1964 United States Senate elections explained

Election Name:1964 United States Senate elections
Country:United States
Type:legislative
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1962 United States Senate elections
Previous Year:1962
Next Election:1966 United States Senate elections
Next Year:1966
Majority Seats:51
Election Date:November 3, 1964
1Blank:Seats up
2Blank:Races won
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Image1:Mike mansfield cropped.jpg
Leader Since1:January 3, 1961
Seats Before1:66
Seats After1:68
Seat Change1: 2
Popular Vote1:30,786,035
Percentage1:56.2%
1Data1:26
2Data1:28
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Leader Since2:January 3, 1959
Seats Before2:34
Seats After2:32
Seat Change2: 2
Popular Vote2:23,171,991
Percentage2:42.3%
1Data2:9
2Data2:7
Map Size:320px
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

The 1964 United States Senate elections were held on November 3. The 33 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections. Special elections were also held to fill vacancies. They coincided with the election of President Lyndon B. Johnson by an overwhelming majority, to a full term. His Democratic Party picked up a net two seats from the Republicans., this was the last time either party has had a two-thirds majority in the Senate, which allowed the Senate Democrats to override a veto, propose constitutional amendments, or convict and expel certain officials without any votes from Senate Republicans. However, internal divisions would have prevented the Democrats from having done so. The Senate election cycle coincided with Democratic gains in the House in the same year.

In a close race in Nevada, Democratic incumbent Howard Cannon won re-election over Republican Lieutenant Governor Paul Laxalt by fewer than 100 votes. Laxalt joined Cannon in the Senate when he won Nevada's other seat in 1974. Patrick V. McNamara (D–Michigan) later died on April 30, 1966, and was replaced on May 11, 1966, by appointee Robert P. Griffin (R), reducing Democrats' majority to 67–33.

Notably, of the 35 seats up for election this year, 26 were held by Democrats, who managed to retain 25 of them. A party defending two-thirds of the seats up for election would not make net gains in the Senate again until 2012. Coincidentally, it would be the same Senate class, class 1. This is the earliest round of Senate elections in which a first-elected member is still alive (Fred Harris, D-OK).

Results summary

6832
DemocraticRepublican
PartiesTotal
DemocraticRepublicanOther
Last elections (1962)67330100
Before these elections66340100
Not up4025065
Up26935
<-- Gap for "Up"-->24933
202
Incumbent retired112
112
000
Result1102
Incumbent ran25833
23528
3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats<--MD, NM, NY-->
1 Democrat replaced by 1 Republican
4
101
Result276033
Total elected287035
Net gain/loss222
Nationwide vote30,786,03523,171,991848,08254,806,108
Share56.17%42.28%1.55%100%
Result68320100

Source:[1]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

One Republican did not seek re-election and one Democrat did not seek election to finish an unexpired term.

Defeats

One Democrat sought election to finish the unexpired term but lost in the primary election. One Democrat sought election to a full term but lost in the general election. One Republican sought election to finish the unexpired term and sought election to a full term but lost in both the special election and the regular election. Two Republicans sought re-election but lost in the general election.

Post-election changes

One Democrat died on April 30, 1966, and was replaced on May 11, 1966, by a Republican appointee. Another Democrat died on April 18, 1965, and was replaced by a fellow Democrat. Another Democrat resigned on November 10, 1965, for health reasons and was replaced by a fellow Democrat.

Change in composition

Before the elections

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Race summary

Special elections during the 88th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1964 or before January 3, 1965; ordered by election date, then state.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
New Mexico
(Class 1)
Republican1962 Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Winner also elected to the next term, see below.
nowrap
Oklahoma
(Class 2)
Democraticdata-sort-value="1963-01-07" 1963 Appointee lost nomination to finish term.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
nowrap
Tennessee
(Class 2)
Democraticdata-sort-value="1963-08-20" 1963 Appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
nowrap

