1938 United States Senate elections explained

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate elections
Country:	United States
Flag Year:	1912
Type:	legislative
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1936 United States Senate elections
Previous Year:	1936
Outgoing Members:	1937 (AR)
Next Election:	1940 United States Senate elections
Next Year:	1940
Seats For Election:	35 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
Majority Seats:	49
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
1Blank:	Seats up
2Blank:	Races won
Party1:	Democratic Party (US)
Image1:	AlbenBarkley.jpg
Leader1:	Alben Barkley
Leader Since1:	July 22, 1937
Leaders Seat1:	Kentucky
Seats Before1:	77
Seats After1:	69
Seat Change1:	8
1Data1:	32
2Data1:	24
Party2:	Republican Party (US)
Leader2:	Charles McNary
Leader Since2:	March 4, 1933
Leaders Seat2:	Oregon
Seats Before2:	15
Seats After2:	23
Seat Change2:	8
1Data2:	3
2Data2:	11
Party4:	Farmer–Labor Party (US)
Seats Before4:	2
Seats After4:	2
1Data4:	0
2Data4:	0
Party5:	Wisconsin Progressive Party
Seats Before5:	1
Seats After5:	1
1Data5:	0
2Data5:	0
Party7:	Independent
Seats Before7:	1
Seats After7:	1
1Data7:	0
2Data7:	0
Map Size:	320px
Majority Leader
Before Election:	Alben Barkley
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	Alben Barkley
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

The 1938 United States Senate elections occurred in the middle of Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans gained eight seats from the Democrats, though this occurred after multiple Democratic gains since the 1932 election, leading to the Democrats retaining a commanding lead over the Republicans with more than two-thirds of the legislative chamber.

A contemporary account^[1] cited a number of reasons for the losses suffered by the Democrats. The Recession of 1937 had continued into the first half of 1938, and had arguably weakened public confidence in the administration's New Deal economic policies, along with controversy over the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 (Roosevelt's "court-packing" plan).

There were, in addition, strains between the more liberal New Deal supporters and the conservative wing of the Democratic party centered in the Southern states, which were exacerbated by an effort led by President Roosevelt to target certain conservative senators for defeat in Democratic primaries, including Walter George of Georgia, Millard Tydings of Maryland, Robert Rice Reynolds of North Carolina, and Ellison Smith of South Carolina. While a number of New Deal supporters won primary elections, such as Alben Barkley in Kentucky, who defeated Governor Happy Chandler, James P. Pope of Idaho, a prominent New Deal supporter, lost his bid for re-nomination, as did California's William McAdoo — though McAdoo's Democratic opponent, Sheridan Downey, had campaigned as a liberal New Dealer on many issues who would also do more to improve pension plans.^[2]

President Franklin D. Roosevelt had faced opposition from conservative Democrats and the Republicans in Congress since the beginning of his presidency. Josiah Bailey, Edward R. Burke, Harry F. Byrd, James F. Byrnes, Walter F. George, Peter G. Gerry, Carter Glass, Pat Harrison, Rush Holt Sr., Kenneth McKellar, and Ellison D. Smith were the conservative Democratic senators that opposed Roosevelt's policies although Harrison, Burke, Byrnes, and McKellar had initially supported the First New Deal. Vice President John Nance Garner pushed for Roosevelt to support more conservative policies. The Republicans gained eight seats in the Senate while the Democrats maintained their majority. However, there were around twenty unreliable Democratic votes for Roosevelt which allowed conservatives to block some of his policies.^[3]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

One Democrat retired instead of seeking re-election, one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and election to a full term.

Defeats

Seven Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election. One Democrat sought election to a full term but lost in the primary election and one Democrat sought election to finish the unexpired term but lost in the primary election.

Death

One Democrat died on June 17, 1938, and his seat remained vacant until the election.

Post-election changes

Change in composition

Before the elections

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Key:	align=center D Democratic align=center FL Farmer–Labor align=center I Independent align=center P Progressive align=center R Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 75th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1938 or before January 3, 1939; ordered by election date.

