1948 United States Senate elections explained

Election Name:1948 United States Senate elections
Country:United States
Flag Year:1912
Type:legislative
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1946 United States Senate elections
Previous Year:1946
Next Election:1950 United States Senate elections
Next Year:1950
Seats For Election:33 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
Majority Seats:49
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Outgoing Members:1947 (MS)
Elected Members:1949 (NY)
1Blank:Seats up
2Blank:Races won
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Image1:AlbenBarkley.jpg
Leader1:Alben Barkley
(resigned after being elected vice president)
Leader Since1:July 22, 1937
Leaders Seat1:Kentucky
Seats Before1:45
Seats After1:54
Seat Change1: 9
Popular Vote1:13,056,944
Percentage1:56.5%
1Data1:15
2Data1:24
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Leader2:Wallace White
(retired)
Leader Since2:February 25, 1944
Leaders Seat2:Maine
Seats Before2:51
Seats After2:42
Seat Change2: 9
Popular Vote2:9,764,384
Percentage2:42.3%
1Data2:18
2Data2:9
Map Size:320px
Majority Leader
Before Election:Wallace White
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Election:Scott Lucas
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

The 1948 United States Senate elections were held concurrently with the election of Democratic President Harry S. Truman for a full term. The 32 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections, and one special election was held to fill a vacancy. Truman campaigned against an "obstructionist" Congress that had blocked many of his initiatives, and additionally, the U.S. economy recovered from the postwar recession of 1946–1947 by election day. Thus, Truman was rewarded with a Democratic gain of nine seats in the Senate, enough to give them control of the chamber.[1] [2] This was the last time until 2020 that Democrats flipped a chamber of Congress in a presidential election cycle.

Results summary

5442
DemocraticRepublican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

PartiesTotal
DemocraticRepublicanOther
Last elections (1946)
Before these elections
4551096
Not up3033063
Up1518033
<-- Gap for "Up" -->1418032
101
Incumbent retired358
347
1 Republican replaced by 1 Democrat<--OK-->1
4408
Incumbent ran121325
<--gap for "Incumbent ran"-->10517
8 Republicans replaced by 8 Democrats<--DE, ID, IL, IA, KY, MN, WV, WY-->8
202
205025
Total elected249033
Net change999
Nationwide vote13,056,9449,764,384269,66923,090,997
Share56.55%42.29%1.17%100%
Result5442096

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives[3]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

Five Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

Defeats

Eight Republicans and two Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.

Post election changes

Change in composition

Before the elections

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Election results

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Key:
align=center DDemocratic
align=center RRepublican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 80th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1948 or before January 3, 1949; ordered by election date.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
Louisiana
(Class 3)
Democratic1948 Interim appointee retired.
Winner elected November 2, 1948.
Democratic hold.
nowrap
North Carolina
(Class 2)
Democratic1946 Interim appointee lost nomination.
Winner elected November 2, 1948.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to the next full term.
nowrap

Elections leading to the next Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1949; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
AlabamaDemocratic1946 Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
ArkansasDemocratic1942Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
ColoradoDemocratic1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
DelawareRepublican1942Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
GeorgiaDemocratic1932
1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
IdahoRepublican1946 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
IllinoisRepublican1940
1942
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
IowaRepublican1942Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
KansasRepublican1918
1924
1930
1936
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
KentuckyRepublican1946 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
LouisianaDemocratic1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MaineRepublican1930
1936
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
MassachusettsRepublican1944 Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MichiganRepublican1942Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MinnesotaRepublican1940
1942
1942
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor gain.
nowrap
MississippiDemocratic1941
1941
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
MontanaDemocratic1934
1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
NebraskaRepublican1942Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
New HampshireRepublican1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
New JerseyRepublican1942Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
New MexicoDemocratic1933
1934
1936
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
nowrap
North CarolinaDemocratic1946 Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to finish the term, see above.
nowrap
OklahomaRepublican1942Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
OregonRepublican1944
1944
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
Rhode IslandDemocratic1936
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
South CarolinaDemocratic1941
1942
Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
South DakotaRepublican1948 Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 26, 1948 and winner appointed December 31, 1948 to finish the term.
nowrap
TennesseeDemocratic1938 Incumbent lost re-nomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
nowrap
TexasDemocratic1941
1942
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
nowrap
VirginiaDemocratic1946 Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
West VirginiaRepublican1942Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
WyomingRepublican1942Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap

Closest races

Six races had a margin of victory under 10%:

StateParty of winnerMargin
Idahodata-sort-value=-0.5 Democratic (flip)1.5%
Michigandata-sort-value=-0.5 Republican2.2%
Delawaredata-sort-value=-0.5 Democratic (flip)2.6%
New Jerseydata-sort-value=-0.5 Republican2.7%
Kentuckydata-sort-value=-0.5 Democratic (flip)3.1%
Massachusettsdata-sort-value=-0.5 Republican6.6%

Wyoming is the tipping point state with a margin of 14.2%.

