1976 United States Senate election in Montana explained

Election Name:1976 United States Senate election in Montana
Country:Montana
Flag Year:1905
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1970 United States Senate election in Montana
Previous Year:1970
Next Election:1982 United States Senate election in Montana
Next Year:1982
Election Date:November 2, 1976
Image1:File:Rep John Melcher.jpg
Nominee1:John Melcher
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:206,232
Percentage1:64.16%
Nominee2:Stanley Burger
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:115,213
Percentage2:35.84%
Map Size:300px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 1976 United States Senate election in Montana took place on November 2, 1976. Rather than seek a fifth term, incumbent United States Senator Mike Mansfield, a Democrat, opted to retire, creating an open seat. United States Congressman John Melcher, who had represented Montana's 2nd congressional district from 1969 to 1977, won the Democratic nomination and defeated Stanley C. Burger, the Republican nominee, by a wide margin in the general election. This was the first open seat election in Montana since 1960 and the first open seat election in Montana for the Class 1 Senate seat since 1922.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

General election

Results

See also