State	Incumbent			Results	Candidates
	Senator	Party	Electoral history
Alabama (Class 3)	J. Lister Hill		Democratic	1938	Interim appointee elected April 26, 1938.	nowrap
New Jersey (Class 1)	John Milton		Democratic	1938		Interim appointee retired. Winner elected November 8, 1938. Republican gain.	nowrap
New York (Class 1)	Royal S. Copeland		Democratic	1922 1928 1934		Incumbent died June 17, 1938. Winner elected November 8, 1938. Democratic hold.	nowrap
Oregon (Class 3)	Alfred E. Reames		Democratic	1938		Interim appointee retired. Winner elected November 8, 1938. Republican gain. Winner did not run for the next term, however; see below.	nowrap
South Dakota (Class 3)	Herbert E. Hitchcock		Democratic	1936		Interim appointee retired. Winner elected November 8, 1938. Republican gain. Winner did not run for the next term, however; see below.	nowrap
Tennessee (Class 2)	George L. Berry		Democratic	1937		Interim appointee lost nomination to finish the term. Winner elected November 8, 1938. Democratic hold. Winner delayed his term until January 16, 1939, to finish his term as district attorney.	nowrap

Races leading to the 76th Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1939; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 3 seats.

State	Incumbent			Results	Candidates
	Senator	Party	Electoral history
Alabama	J. Lister Hill		Democratic	1938 1938	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Arizona	Carl Hayden		Democratic	1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Arkansas	Hattie Caraway		Democratic	1931 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
California	William Gibbs McAdoo		Democratic	1932		Incumbent lost renomination. New senator elected. Democratic hold. Incumbent then resigned and Thomas M. Storke (D) was appointed to finish the term.	nowrap
Colorado	Alva B. Adams		Democratic	1923 1924 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Connecticut	Augustine Lonergan		Democratic	1932		Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap
Florida	Claude Pepper		Democratic	1936	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Georgia	Walter F. George		Democratic	1922 1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Idaho	James P. Pope		Democratic	1932		Incumbent lost renomination. New senator elected. Democratic hold.	nowrap
Illinois	William H. Dieterich		Democratic	1932		Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic hold.	nowrap
Indiana	Frederick Van Nuys		Democratic	1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Iowa	Guy Gillette		Democratic	1936	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Kansas	George McGill		Democratic	1930 1932		Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap
Kentucky	Alben W. Barkley		Democratic	1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Louisiana	John H. Overton		Democratic	1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Maryland	Millard Tydings		Democratic	1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Missouri	Bennett Champ Clark		Democratic	1932 1933	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Nevada	Pat McCarran		Democratic	1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
New Hampshire	Fred H. Brown		Democratic	1932		Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap
New York	Robert F. Wagner		Democratic	1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
North Carolina	Robert R. Reynolds		Democratic	1932 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
North Dakota	Gerald Nye		Republican	1925 1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Ohio	Robert J. Bulkley		Democratic	1930 1932		Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap
Oklahoma	Elmer Thomas		Democratic	1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Oregon	Alfred E. Reames		Democratic	1938		Interim appointee retired. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap
Pennsylvania	James J. Davis		Republican	1930 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
South Carolina	Ellison D. Smith		Democratic	1909 1914 1920 1926 1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
South Dakota	Herbert E. Hitchcock		Democratic	1936		Interim appointee lost nomination to next term. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap
Utah	Elbert D. Thomas		Democratic	1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Vermont	Ernest W. Gibson		Republican	1933 1934	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Washington	Homer Bone		Democratic	1932	Incumbent re-elected.	nowrap
Wisconsin	F. Ryan Duffy		Democratic	1932		Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Republican gain.	nowrap

Closest races

Thirteen races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State	Party of winner	Margin
Indiana	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	0.3%
Iowa	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	0.3%
Connecticut	data-sort-value=-0.5	Republican (flip)	2.9%
Illinois	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	3.0%
South Dakota	data-sort-value=-0.5	Republican (flip)	5.0%
Ohio	data-sort-value=-0.5	Republican (flip)	7.2%
New Jersey	data-sort-value=-0.5	Republican (flip)	7.3%
North Dakota	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	7.5%
New Hampshire	data-sort-value=-0.5	Republican (flip)	8.4%
New York	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	9.5%
California	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	9.7%
Idaho	data-sort-value=-0.5	Democratic	9.8%
Oregon	data-sort-value=-0.5	Republican (flip)	9.8%

There is no tipping point state.