Elections leading to the next Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1965; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 1 seats.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
ArizonaRepublican1952
1958
Incumbent retired to run for President of the United States.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
CaliforniaDemocratic1964 Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Incumbent resigned December 31, 1964, to give successor preferential seniority.
Winner seated January 1, 1965.
nowrap
ConnecticutDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
DelawareRepublican1946
1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
FloridaDemocratic1946
1946
1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
HawaiiRepublican1959Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
IndianaDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MaineDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MarylandRepublican1952
1958
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
MassachusettsDemocratic1962 Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MichiganDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MinnesotaDFL1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MississippiDemocratic1947
1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MissouriDemocratic1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MontanaDemocratic1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
NebraskaRepublican1954
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
NevadaDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
New JerseyDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
New MexicoRepublican1962 Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Winner was also elected to finish the term, see above.
nowrap
New YorkRepublican1958Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
North DakotaDemocratic-NPL1960 Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
OhioDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
PennsylvaniaRepublican1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
Rhode IslandDemocratic1950
1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
TennesseeDemocratic1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
TexasDemocratic1957
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
UtahDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
VermontRepublican1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
VirginiaDemocratic1933
1933
1934
1940
1946
1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
WashingtonDemocratic1952
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
West VirginiaDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
WisconsinDemocratic1957
1958
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
WyomingDemocratic1958Incumbent re-elected.nowrap

Closest races

Fifteen races had a margin of victory under 10%:

StateParty of winnerMargin
Nevadadata-sort-value=1 Democratic0.04%
Ohiodata-sort-value=1 Democratic0.4%
Pennsylvaniadata-sort-value=1 Republican1.5%
Oklahoma (special)data-sort-value=1 Democratic2.4%
Arizonadata-sort-value=1 Republican2.8%
Californiadata-sort-value=1 Republican (flip)3.4%
Delawaredata-sort-value=1 Republican2.4%
Tennessee (special)data-sort-value=1 Democratic4.7%
Hawaiidata-sort-value=1 Republican6.6%
Wisconsindata-sort-value=1 Democratic6.7%
Tennesseedata-sort-value=1 Democratic7.2%
Vermontdata-sort-value=1 Republican7.0%
Wyomingdata-sort-value=1 Democratic8.0%
Indianadata-sort-value=1 Democratic9.0%
New Mexicodata-sort-value=1 Democratic (flip)9.4%

Michigan is the tipping point state with a margin of 29.1%.

Arizona

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Arizona
Country:Arizona
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Arizona
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Arizona
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:Paul Fannin
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:241,089
Percentage1:51.43%
Nominee2:Roy Elson
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:227,712
Percentage2:48.57%
Map Size:210px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Barry Goldwater
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Paul Fannin
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Arizona.

See also: List of United States senators from Arizona. Incumbent Barry Goldwater decided not to run for re-election to a third term, instead running for President of the United States as the Republican Party nominee against Lyndon B. Johnson.[2] Governor of Arizona Paul Fannin ran unopposed in the Republican primary, and defeated Democratic nominee Roy Elson, who was a staff member for U.S. senator Carl Hayden until Hayden's retirement in 1969. Despite a landslide loss throughout the country, and Goldwater only able to obtain 50.45% of the vote in his home state of Arizona, Fannin managed to prevail in the state's Senate election. Goldwater would win the election for the other Senate seat in 1968 when Hayden retired from the post and serving two more terms.

California

Election Name:California election
Country:California
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in California
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in California
Next Year:1970
Image1:GeorgeMurphy.jpg
Nominee1:George Murphy
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:3,628,552
Percentage1:51.54%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:3,411,915
Percentage2:48.46%
Map Size:240px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in California.

See also: List of United States senators from California. Democratic incumbent Pierre Salinger, who had been appointed to the seat following the death of Senator Clair Engle three months earlier, was defeated in his bid for a full term by Republican candidate George Murphy, a retired actor.

Connecticut

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Connecticut
Country:Connecticut
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Connecticut
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Connecticut
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:Thomas J. Dodd
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:781,008
Percentage1:64.66%
Nominee2:John Davis Lodge
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:426,939
Percentage2:35.34%
Map Size:200px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Thomas J. Dodd
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Thomas J. Dodd
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Connecticut.

