1920 United States Senate election in Colorado explained

Election Name:1920 United States Senate election in Colorado
Country:Colorado
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1914 United States Senate election in Colorado
Previous Year:1914
Next Election:1924 United States Senate special election in Colorado
Next Year:1924 (special)
Election Date:November 2, 1920
Image1:File:Samuel Danford Nicholson.jpg
Nominee1:Samuel D. Nicholson
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:157,577
Percentage1:54.52%
Nominee2:Tully Scott
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:112,890
Percentage2:39.31%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Charles S. Thomas
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Samuel D. Nicholson
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 1920 United States Senate election in Colorado took place on November 2, 1920. Incumbent Democratic Senator Charles S. Thomas initially declined to run for re-election, and State Supreme Court Justice Tully Scott won the Democratic nomination to succeed him, facing off against former Leadville Mayor Samuel D. Nicholson, the Republican nominee. However, in October 1920, Thomas announced that he would run for re-election as the nominee of the National Party.[1] However, Thomas's decision did not ultimately affect the outcome of the election. Aided by Republican presidential nominee Warren G. Harding's strong performance in the state, as well as Republican Governor Oliver Henry Shoup's landslide re-election, Nicholson defeated Tully and Thomas in a landslide. Out of four candidates, Thomas placed fourth, winning just 3% of the vote and finishing behind Farmer–Labor nominee G. F. Stevens.

Nicholson did not end up serving for the entire six-year term for which he was elected; he died in office on March 24, 1923, triggering a special election in 1924.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

General election

Results

Notes and References

  1. News: October 13, 1920. Says Thomas Cannot Expect Democratic Support. Leadville Herald Democrat. Leadville, Colorado. 1. July 3, 2022.
  2. News: October 20, 1920. Democratic Candidates Meet with Enthusiastic Crows in All Parts of Routt County. Steamboat Pilot. Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 1. July 3, 2022.
  3. News: September 3, 1920. Vote for William C. Danks. Eagle Valley Enterprise. Eagle, Colorado. 1. July 3, 2022.