratic hold Swing

Nebraska

See also: List of United States senators from Nebraska and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Nebraska

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

Nebraska (special, class 1)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate special elections in Nebraska § Class I

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

Nebraska class 1 special election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Roman Hruska 250,341 60.88
Democratic James F. Green 160,881 39.12
None Scattering 3 0.00
Majority 89,460 21.76
Turnout 411,225
Republican hold

Nebraska (special, class 2)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate special elections in Nebraska § Class II

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

Nebraska class 2 special election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mrs. George P. Abel 233,589 57.76
Democratic William H. Meier 170,828 42.24
None Scattering 5 0.00
Majority 62,761 15.52
Turnout 404,422
Republican hold

Nebraska (regular)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Nebraska

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

Nebraska general election (class 2)[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Carl T. Curtis 255,695 61.07
Democratic Keith Neville 162,990 38.93
None Scattering 6 0.00
Majority 92,705 22.14
Turnout 418,691
Republican hold

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

Nevada (special)

See also: List of United States senators from Nevada and 1954 United States House of Representatives election in Nevada
Nevada election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alan Bible 45,043 58.11
Republican Ernest S. Brown (Incumbent) 32,470 41.89
Majority 12,573 16.22
Turnout 77,513
Democratic gain from Republican

New Hampshire

See also: List of United States senators from New Hampshire and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire

New Hampshire (regular)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
New Hampshire election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Styles Bridges (Incumbent) 117,150 60.22
Democratic Gerard L. Morin 77,386 39.78
Majority 39,764 20.44
Turnout 194,536
Republican hold

New Hampshire (special)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate special election in New Hampshire
New Hampshire election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Norris Cotton 114,068 60.18
Democratic Stanley J. Betley 75,490 39.82
Majority 38,578 20.36
Turnout 189,558
Republican hold

New Jersey

New Jersey election
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee Clifford P. Case Charles R. Howell
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 861,528 858,158
Percentage 48.66% 48.47%
County Results
Case:      40–50%      50-60%      60-70%
Howell:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
U.S. senator before election

Robert C. Hendrickson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Clifford P. Case
Republican

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in New Jersey
See also: List of United States senators from New Jersey and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey
New Jersey election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Clifford Case (Incumbent) 861,528 48.66
Democratic Charles R. Howell 858,158 48.47
American Third Henry Krajewski 35,421 2.00
Write-In Fred A. Hartley 7,025 0.40
Socialist Labor Albert Ronis 4,832 0.27
Socialist Workers George Breitman 3,590 0.20
Majority 3,370 0.19
Turnout 1,770,554
Republican hold

New Mexico

See also: List of United States senators from New Mexico and 1954 United States House of Representatives election in New Mexico
New Mexico election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Clinton P. Anderson (Incumbent) 111,351 57.10
Republican Edwin L. Mechem 83,671 42.90
Majority 27,680 14.20
Turnout 195,022
Democratic hold

North Carolina

See also: List of United States senators from North Carolina and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in North Carolina

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

North Carolina (special, class 2)

Democrat Willis Smith died June 26, 1953, and Democrat Alton A. Lennon was appointed July 10 to continue the term. In November, Lennon lost the nomination to Democrat W. Kerr Scott to finish the term.[7] Scott took office November 29, 1954.

North Carolina class 2 special election[1][8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic W. Kerr Scott 420,268 100.00
Democratic hold

North Carolina (regular)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in North Carolina

Democrat W. Kerr Scott was also elected to the next term, which would begin January 3, 1955.[9]

North Carolina (class 2) general election[1][10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic W. Kerr Scott 408,312 65.90
Republican Paul C. West 211,322 34.10
Majority 196,990 31.80
Turnout 619,634
Democratic hold

North Carolina (special, class 3)

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

North Carolina class 3 special election[1][11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Samuel J. Ervin Jr. (Incumbent) 410,574 100.00
Democratic hold