See also: List of United States senators from Connecticut. Democrat Thomas J. Dodd was re-elected and served a second term. John Davis Lodge, grandson of Henry Cabot Lodge was defeated by almost 30%.

Delaware

Election Name:Delaware election
Country:Delaware
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Delaware
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Delaware
Next Year:1970
Image1:JohnJWilliams.jpg
Nominee1:John J. Williams
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:103,782
Percentage1:51.71%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:96,850
Percentage2:48.26%
Map Size:200px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Delaware.

See also: List of United States senators from Delaware. Republican incumbent John J. Williams was reelected to a fourth term, defeating Democratic Governor Elbert N. Carvel.

Florida

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Florida
Country:Florida
Flag Year:1900
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Florida
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Florida
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Spessard Holland.JPG
Nominee1:Spessard Holland
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:997,585
Percentage1:63.93%
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:562,212
Percentage2:36.03%
U.S. Senator
Map Size:280px
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Florida.

See also: List of United States senators from Florida. Democratic incumbent Spessard Holland was reelected to a fourth term in a landslide, defeating the Republican candidate, future governor Claude R. Kirk Jr.

Hawaii

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Hawaii
Country:Hawaii
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1959 United States Senate elections in Hawaii
Previous Year:1959
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Hawaii
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:File:Hiram Fong.jpg
Nominee1:Hiram Fong
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:110,747
Percentage1:53.0%
Nominee2:Thomas Gill
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:96,789
Percentage2:46.4%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Hiram Fong
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Hiram Fong
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Hawaii.

See also: List of United States senators from Hawaii. Republican incumbent Hiram Fong was reelected to a second term, defeating Democratic Congressman Thomas Gill

Indiana

Election Name:Indiana election
Country:Indiana
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Indiana
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Indiana
Next Year:1970
Image1:Vance Hartke.jpg
Nominee1:Vance Hartke
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:1,128,505
Percentage1:54.33%
Nominee2:D. Russell Bontrager
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:941,519
Percentage2:45.33%
Map Size:200px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Indiana.

See also: List of United States senators from Indiana. Democratic incumbent Vance Hartke was reelected to a second term, defeating Republican State Senator Russell Bontrager.

Maine

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Maine
Country:Maine
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Maine
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Maine
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Edmund Muskie.jpg
Nominee1:Edmund Muskie
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:253,511
Percentage1:66.62%
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:127,040
Percentage2:33.38%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Maine.

See also: List of United States senators from Maine. Democratic incumbent Edmund Muskie was reelected to a second term, defeating Republican Congressman Clifford McIntire in a landslide.

Maryland

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Maryland.

See also: List of United States senators from Maryland.

Election Name:Maryland election
Country:Maryland
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Maryland
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Maryland
Next Year:1970
Image1:Joseph d tydings.jpg
Nominee1:Joseph Tydings
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:678,649
Percentage1:62.78%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:402,393
Percentage2:37.22%
Map Size:275px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

Republican incumbent J. Glenn Beall was defeated in his bid for a third term by Democratic candidate Joseph Tydings, the former United States Attorney for the District of Maryland and son of former Senator Millard Tydings.

Beall's own son, J. Glenn Beall Jr., would go on to defeat Tydings six years later.

Massachusetts

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
Country:Massachusetts
Flag Year:1908
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1962 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts
Previous Year:1962 (special)
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Edward Kennedy (11071886465).jpg
Nominee1:Ted Kennedy
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,716,907
Percentage1:74.26%
Nominee2:Howard J. Whitmore Jr.
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:587,663
Percentage2:25.42%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Ted Kennedy
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Ted Kennedy
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Massachusetts.

See also: List of United States senators from Massachusetts. Incumbent Democrat Ted Kennedy, who had won a special election two years earlier, defeated his challengers to win his second (his first full) Senate term. Much of the campaign-appearance burden on behalf of Ted Kennedy fell on his wife, Joan, because of Ted's serious back injury in a plane crash.