Alabama

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Alabama
Country:Alabama
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1946 United States Senate special election in Alabama
Previous Year:1946 (special)
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Alabama
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:JohnSparkman-1952Portrait-.jpg
Nominee1:John Sparkman
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:185,534
Percentage1:84.00%
Nominee2:Paul G. Parsons
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:35,341
Percentage2:16.00%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:John Sparkman
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Election:John Sparkman
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Alabama.

See also: List of United States senators from Alabama.

Arkansas

See also: List of United States senators from Arkansas.

Colorado

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Colorado
Country:Colorado
Flag Year:1911
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Colorado
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Colorado
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:Edwin Johnson.jpg
Nominee1:Ed Johnson
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:340,719
Percentage1:66.79%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:165,059
Percentage2:32.36%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Colorado.

See also: List of United States senators from Colorado.

Delaware

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Delaware
Country:Delaware
Flag Year:1913
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Delaware
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Delaware
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:JAllenFrear.jpg
Nominee1:J. Allen Frear Jr.
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:71,888
Percentage1:50.85%
Nominee2:C. Douglass Buck
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:68,246
Percentage2:48.28%
Map Size:210px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:C. Douglass Buck
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:J. Allen Frear Jr.
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Delaware.

See also: List of United States senators from Delaware and 1948 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware.

Georgia

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Georgia.

See also: List of United States senators from Georgia and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in Georgia.

Election Name:1948 U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Georgia
Country:Georgia (U.S. state)
Flag Year:1920
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Georgia
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Georgia
Next Year:1954
Election Date:September 8, 1948
Nominee1:Richard Russell Jr.
Electoral Vote1:410
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:703,048
Percentage1:99.98%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Richard Russell Jr.
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Richard Russell Jr.
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Idaho

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Idaho
Country:Idaho
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Idaho
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1950 United States Senate special election in Idaho
Next Year:1950 (special)
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Bert miller.png
Nominee1:Bert H. Miller
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:107,000
Percentage1:49.96%
Nominee2:Henry Dworshak
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:103,868
Percentage2:48.49%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Henry Dworshak
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Bert H. Miller
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See also: List of United States senators from Idaho.

Democrat Bert H. Miller defeated incumbent Republican Henry Dworshak. As of 2024, this remains the only time that a Democrat would win Idaho's Class 2 Senate seat. Dworshak was appointed back to this seat in October 1949 after Miller died earlier that month and served until he himself died in 1962.

Illinois

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Illinois
Country:Illinois
Flag Year:1915
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Illinois
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Illinois
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Nominee1:Paul Douglas
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:2,147,754
Percentage1:55.07%
Nominee2:Charles W. Brooks
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,740,026
Percentage2:44.61%
Map Size:170px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Charles W. Brooks
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Paul Douglas
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Illinois.

See also: List of United States senators from Illinois.

Iowa

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Iowa
Country:Iowa
Flag Image:Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Iowa
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Iowa
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Nominee1:Guy Gillette
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:578,226
Percentage1:57.80%
Nominee2:George A. Wilson
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:415,778
Percentage2:41.56%
Map Size:220px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:George A. Wilson
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Guy Gillette
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Iowa.

See also: List of United States senators from Iowa.

Kansas

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Kansas
Country:Kansas
Flag Year:1927
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Kansas
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Kansas
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Andrew Frank Schoeppel.jpg
Nominee1:Andrew Frank Schoeppel
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:393,412
Percentage1:54.92%
Nominee2:George McGill
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:305,987
Percentage2:42.72%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Arthur Capper
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Andrew Frank Schoeppel
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

See also: List of United States senators from Kansas and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in Kansas.