Ohio (special)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate special election in Ohio
See also: List of United States senators from Ohio and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Ohio
Ohio election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George H. Bender 1,257,874 50.06
Democratic Thomas A. Burke (Incumbent) 1,254,904 49.94
Majority 2,970 0.12
Turnout 2,512,778
Republican gain from Democratic

Oklahoma

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
See also: List of United States senators from Oklahoma and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Oklahoma
Oklahoma election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert S. Kerr (Incumbent) 335,127 55.84
Republican Fred M. Mock 262,013 43.66
Independent George V. Fried 1,563 0.26
Independent George H. Brasier 1,417 0.24
Majority 73,114 12.18
Turnout 600,120
Democratic hold

Oregon

See also: List of United States senators from Oregon and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon
Oregon election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Richard L. Neuberger 285,775 50.22
Republican Guy Cordon (Incumbent) 283,313 49.78
Majority 2,462 0.44
Turnout 569,088
Democratic gain from Republican

Rhode Island

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Rhode Island
See also: List of United States senators from Rhode Island and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Rhode Island
Rhode Island election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Theodore Francis Green (Incumbent) 193,654 59.29
Republican Walter I. Sundlun 132,970 40.71
Majority 60,684 18.58
Turnout 326,624
Democratic hold

South Carolina

South Carolina election
 
Nominee Strom Thurmond Edgar A. Brown
Party Democratic Democratic
Popular vote 143,444 83,525
Percentage 63.1% 36.8%
Thurmond:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      70–80% Brown:      50-60%      60-70%      >90%
U.S. senator before election

Burnet R. Maybank
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Strom Thurmond
Democratic

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in South Carolina
See also: List of United States senators from South Carolina and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in South Carolina

In South Carolina, Senator Burnet R. Maybank did not face a primary challenge in the summer and was therefore renominated as the Democratic Party's nominee for the election in the fall. However, his death on September 1 left the Democratic Party without a nominee and the executive committee decided to nominate state Senator Edgar A. Brown as their candidate for the election. Many South Carolinians were outraged by the party's decision to forgo a primary election and former Governor Strom Thurmond entered the race as a write-in candidate. He easily won the election and became the first U.S. senator to be elected by a write-in vote (William Knowland of California in 1946 was technically the first, but the ballots in that election were blank with no candidates listed, so essentially every candidate was running a write-in campaign).[12]

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

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

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

Thurmond received support from Governor James F. Byrnes and from those who backed his Presidential bid as a Dixiecrat in the 1948 Presidential election. Thurmond framed the race as a "moral issue: democracy versus committee rule"[13] and his write-in campaign was repeatedly assisted by every newspaper in the state, except for those in Anderson. For instance, The News and Courier devoted its front page on November 2 to show voters a sample ballot and it also provided detailed instructions on how to cast a write-in vote. Not only that, but the newspaper also printed an editorial on the front page giving precise reasons why voters should vote for Thurmond instead of Brown.

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

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

South Carolina U.S. Senate Election, 1954
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Strom Thurmond (Write-In) 143,444 63.13 +63.13
Democratic Edgar A. Brown 83,525 36.76 −59.64
Democratic Marcus Stone (Write-In) 240 0.11 +0.11
No party Write-Ins 23 0.00 0.00
Majority 59,919 26.37 −66.43
Turnout 227,232
Democratic hold

South Dakota

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in South Dakota
See also: List of United States senators from South Dakota and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in South Dakota
South Dakota election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Karl Mundt (Incumbent) 135,071 57.30
Democratic Kenneth Holum 100,674 42.70
Majority 34,397 14.60
Turnout 235,745
Republican hold

Tennessee

See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee
Tennessee election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Estes Kefauver (Incumbent) 249,121 69.96
Republican Thomas P. Wall Jr. 106,971 30.04
None Write-Ins 2 0.00
Majority 142,150 39.92
Turnout 356,094
Democratic hold

