1972 United States Senate election in Illinois explained

Election Name:1972 United States Senate election in Illinois
Country:Illinois
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1966 United States Senate election in Illinois
Previous Year:1966
Next Election:1978 United States Senate election in Illinois
Next Year:1978
Election Date:November 7, 1972
Image1:Charles Percy (Illinois Blue Book Portrait 1971-1972).png
Nominee1:Charles Percy
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:2,867,078
Percentage1:62.21%
Nominee2:Roman Pucinski
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,721,031
Percentage2:37.35%
Map Size:300x300px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Charles H. Percy
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Charles H. Percy
After Party:Republican Party (United States)
Turnout:51.24%

The 1972 United States Senate election in Illinois took place on November 7, 1972.[1] Incumbent Republican United States Senator Charles H. Percy sought re-election to the United States Senate. Percy was opposed by Democratic nominee Roman Pucinski, a United States Congressman from Illinois's 11th congressional district, whom he was able to defeat handily to win a second term., this was the last time a Republican was elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois during a presidential election year, the last time an Illinois Republican won a Senate election by double digits, and the last time any candidate has swept every county in the state.

Election information

The primary (held on March 21) and general election coincided with those for House and state elections.[1]

Turnout

Turnout in the primaries was 31.40%, with a total of 1,753,727 votes cast.[1]

Turnout during the general election was 51.24%, with 3,184,764 votes cast.[1]

Turnout in both the primary and general election was significantly less than those for coinciding statewide races.[1]

Democratic primary

Congressman Roman Pucinski defeated Dakin Williams in the Democratic primary. Williams was a prosecutor who was the younger brother of playwright Tennessee Williams.

Candidates

Results

Republican primary

Incumbent Charles H. Percy was renominated without opposition in the Republican primary.

Candidates

Results

Other nominees

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: OFFICIAL VOTE Cast at the GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7, 1972 JUDICIAL PRIMARY ELECTION GENERAL PRIMARY, MARCH, 21, 1972 . Illinois State Board of Elections . 26 June 2020 .
  2. Web site: Tennessee Williams' brother dead at 89 . The State Journal-Register . 24 June 2020 . en . 22 May 2008.