Alabama

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Alabama.

See also: List of United States senators from Alabama.

There were 2 elections due to the August 19, 1937, resignation of two-term Democrat Hugo Black. Democrat Dixie Bibb Graves was appointed August 20, 1937 (by her husband, the governor) to finish Black's term.

Alabama (special)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate Democratic primary special election in Alabama
Country:	Alabama
Flag Year:	1912
Type:	Presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Alabama
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1938 United States Senate election in Alabama
Next Year:	1938 (regular)
Election Date:	January 4, 1938
Image1:	Listerhill (1) (retouched).jpg
Nominee1:	Lister Hill
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	90,601
Percentage1:	61.81%
Nominee2:	James Thomas Heflin
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	50,189
Percentage2:	34.24%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Dixie Bibb Graves
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	J. Lister Hill
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

After congressman J. Lister Hill won the January 4, 1938, Democratic primary, Graves resigned and Hill was appointed to continue the term until the April 26, 1938, special election, which he won unopposed.

Hill was then easily re-elected in November to the next term.

Alabama (regular)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate Election in Alabama
Country:	Alabama
Flag Year:	1912
Type:	Presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1938 United States Senate special election in Alabama
Previous Year:	1938 (special)
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Alabama
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Listerhill (1) (retouched).jpg
Nominee1:	Lister Hill
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	113,413
Percentage1:	86.38%
Nominee2:	J. M. Pennington
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	17,885
Percentage2:	13.62%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	J. Lister Hill
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	J. Lister Hill
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

Arizona

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Arizona
Country:	Arizona
Type:	Presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Arizona
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Arizona
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Nominee1:	Carl Hayden
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	82,714
Percentage1:	76.52%
Nominee2:	Burt H. Clingan
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	25,378
Percentage2:	23.48%
Map Size:	210px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Carl Hayden
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Carl Hayden
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Arizona.

See also: List of United States senators from Arizona. Incumbent Democrat Carl Hayden was re-elected to a third term, defeating Republican nominee Burt H. Clingan, chairman of the Arizona Industrial Commission, in the general election.

In contrast to previous elections, Hayden was easily reelected, receiving only token opposition from a relatively unknown Republican challenger.

Arkansas

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Arkansas.

See also: List of United States senators from Arkansas.

Election Name:	1938 U.S. Senate election in Arkansas
Country:	Arkansas
Flag Year:	1924
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Arkansas
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Arkansas
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:Senator hcaraway.jpg
Nominee1:	Hattie Caraway
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	122,883
Percentage1:	89.58%
Nominee2:	C. D. Atkinson
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	14,290
Percentage2:	10.42%
Map Size:	210px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Hattie Caraway
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Hattie Caraway
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

California

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in California
Country:	California
Flag Image:	Flag of California (1924–1953).png
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in California
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in California
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Washington, D.C., November 21, 1939 - A new informal photograph of Senator Sheridan Downey of California LCCN2016876632 (cropped).tif
Nominee1:	Sheridan Downey
Party1:	Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	1,372,314
Percentage1:	54.43%
Nominee2:	Philip Bancroft
Party2:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:	1,126,240
Percentage2:	44.67%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in California.

See also: List of United States senators from California.

Colorado

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Colorado
Country:	Colorado
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate elections in Colorado
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1942 United States Senate special election in Colorado
Next Year:	1942 (special)
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Alva B. Adams cph.3b20175.jpg
Nominee1:	Alva B. Adams
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	262,806
Percentage1:	58.24%
Nominee2:	Archibald A. Lee
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	181,297
Percentage2:	40.18%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Alva B. Adams
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Alva B. Adams
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Colorado.