Texas

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Texas
See also: List of United States senators from Texas and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Texas
Texas election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Lyndon Johnson (Incumbent) 538,417 84.59
Republican Carlos Watson 95,033 14.93
Constitution Fred T. Spangler 3,025 0.48
Majority 443,384 69.66
Turnout 636,475
Democratic hold

Virginia

Virginia election
← 1948
1960 →
 
Nominee A. Willis Robertson Charles W. Lewis Jr.
Party Democratic Independent Democratic
Popular vote 244,844 32,681
Percentage 79.9% 10.7%
 
Nominee Clarke T. Robb
Party Social Democratic
Popular vote 28,922
Percentage 9.4%
U.S. senator before election

A. Willis Robertson
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

A. Willis Robertson
Democratic

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in Virginia
See also: List of United States senators from Virginia and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia

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

Virginia election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic A. Willis Robertson (Incumbent) 244,844 79.88 +14.14%
Independent Democratic Charles W. Lewis Jr. 32,681 10.66 +10.66%
Social Democratic Clarke T. Robb 28,922 9.44 +9.02%
Write-ins 63 0.02 +0.02%
Majority 212,163 69.22 +34.18%
Turnout 306,510
Democratic hold Swing

West Virginia

Main article: 1954 United States Senate election in West Virginia
See also: List of United States senators from West Virginia and 1954 United States House of Representatives elections in West Virginia
West Virginia election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Matthew M. Neely (Incumbent) 325,263 54.82
Republican Thomas Sweeney 268,066 45.18
Majority 57,197 9.64
Turnout 593,329
Democratic hold

Wyoming

Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney
See also: List of United States senators from Wyoming and 1954 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming

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

Wyoming (special)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate elections in Wyoming

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

Wyoming special election, November 2, 1954[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Joseph C. O'Mahoney 57,163 51.56
Republican William Henry Harrison III 53,705 48.44
Majority 3,458 3.12
Turnout 110,868
Democratic gain from Republican

Wyoming (regular)

Main article: 1954 United States Senate elections in Wyoming
Wyoming general election[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Joseph C. O'Mahoney 57,845 51.53
Republican William Henry Harrison III 54,407 48.47
Majority 3,438 3.06
Turnout 112,252
Democratic gain from Republican

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

See also

Notes

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

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 aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (October 15, 1955). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1954" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 2, 4, 20–21, 28–29, 30–31, 43.
  2. ^ a b "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  3. ^ "SENATORS OF THE UNITED STATES, 1789-present, A chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789" (PDF). United States Senate. p. 63. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  4. ^ Thelma Ingersoll at ourcampaigns.com
  5. ^ "Our Campaigns - MA US Senate Race - Nov 08, 1960". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  6. ^ a b "Report of the Official Canvass of the Vote Cast at the Primary Election Held in the State of Montana, July 20, 1954" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  7. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - Special D Primary Race - May 29, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - Special Election Race - Nov 02, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  9. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - D Primary Race - May 29, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  10. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate Race - Nov 02, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  11. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - Special Election Race - Nov 02, 1954". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  12. ^ Wilgoren, Debbi (November 3, 2010). "Murkowski appears to make history in Alaska". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  13. ^ Lander, Ernest: A History of South Carolina 1865-1960, page 183. University of South Carolina Press, 1970.

Sources

  • "A New Test For S.C. Voters". The News and Courier. November 2, 1954. p. 1A.
  • "Brown Faces Thurmond In Write-In Race". The News and Courier. November 2, 1954. p. 1A.
  • Lander, Ernest McPherson Jr. (1970). A History of South Carolina, 1865-1960. University of South Carolina Press. pp. 182–184. ISBN 0-87249-169-2.
  • "Supplemental Report of the Secretary of State to the General Assembly of South Carolina." Reports and Resolutions of South Carolina to the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina. Volume I. Columbia, SC: 1955, pp. 4–5.
  • U.S. Senate Biography of Strom Thurmond
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1954_United_States_Senate_elections&oldid=1181084502"