Candidates:

Michigan

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Michigan.

See also: List of United States senators from Michigan.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Michigan
Country:Michigan
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Michigan
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Michigan
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Philip Hart 1965.png
Nominee1:Philip Hart
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,996,912
Percentage1:64.38%
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,096,272
Percentage2:35.35%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Democratic incumbent Philip Hart was easily reelected to a second term over Republican challenger Elly M. Peterson.

Minnesota

Election Name:Minnesota election
Country:Minnesota
Flag Year:1957
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Next Year:1970
Image1:EugeneMcCarthy.jpg
Nominee1:Eugene McCarthy
Party1:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:931,363
Percentage1:60.34%
Party2:Republican Party (Minnesota)
Popular Vote2:605,933
Percentage2:39.26%
Map Size:250px
U.S. senator
Before Party:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
After Party:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Minnesota.

See also: List of United States senators from Minnesota. Incumbent Democrat Eugene McCarthy defeated Republican challenger Wheelock Whitney Jr. to win a second term.

Mississippi

Election Name:1964 U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Mississippi
Country:Mississippi
Flag Image:Flag of Mississippi (1894-1996).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Mississippi
Previous Year:1958
Election Date:June 2, 1964
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Mississippi
Next Year:1970
Image1:JohnCStennis.jpg
Nominee1:John C. Stennis
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:173,764
Percentage1:97.37%
Nominee2:Victoria Gray Adams
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:4,703
Percentage2:2.64%
Map Size:255px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:John C. Stennis
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:John C. Stennis
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Mississippi.

See also: List of United States senators from Mississippi. Democratic incumbent John C. Stennis was reelected virtually unopposed to a fourth term, even as Republican candidate Barry Goldwater carried Mississippi in the presidential election. Stennis received 97% of the vote in the Democratic primary and faced no Republican challenger in the general election.

Missouri

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Missouri.

See also: List of United States senators from Missouri.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Missouri
Country:Missouri
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Missouri
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Missouri
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:Stuart Symington
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,186,666
Percentage1:66.55%
Nominee2:Jean Paul Bradshaw
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:596,377
Percentage2:33.45%
Map Size:255px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Democratic incumbent Stuart Symington was reelected to a third term in a landslide, defeating Republican candidate Jean Paul Bradshaw.

Montana

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Montana
Country:Montana
Flag Year:1905
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Montana
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Montana
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Michael Joseph Mansfield.jpg
Nominee1:Mike Mansfield
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:180,643
Percentage1:64.51%
Nominee2:Alex Blewett
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:99,367
Percentage2:35.49%
Map Size:300px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Mike Mansfield
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Mike Mansfield
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Montana.

See also: List of United States senators from Montana. Incumbent Democrat Mike Mansfield, who was first elected to the Senate in 1952 and was re-elected in 1958, ran for re-election. Mansfield won the Democratic primary in a landslide, and advanced to the general election, where he faced Alex Blewett, the Majority Leader of the Montana House of Representatives and the Republican nominee. Though Mansfield's margin was significantly reduced from 1958, he still overwhelmingly defeated Blewett and won his third term in the Senate.

Nebraska

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Country:Nebraska
Flag Year:1925
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:Roman Hruska
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:345,772
Percentage1:61.37%
Nominee2:Raymond W. Arndt
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:217,605
Percentage2:38.62%
Map Size:300px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Nebraska.

See also: List of United States senators from Nebraska. Republican incumbent Roman Hruska was reelected in a landslide over Democratic challenger Raymond Arndt.

Nevada

Election Name:Nevada election
Country:Nevada
Flag Year:1929
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Nevada
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Nevada
Next Year:1970
Image1:Howard Cannon.jpg
Nominee1:Howard Cannon
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:67,336
Percentage1:50.02%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:67,288
Percentage2:49.98%
Map Size:200px
U.S. senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Nevada.