See also: List of United States senators from Colorado.

Connecticut

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Connecticut
Country:	Connecticut
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Connecticut
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Connecticut
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:John A. Danaher.jpg
Nominee1:	John A. Danaher
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	270,413
Percentage1:	42.89%
Nominee2:	Augustine Lonergan
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Alliance2:	Union Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	252,426
Percentage2:	40.04%
Image3:	File:3x4.svg
Nominee3:	Bellani Trombley
Party3:	Socialist Party (United States)
Popular Vote3:	99,282
Percentage3:	15.75%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Augustine Lonergan
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	John A. Danaher
After Party:	Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Connecticut.

See also: List of United States senators from Connecticut.

Florida

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Florida
Country:	Florida
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1936 United States Senate special election in Florida
Previous Year:	1936 (special)
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Florida
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Portrait of U.S. Senator Claude Pepper, ca. 1940.jpg
Nominee1:	Claude Pepper
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	145,757
Percentage1:	82.45%
Nominee2:	Thomas E. Swanson
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	31,035
Percentage2:	17.55%
Map Size:	x300px
Senator
Before Election:	Claude Pepper
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Claude Pepper
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See also: List of United States senators from Florida.

Georgia

Election Name:	1938 U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Georgia
Country:	Georgia (U.S. state)
Flag Year:	1920
Type:	Presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Georgia
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Georgia
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	September 14, 1938
Image1:	File:Sen. Walter F. George (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Walter F. George
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	141,235
Percentage1:	43.96%
Electoral Vote1:	242
Nominee2:	Eugene Talmadge
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	103,075
Percentage2:	32.08%
Electoral Vote2:	148
Image3:	File:3x4.svg
Nominee3:	Lawrence Camp
Party3:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote3:	122,152
Percentage3:	19.69%
Electoral Vote3:	20
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Walter F. George
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Walter F. George
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Georgia.

See also: List of United States senators from Georgia.

Idaho

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Idaho
Country:	Idaho
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Idaho
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Idaho
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:D Worth Clark.jpg
Nominee1:	D. Worth Clark
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	99,801
Percentage1:	54.66%
Nominee2:	Donald A. Callahan
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	81,939
Percentage2:	44.88%
Map Size:	200px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	D. Worth Clark
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	D. Worth Clark
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See also: List of United States senators from Idaho.

Illinois

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Illinois
Country:	Illinois
Flag Year:	1915
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Illinois
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Illinois
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	ScottWikeLucas (1).jpg
Nominee1:	Scott W. Lucas
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	1,638,162
Percentage1:	51.32%
Nominee2:	Richard J. Lyons
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	1,542,574
Percentage2:	48.33%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. senator
Before Election:	William H. Dieterich
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Scott W. Lucas
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Illinois.

See also: List of United States senators from Illinois. Incumbent Democrat William H. Dieterich retired, making this an open-seat.

Indiana

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Indiana
Country:	Indiana
Type:	Presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Indiana
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Indiana
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Nominee1:	Frederick Van Nuys
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	788,386
Percentage1:	49.85%
Nominee2:	Raymond E. Willis
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	783,189
Percentage2:	49.52%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Frederick Van Nuys
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Frederick Van Nuys
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Indiana.

See also: List of United States senators from Indiana.

Iowa

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Iowa
Country:	Iowa
Flag Image:	Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1936 United States Senate special election in Iowa
Previous Year:	1936 (special)
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Iowa
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Nominee1:	Guy M. Gillette
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	413,788
Percentage1:	49.74%
Nominee2:	Lester J. Dickinson
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	410,983
Percentage2:	49.41%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Guy M. Gillette
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Guy M. Gillette
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Iowa.

See also: List of United States senators from Iowa.

