1968 United States Senate election in Oregon

1968 United States Senate election in Oregon

November 5, 1968

Nominee Bob Packwood Wayne Morse Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 408,646 405,353 Percentage 50.2% 49.8%

County Results Packwood:      50-60%      60-70% Morse:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election Wayne Morse Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Bob Packwood Republican

The 1968 United States Senate election in Oregon was held on November 5, 1968. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Wayne Morse was seeking a fifth term, but narrowly lost re-election to 36 year-old Republican State Representative Bob Packwood in a very close race.

Democratic primary

The general primary was held May 28, 1968. Incumbent Senator Wayne Morse defeated former Representative Robert B. Duncan.

Candidates

• Wayne Morse, incumbent U.S. Senator since 1945.
• Robert B. Duncan, former U.S. Congressman from Oregon's 4th congressional district (1963–1967).
• Phil McAlmond, millionaire and former aide to opponent Robert B. Duncan.

Results

Democratic primary for the United States Senate from Oregon, 1968

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Wayne Morse (incumbent)	185,091	49.03%
	Democratic	Robert B. Duncan	174,795	46.30%
	Democratic	Phil McAlmond	17,658	4.68%
Total votes			377,544	100.00%

General election

Candidates

• Bob Packwood (R), State Rep.
• Wayne Morse (D), incumbent U.S. Senator

Results

General election results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Bob Packwood	408,646	50.20%
	Democratic	Wayne Morse (incumbent)	405,353	49.80%
Total votes			813,999	100.00%
	Republican gain from Democratic

See also

• 1968 United States Senate elections