See also: List of United States senators from Nevada. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Howard Cannon won re-election to a second term by a razor-thin margin of only 48 votes over Republican Lieutenant Governor Paul Laxalt.

New Jersey

Election Name:New Jersey election
Country:New Jersey
Flag Year:1896
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Next Year:1970
Image1:Harrison Williams(D-NJ).jpg
Nominee1:Harrison A. Williams
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,677,515
Percentage1:61.91%
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,011,280
Percentage2:37.32%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in New Jersey.

See also: List of United States senators from New Jersey. Democratic incumbent Harrison A. Williams was reelected to a second term over Republican candidate Bernard M. Shanley, a former white house staffer during the Eisenhower administration.

New Mexico

New Mexico (regular)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in New Mexico.

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

Election Name:New Mexico election
Country:New Mexico
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Next Year:1970
Image1:Joseph M Montoya.jpg
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:178,209
Percentage1:54.7%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:147,562
Percentage2:45.3%
Map Size:200px
U.S. senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

Incumbent Republican Edwin L. Mechem, who had been appointed to the seat following the death of Democrat Dennis Chávez two years earlier, sought election to a full term, but was defeated by Democrat Joseph Montoya.

Montoya was Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico (1947–1951 and 1955–1957) and a four-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1957–1964).

New Mexico (special)

Montoya was also elected to finish the term ending January 3, 1965.

New York

Election Name:New York election
Country:New York
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in New York
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in New York
Next Year:1970
Image1:Robert F. Kennedy 1964.jpeg
Nominee1:Robert F. Kennedy
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:3,823,749
Percentage1:53.5%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:3,104,056
Percentage2:43.4%
U.S. senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in New York.

See also: List of United States senators from New York. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Kenneth Keating ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Robert F. Kennedy, the former United States Attorney General and brother of former President John F. Kennedy and Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy.

The Socialist Labor state convention met on March 29, and nominated John Emanuel.[6] The Republican state convention met on August 31, and re-nominated the incumbent U.S. Senator Kenneth B. Keating.[7] The Conservative state convention met on August 31 at Saratoga Springs, New York, and nominated Prof. Henry Paolucci.[8] The Democratic state convention met on September 1, and nominated U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy on the first ballot, with 968 votes against 153 for Congressman Samuel S. Stratton.[9] The Liberal Party met on September 1, and endorsed the Democratic nominee, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.[10] The Socialist Workers Party filed a petition to nominate candidates on September 7. Richard Garza was nominated.[11]

John English, a Nassau County leader who helped John F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential election, encouraged Robert Kennedy to oppose Keating. At the time, Samuel S. Stratton, a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York's 35th congressional district, was considered the most likely Democratic candidate. At first, Kennedy resisted. After President Kennedy's assassination, Robert Kennedy remained as Attorney General for Lyndon B. Johnson. However, Johnson and Kennedy feuded. Kennedy decided to run for the Senate in New York in August, and resigned from the Cabinet on September 3, 1964. While many reform Democrats resisted Kennedy, support from Robert F. Wagner Jr., and party bosses like Charles A. Buckley, of The Bronx, and Peter J. Crotty, of Buffalo, helped Kennedy win the nomination at the party convention.[12]

During the campaign, Kennedy was frequently met by large crowds. Keating accused Kennedy of being a carpetbagger from Massachusetts. Kennedy responded to these charges in a televised town meeting by saying, "If the senator of the state of New York is going be selected on who's lived here the longest, then I think people are going vote for my opponent. If it's going be selected on who's got the best New York accent, then I think I'm probably out too. But I think if it's going be selected on the basis of who can make the best United States senator, I think I'm still in the contest."[13]

The Democratic/Liberal candidate was elected. Campaign help from President Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as the Democratic landslide after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, helped carry Kennedy into office, as Kennedy polled about 1.1 million votes less in New York than Johnson did. The incumbent Keating was defeated.