Kansas

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Kansas
Country:	Kansas
Flag Year:	1927
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Kansas
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Kansas
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:ClydeMartinReed.jpg
Nominee1:	Clyde M. Reed
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	419,532
Percentage1:	56.21%
Nominee2:	George McGill
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	326,774
Percentage2:	43.78%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	George McGill
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Clyde M. Reed
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See also: List of United States senators from Kansas. This is the last time that a Senator from Kansas lost re-election. Republicans have not lost a Senate election in the state since.

Kentucky

Election Name:	Kentucky election
Country:	Kentucky
Flag Image:	Flag of Kentucky (1918-1963).svg
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	AlbenBarkley.jpg
Nominee1:	Alben W. Barkley
Party1:	Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	346,735
Percentage1:	62.03%
Nominee2:	John P. Haswell
Party2:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:	212,266
Percentage2:	37.97%
Map Size:	300px
U.S. senator
Before Election:	Alben W. Barkley
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	Alben W. Barkley
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Kentucky.

See also: List of United States senators from Kentucky.

Louisiana

See also: List of United States senators from Louisiana.

Maryland

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Maryland
Country:	Maryland
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Maryland
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Maryland
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:Millardetydings.jpg
Nominee1:	Millard Tydings
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	357,245
Percentage1:	68.28%
Nominee2:	Oscar Leser
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	153,253
Percentage2:	29.29%
Map Size:	275px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Millard Tydings
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Millard Tydings
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Maryland.

See also: List of United States senators from Maryland.

Missouri

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Missouri
Country:	Missouri
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Missouri
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Missouri
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Bennet Champ Clark.jpg
Nominee1:	Bennett Champ Clark
Party1:	Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	757,587
Percentage1:	60.69%
Nominee2:	Henry S. Caulfield
Party2:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:	488,687
Percentage2:	39.15%
Map Size:	270px
U.S. senator
Before Election:	Bennett Champ Clark
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	Bennett Champ Clark
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Missouri.

See also: List of United States senators from Missouri.

Nevada

See also: List of United States senators from Nevada.

New Hampshire

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Country:	New Hampshire
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:US SENATOR CHARLES TOBEY DIES OF A HEART ATTACK WASHINGTON 1953 Photo Y 324 (4x5).jpg
Nominee1:	Charles W. Tobey
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	100,633
Percentage1:	54.23%
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	84,920
Percentage2:	45.77%
Map Size:	250px
Senator
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Party:	Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in New Hampshire.

See also: List of United States senators from New Hampshire.

New Jersey (special)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Country:	New Jersey
Flag Year:	1896
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1934 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Previous Year:	1934
Next Election:	1940 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Next Year:	1940
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	William Warren Barbour.jpg
Nominee1:	William Warren Barbour
Party1:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	816,667
Percentage1:	52.98%
Party2:	Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:	704,159
Percentage2:	45.68%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. senator
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Party:	Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate special election in New Jersey.

See also: List of United States senators from New Jersey.

New York

See also: List of United States senators from New York. There were 2 elections due to the June 17, 1938, death of three-term Democrat Royal S. Copeland.

New York (regular)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in New York
Country:	New York
Flag Image:	Flag of New York (1909–2020).svg
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in New York
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in New York
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Robert F. Wagner.jpg
Nominee1:	Robert F. Wagner
Party1:	Democratic Party (US)
Alliance1:	American Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	2,497,029
Percentage1:	54.48%
Nominee2:	John Lord O'Brian
Party2:	Republican Party (US)
Alliance2:	Independent Progressive
Popular Vote2:	2,058,615
Percentage2:	44.92%
Map Size:	270px
Senator
Before Election:	Robert F. Wagner
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	Robert F. Wagner
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in New York. New York Republicans nominated John Lord O'Brian for the U.S. Senate.^[4] Democrats re-nominated the incumbent Wagner.^[5] The American Labor party endorsed Wagner.^[6]

New York (special)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate special election in New York
Country:	New York
Flag Image:	Flag of New York (1901-2020).svg
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1934 United States Senate election in New York
Previous Year:	1934
Next Election:	1940 United States Senate election in New York
Next Year:	1940
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:JamesMMead.jpg
Nominee1:	James M. Mead
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Alliance1:	American Labor Party
Popular Vote1:	2,438,904
Percentage1:	53.93%
Nominee2:	Edward F. Corsi
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Alliance2:	Ind. Progressive
Popular Vote2:	2,083,666
Percentage2:	46.08%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Vacant
After Election:	James M. Mead
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
Map Size:	270px

See main article: 1938 United States Senate special election in New York. New York Republicans nominated Edward Corsi for the short term to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Royal S. Copeland. Democrats nominated James M. Mead. The American Labor party endorsed Mead.

North Carolina

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in North Carolina.

See also: List of United States senators from North Carolina.

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Country:	North Carolina
Type:	Presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 7, 1938
Flag Year:	1885
Image1:	File:Robert Rice Reynolds.jpg
Nominee1:	Robert R. Reynolds
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	316,685
Percentage1:	63.83%
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	179,461
Percentage2:	36.17%
Map Size:	325px
Senator
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

North Dakota

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Country:	North Dakota
Flag Year:	1914
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Nominee1:	Gerald Nye
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	131,907
Percentage1:	50.12%
Nominee2:	William Langer
Party2:	Independent (politician)
Popular Vote2:	65,612
Percentage2:	42.56%
Nominee3:	J. J. Nygaard
Party3:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote3:	19,244
Percentage3:	7.31%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Gerald Nye
Before Party:	Republican Party (United States)
After Election:	Gerald Nye
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in North Dakota.

See also: List of United States senators from North Dakota.

Ohio

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Ohio
Country:	Ohio
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Ohio
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Ohio
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Robert Taft 1939 stands at microphone (cropped) (3x4).jpg
Nominee1:	Robert A. Taft
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	1,255,414
Percentage1:	53.62%
Nominee2:	Robert J. Bulkley
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	1,085,792
Percentage2:	46.38%
Map Size:	200px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Robert J. Bulkley
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Robert A. Taft
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Ohio.

See also: List of United States senators from Ohio.

Oklahoma

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Oklahoma.

See also: List of United States senators from Oklahoma.

Oregon

See also: List of United States senators from Oregon. There were 2 elections for the same seat, due to the January 31, 1938, resignation of two-term Republican Frederick Steiwer. Democratic businessman Alfred E. Reames was appointed February 1, 1938, to continue the term, pending a special election, but he did not run in either the special or the general elections.

Oregon (special)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate special election in Oregon
Country:	Oregon
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Oregon
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1938 United States Senate election in Oregon
Next Year:	1938 (regular)
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:Alexander Grant Barry.jpg
Nominee1:	Alexander G. Barry
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	180,815
Percentage1:	54.20%
Nominee2:	Robert A. Miller
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	152,773
Percentage2:	45.80%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Alfred E. Reames
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Guy Cordon
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

Republican Alexander G. Barry was elected to finish the term, but was not a candidate for the next term.

Oregon (regular)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Oregon
Country:	Oregon
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1938 United States Senate special election in Oregon
Previous Year:	1938 (special)
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Oregon
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:Senator Rufus C. Holman of Oregon. Washington, D.C., March 12, 1940 A new informal picture of Senator Rufus C. Holman, Republican or Oregon LCCN2016877258 (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Rufus C. Holman
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	203,120
Percentage1:	54.86%
Nominee2:	Willis Mahoney
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	167,135
Percentage2:	45.14%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Alfred Reames
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Rufus C. Holman
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

Pennsylvania

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania
Country:	Pennsylvania
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	Jjdavis.jpg
Nominee1:	James J. Davis
Party1:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	2,086,931
Percentage1:	54.70%
Nominee2:	George Howard Earle III
Party2:	Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:	1,694,367
Percentage2:	44.41%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	James J. Davis
Before Party:	Republican Party (US)
After Election:	James J. Davis
After Party:	Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania.