1964 state election result
TicketU.S. Senator
Democratic nowrap Robert F. Kennedy3,539,746
Liberal nowrap Robert F Kennedy284,646
RepublicanKenneth B. Keating3,104,056
ConservativeHenry Paolucci212,216
Socialist LaborJohn Emanuel7,358
Socialist WorkersRichard Garza4,202
(For Total Votes, the Democratic and Liberal votes for Kennedy are combined.)

North Dakota

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Country:North Dakota
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1960 United States Senate special election in North Dakota
Previous Year:1960(special)
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in North Dakota
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee2:Thomas Kleppe
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:109,681
Percentage2:42.36%
Image1:Quentin Burdick.jpg
Nominee1:Quentin Burdick
Party1:North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party
Popular Vote1:149,264
Percentage1:57.64%
Map Size:280px
U.S. senator
Before Election:Quentin Burdick
Before Party:Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party (North Dakota)
After Election:Quentin Burdick
After Party:Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party (North Dakota)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in North Dakota.

See also: List of United States senators from North Dakota. Incumbent Democratic-NPL Senator Quentin Burdick sought and received re-election to his second term, defeating Republican candidate Thomas S. Kleppe, who later became the United States Secretary of the Interior.[1]

Only Burdick filed as a Democratic-NPLer, and the endorsed Republican candidate was Thomas S. Kleppe, who would go on to serve two terms as a Representative for North Dakota's second congressional district from 1967 to 1971. Burdick and Kleppe won the primary elections for their respective parties.

Ohio

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Ohio.

See also: List of United States senators from Ohio.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Ohio
Country:Ohio
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Ohio
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Ohio
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:File:StephenMYoung.jpg
Nominee1:Stephen M. Young
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,923,608
Percentage1:50.22%
Nominee2:Robert Taft Jr.
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,906,781
Percentage2:49.78%
Map Size:200px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Stephen M. Young
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Stephen M. Young
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Democratic incumbent Stephen M. Young narrowly won reelection to a second term over Republican Congressman Robert Taft Jr., the son of former Senator Robert A. Taft and grandson of former President William Howard Taft.

Taft would go on to win the seat in the next election, serving one term in the Senate.

Oklahoma (special)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate special election in Oklahoma.

See also: List of United States senators from Oklahoma.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate special election in Oklahoma
Country:Oklahoma
Flag Image:Flag of Oklahoma (1941–1988).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1960 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
Previous Year:1960
Next Election:1966 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
Next Year:1966
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:File:FredRoyHarris.jpg
Nominee1:Fred R. Harris
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:466,782
Percentage1:51.17%
Nominee2:Bud Wilkinson
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:445,392
Percentage2:48.83%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:J. Howard Edmondson
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Fred R. Harris
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

This election was to determine who would serve for the final two years of the term to which Robert S. Kerr had been elected in 1960. Kerr had died in January 1963, and outgoing Governor J. Howard Edmondson was appointed to take his place. Edmondson hoped to win the special election, but lost the Democratic primary to former state senator Fred R. Harris, who then won the general election over University of Oklahoma football coach Bud Wilkinson.

Pennsylvania

Election Name:Pennsylvania election
Country:Pennsylvania
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania
Next Year:1970
Image1:SenHughScott.jpg
Nominee1:Hugh Scott
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:2,429,858
Percentage1:50.6%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:2,359,223
Percentage2:49.1%
Map Size:250px
U.S. senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania.

See also: List of United States senators from Pennsylvania. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Hugh Scott successfully sought re-election to a second term, defeating Democratic nominee Genevieve Blatt.

Rhode Island

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Rhode Island.

See also: List of United States senators from Rhode Island.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Rhode Island
Country:Rhode Island
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Rhode Island
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Rhode Island
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:John Pastore
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:319,607
Percentage1:82.73%
Nominee2:Ronald Legueux
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:66,715
Percentage2:17.27%
Map Size:230px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:John Pastore
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:John Pastore
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Democratic incumbent John Pastore won reelection to a third full term (and fourth overall), defeating Republican candidate Ronald Lagueux by more than 65 percentage points.