See also: List of United States senators from Pennsylvania.

South Carolina

Election Name:	1938 Democratic Senate primary election in South Carolina
Country:	South Carolina
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in South Carolina
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in South Carolina
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	August 30, 1938
Image1:	Senator Ellison DuRant Smith.jpg
Nominee1:	Ellison D. Smith
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	186,579
Percentage1:	55.36%
Nominee2:	Olin D. Johnston
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	150,437
Percentage2:	44.64%
Map Size:	230px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Ellison D. Smith
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Ellison D. Smith
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in South Carolina.

See also: List of United States senators from South Carolina.

South Dakota

See also: List of United States senators from South Dakota. There were 2 elections for the same seat due to the December 20, 1936, death of three-term Republican Peter Norbeck. Democrat Herbert Hitchcock was appointed December 29, 1936, to continue the term, pending a special election.

South Dakota (special)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate special election in South Dakota
Country:	South Dakota
Flag Year:	1909
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:Gladys Pyle.jpg
Nominee1:	Gladys Pyle
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	155,292
Percentage1:	58.06%
Nominee2:	John T. McCullen
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	112,177
Percentage2:	41.94%
Map Size:	240px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Herbert E. Hitchcock
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Gladys Pyle
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate elections in South Dakota.

South Dakota (regular)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Country:	South Dakota
Flag Year:	1909
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	John Chandler Gurney.jpg
Nominee1:	Chan Gurney
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	146,813
Percentage1:	52.46%
Nominee2:	Tom Berry
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	133,064
Percentage2:	47.54%
Map Size:	240px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Herbert E. Hitchcock
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Chan Gurney
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate elections in South Dakota.

Hitchcock lost the Democratic May 3, 1938, primary for the next term to Governor of South Dakota Tom Berry.^[7]

Tennessee (special)

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate special election in Tennessee
Country:	Tennessee
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1936 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Previous Year:	1936
Next Election:	1942 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Next Year:	1942
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Image1:	File:Arthur Thomas Stewart (1892–1972) - S000901.jpg
Nominee1:	Tom Stewart
Party1:	Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	194,028
Percentage1:	70.50%
Nominee2:	Harvey G. Fowler
Party2:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:	72,098
Percentage2:	26.20%
Senator
Before Election:	George L. Berry
Before Party:	Democratic Party (US)
After Election:	Tom Stewart
After Party:	Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate special election in Tennessee.

See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee.

Utah

See also: List of United States senators from Utah.

Vermont

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Vernibt
Country:	Vermont
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1934 United States Senate special election in Vermont
Previous Year:	1934
Next Election:	1940 United States Senate special election in Vermont
Next Year:	1940
Image1:	Ernest W. Gibson, Vermont LCCN2016848430 (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:	Ernest W. Gibson Sr.
Party1:	Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:	73,990
Percentage1:	65.7%
Party2:	Democratic Party (US)
Nominee2:	John McGrath
Popular Vote2:	38,673
Percentage2:	34.3%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Ernest W. Gibson Sr.
Before Party:	Republican Party (US)
After Election:	Ernest W. Gibson Sr.
After Party:	Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Vermont.

See also: List of United States senators from Vermont.

Washington

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Washington
Country:	Washington
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	no
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Washington
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Washington
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Nominee1:	Homer Bone
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	371,535
Percentage1:	62.62%
Nominee2:	Ewing D. Colvin
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	220,204
Percentage2:	37.12%
Map Size:	275px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	Homer Bone
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Homer Bone
After Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Washington.

See also: List of United States senators from Washington.

Wisconsin

Election Name:	1938 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Country:	Wisconsin
Flag Year:	1913
Type:	presidential
Ongoing:	Yes
Previous Election:	1932 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Previous Year:	1932
Next Election:	1944 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Next Year:	1944
Election Date:	November 8, 1938
Nominee1:	Alexander Wiley
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	446,770
Percentage1:	47.66%
Nominee2:	Herman L. Ekern
Party2:	Wisconsin Progressive Party
Popular Vote2:	249,209
Percentage2:	26.58%
Nominee3:	F. Ryan Duffy
Party3:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote3:	231,976
Percentage3:	24.74%
Map Size:	250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:	F. Ryan Duffy
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:	Alexander Wiley
After Party:	Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1938 United States Senate election in Wisconsin.