Tennessee

See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee.

Tennessee (regular)

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Country:Tennessee
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Al Gore Sr portrait.png
Nominee1:Albert Gore Sr.
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:570,542
Percentage1:53.62%
Nominee2:Dan Kuykendall
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:493,475
Percentage2:46.38%
Map Size:300px
U.S. senator
Before Election:Albert Gore Sr.
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Election:Albert Gore Sr.
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Tennessee.

Incumbent Democrat Albert Gore Sr. was re-elected to a third term over Republican candidate Dan Kuykendall.

Tennessee (special)

Election Name:1964 United States Senate special election in Tennessee
Country:Tennessee
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1960 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Previous Year:1960
Next Election:1966 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Next Year:1966
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:Ross Bass
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:568,905
Percentage1:52.14%
Nominee2:Howard Baker
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:517,330
Percentage2:47.41%
Map Size:300px
U.S. senator
Before Election:Herbert S. Walters
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Election:Ross Bass
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate special election in Tennessee.

See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee.

Democratic Congressman Ross Bass won the special election to serve the remaining 26 months of the term to which the late Estes Kefauver had been elected in 1960. He defeated Republican candidate Howard Baker, who would go on to win the seat in the regular election two years later.

Texas

Election Name:Texas election
Country:Texas
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Texas
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Texas
Next Year:1970
Image1:RalphYarborough.jpg
Nominee1:Ralph Yarborough
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:1,463,958
Percentage1:56.2%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:1,134,337
Percentage2:43.6%
Map Size:300px
U.S. senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Texas.

See also: List of United States senators from Texas. Incumbent Democrat Ralph Yarborough defeated future President of the United States George H. W. Bush.

Although Yarborough won this election, he would lose the Democratic Primary six years later, in 1970, to Lloyd Bentsen. Bush later went on to win an election for the United States House of Representatives in 1966; he was elected vice president of the United States in 1980 and was elected president in 1988.

Utah

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Utah.

See also: List of United States senators from Utah.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Utah
Country:Utah
Flag Year:1913
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Utah
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Utah
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:File:Senator Frank Moss.jpg
Nominee1:Frank Moss
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:227,822
Percentage1:57.3%
Nominee2:Ernest L. Wilkinson
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:169,562
Percentage2:42.7%
Map Size:200px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Frank Moss
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Frank Moss
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Democratic incumbent Frank Moss was reelected to a second term over Republican candidate Ernest L. Wilkinson, the president of Brigham Young University.

Vermont

Election Name:Vermont election
Country:Vermont
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Vermont
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Vermont
Next Year:1970
Image1:WinstonProuty.jpg
Nominee1:Winston L. Prouty
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:87,879
Percentage1:53.4%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:76,457
Percentage2:46.5%
Map Size:180px
U.S. senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Vermont.

See also: List of United States senators from Vermont. Incumbent Republican Winston L. Prouty successfully ran for re-election, defeating Democratic candidate Frederick J. Fayette.

Virginia

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Virginia
Country:Virginia
Type:presidential
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Virginia
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1966 United States Senate special election in Virginia
Next Year:1966 (special)
Image1:Harry F. Byrd (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Harry F. Byrd
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:592,270
Percentage1:63.80%
Nominee2:Richard A. May
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:176,624
Percentage2:19.03%
Nominee3:James W. Respess
Party3:Independent (United States)
Popular Vote3:95,526
Percentage3:10.29%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Harry F. Byrd
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Harry F. Byrd
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)
Map Size:300px

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Virginia.

See also: List of United States senators from Virginia. Incumbent Harry F. Byrd was re-elected to a seventh term, defeating Republican Richard A. May and independent James W. Respess.

Washington

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Washington
Country:Washington
Flag Image:Flag of Washington (1923–1967).svg
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Washington
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Washington
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:Henry M. Jackson
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:875,950
Percentage1:72.21%
Nominee2:Lloyd J. Andrews
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:337,138
Percentage2:27.79%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Henry M. Jackson
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Election:Henry M. Jackson
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Washington.