See also: List of United States senators from Wisconsin.

Further reading

• Dunn, Susan. Roosevelt's Purge: How FDR Fought to Change the Democratic Party (2010) excerpt and text search
• Hixson, Walter L. "The 1938 Kentucky Senate Election: Alben W. Barkley, "Happy" Chandler, and The New Deal." Register of the Kentucky Historical Society (1982): 309–329. in JSTOR
• Plesur, Milton. "The Republican Congressional Comeback of 1938", Review of Politics Vol. 24, No. 4 (October 1962), pp. 525–562 in JSTOR
• Official New York result: LEHMAN PLURALITY OFFICIALLY 64,394; State Board Puts His Vote Finally at 2,391,286, With 2,326,892 for Dewey LABOR'S POLL AT 419,979 Blank, Void and Scattered Ballots Totaled 75,047; Poletti Won by 229,361 in NYT on December 8, 1938 (subscription required)

See also

• 1938 United States elections
  • 1938 United States gubernatorial elections
  • 1938 United States House of Representatives elections
• 75th United States Congress
• 76th United States Congress

Notes and References

1. Book: 1939 Britannica Book of the Year, "Democratic Party" . 205–206.
2. Book: LIFE . Time Inc . 1994 . 13 . 978-0-88682-602-4 . 0024-3019 . October 5, 2014 . registration.
3. Book: Murphy, Paul . 1974 . Political Parties In American History, Volume 3, 1890-present . G. P. Putnam's Sons.
4. Web site: Hagerty . James A. . September 30, 1938 . DEWEY NOMINATED BY REPUBLICANS; ATTACKES TAMMANY; CHOICE BY ACCLAMATION Dewey Defends Decision to Run Points to Prosecuting Staff HAILED IN OVATION Prosecutor Promises to Rid State of 'Corruption' in 'Bigger Job' O'Brian and Corsi Nominated for Senate--A. V. McDermott for Attorney General DEWEY NOMINATED BY REPUBLICANS Republican Mayor Gets Bid to Inauguration Delay in Completing Ticket Criticizes Farm Legislation Politics the Biggest Racket . July 15, 2019 . The New York Times . en-US.
5. Web site: Times . Warren Moscowspecial To the New York . October 1, 1938 . LEHMAN IS DRAFTED FOR FOURTH TERM; HE ATTACKS DEWEY; POLETTI ON TICKET Yielding to Pleas to Run, Governor Insists on Justice as Aide CALLS RIVAL UNQUALIFIED Rochester Platform Hits Republican's Crime Issue--Wagner, Mead Are Nominated Calls Dewey Inexperienced Dewey Crime Speech a Factor LEHMAN DRAFTED FOR FOURTH TERM Platform Strong for New Deal La Guardia a Meed Champion Farley Predicts a Big Victory Hailed as . July 16, 2019 . The New York Times . en-US.
6. Web site: Hagerty . James A. . October 4, 1938 . LABORITES NAME LEHMAN WAGNER; ADOPT PLATFORM; OVATION FOR BOTH Governor, Accepting, Stresses Policy of Law Enforcement POLETTI ALSO NOMINATED Endorsement Efforts Fall Wagner Cites Record La Guardia is Acclaimed as He Urges Candidates Friendly to Roosevelt LABORITIES NAME LEHMAN, WAGNER Yields to Dubinsky Lehman Is Acclaimed Hillman Offers Wagner's Name Vladeck in Seconding Speech . July 16, 2019 . The New York Times . en-US.
7. Web site: Our Campaigns - SD US Senate - D Primary Race - May 03, 1938 . 2020-07-17 . www.ourcampaigns.com.