See also: List of United States senators from Washington. Democratic incumbent Henry M. Jackson was reelected to a third term in a landslide, defeating Republican challenger Lloyd J. Andrews, who had previously served as the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction.

West Virginia

Election Name:West Virginia election
Country:West Virginia
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Next Year:1970
Image1:Robert C. Byrd – 1967.jpg
Nominee1:Robert Byrd
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:515,015
Percentage1:67.67%
Nominee2:Cooper P. Benedict
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:246,072
Percentage2:32.33%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in West Virginia.

See also: List of United States senators from West Virginia. Democratic incumbent Robert Byrd was reelected to a second term over Republican candidate Cooper Benedict. Byrd would serve in the Senate until his death in 2010, making him the longest-serving senator in United States history.

Wisconsin

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Wisconsin.

See also: List of United States senators from Wisconsin.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Country:Wisconsin
Flag Year:1913
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Nominee1:William Proxmire
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:892,013
Percentage1:53.30%
Nominee2:Wilbur N. Renk
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:780,116
Percentage2:46.61%
Map Size:220px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:William Proxmire
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:William Proxmire
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Incumbent Democrat William Proxmire was reelected to a second full term, defeating Republican Wilbur Renk.

Wyoming

See main article: 1964 United States Senate election in Wyoming.

See also: List of United States senators from Wyoming.

Election Name:1964 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Country:Wyoming
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1958 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Previous Year:1958
Next Election:1970 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Next Year:1970
Election Date:November 3, 1964
Image1:Gale W. McGee.jpg
Nominee1:Gale W. McGee
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:76,485
Percentage1:53.99%
Nominee2:John S. Wold
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:65,185
Percentage2:46.01%
Map Size:255px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Gale W. McGee
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Gale W. McGee
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: . 1965-08-15 . Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 3, 1964 . 43, 54 . U.S. Government Printing Office.
  2. Book: Dean . John W.. Barry M. . Goldwater Jr. . Pure Goldwater . Palgrave Macmillan . 2008 . 978-0230611337 . 1st . New York, N.Y. . 72 . registration.
  3. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=8795 Howard J. Whitmore Jr.
  4. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=38347 Lawrence Gilfedder
  5. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=49119 Grace F. Luder
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/30/archives/senate-candidate-chosen.html Senate Candidate Chosen
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/01/archives/keating-chosen-by-republicans-in-show-of-unity-fino-and-other.html KEATING CHOSEN BY REPUBLICANS IN SHOW OF UNITY; Fino and Other Dissidents Yield to Party Chiefs at State Convention Here
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/01/archives/paolucci-named-by-conservatives-senate-nomination-made-as-party.html PAOLUCCI NAMED BY CONSERVATIVES
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/02/archives/kennedy-swamps-stratton-to-win-state-nomination-democrats-name.html KENNEDY SWAMPS STRATTON TO WIN STATE NOMINATION; Democrats Name Attorney General, 968 to 153, at a Noisy Convention Here; NOMINEE ANSWERS FOES; He Says New York's First Senator Was an Able Man From Massachusetts; Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, a sudden new power in New York politics, won the Democratic nomination for Senator yesterday at one of the most boisterous state conventions ever held here.
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/02/archives/kennedy-named-by-liberal-party-opposition-to-candidacy-is-angry-but.html KENNEDY NAMED BY LIBERAL PARTY; Opposition to Candidacy Is Angry, But Scattered; The Liberal party's state convention listened to some angry, but scattered, opposition last night, and then enthusiastically nominated Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy for United States Senator.
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/08/archives/socialist-workers-petitions-names-negro-for-president.html Socialist Workers' Petitions Names Negro for President
  12. https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D04E2D7133DF930A15751C0A96F958260 The Carpetbagger, 1964
  13. Web site: Lessons for Mrs. Clinton from 1964 - June 15, 1999 . March 19, 2018 . CNN.