Kentucky

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Kentucky
Country:Kentucky
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1946 United States Senate special election in Kentucky
Previous Year:1946 (special)
Next Election:1952 United States Senate special election in Kentucky
Next Year:1952 (special)
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Nominee1:Virgil Chapman
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:408,256
Percentage1:51.39%
Nominee2:John Sherman Cooper
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:383,776
Percentage2:48.31%
Map Size:300px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:John Sherman Cooper
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Virgil Chapman
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 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.

Louisiana (regular)

Election Name:1948 Democratic Senate primary election in Louisiana
Country:Louisiana
Flag Year:1912
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Louisiana
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Louisiana
Next Year:1954
Election Date:August 31, 1948
Image1:AllenJosephEllender.jpg
Nominee1:Allen Ellender
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:284,293
Percentage1:61.70%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:119,459
Percentage2:25.92%
Image3:3x4.svg
Nominee3:Charles S. Gerth
Party3:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote3:57,047
Percentage3:12.38%
Map Size:285px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Louisiana.

Louisiana (special)

Election Name:1948 United States Senate special election in Louisiana
Country:Louisiana
Flag Year:1912
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1944 United States Senate election in Louisiana
Previous Year:1944
Next Election:1950 United States Senate election in Louisiana
Next Year:1950
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Russell Billiu Long.jpg
Nominee1:Russell B. Long
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:306,336
Percentage1:74.96%
Nominee2:Clem S. Clarke
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:102,331
Percentage2:25.04%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:William C. Feazel
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Russell B. Long
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

Maine

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Maine
Country:Maine
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Maine
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Maine
Next Year:1954
Election Date:September 13, 1948
Image1:Margaret Chase Smith 1943 (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Margaret Chase Smith
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:159,182
Percentage1:71.30%
Nominee2:Adrian Scolten
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:64,074
Percentage2:28.70%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Maine.

See also: List of United States senators from Maine.

Massachusetts

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
Country:Massachusetts
Flag Year:1908
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1944 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts
Previous Year:1944 (special)
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Massachusetts
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:LeverettSaltonstall.jpg
Nominee1:Leverett Saltonstall
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:1,088,475
Percentage1:52.95%
Nominee2:John I. Fitzgerald
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:954,398
Percentage2:46.43%
Senator
Before Election:Leverett Saltonstall
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Election:Leverett Saltonstall
After Party:Republican Party (US)
Map Size:250px

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Massachusetts.

See also: List of United States senators from Massachusetts.

Michigan

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Michigan
Country:Michigan
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Michigan
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Michigan
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Homer S. Ferguson 1949.png
Nominee1:Homer S. Ferguson
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:1,045,156
Percentage1:50.68%
Nominee2:Frank E. Hook
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:1,000,329
Percentage2:48.51%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Homer S. Ferguson
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Election:Homer S. Ferguson
After Party:Republican Party (US)
Map Size:300px

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Michigan.

See also: List of United States senators from Michigan.

Minnesota

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Country:Minnesota
Flag Year:1893
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Minnesota
Next Year:1954
Image1:Hubert Humphrey crop.jpg
Nominee1:Hubert H. Humphrey
Party1:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote1:729,494
Percentage1:59.78%
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:485,801
Percentage2:39.81%
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Minnesota.

See also: List of United States senators from Minnesota.

Mississippi

See also: List of United States senators from Mississippi and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in Mississippi.

Montana

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Montana
Country:Montana
Flag Year:1905
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Montana
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Montana
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:M001108.jpg
Nominee1:James E. Murray
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:125,193
Percentage1:56.65%
Nominee2:Tom J. Davis
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:94,458
Percentage2:42.74%
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Montana.

See also: List of United States senators from Montana and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in Montana.

Incumbent United States Senator James E. Murray, who was first elected to the Senate in a special election in 1934 and was re-elected in 1936 and 1942, ran for re-election. After winning the Democratic primary, he faced Tom J. Davis, an attorney and the Republican nominee, in the general election. Following a narrow re-election in 1936, Murray significantly expanded his margin of victory and comfortably won re-election over Davis, winning his fourth term and his third full term in the Senate.

Nebraska

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Country:Nebraska
Flag Year:1925
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Nebraska
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska
Next Year:1952 (special)
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:Ken Wherry crop.jpg
Nominee1:Kenneth S. Wherry
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:267,575
Percentage1:56.67%
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:204,320
Percentage2:43.27%
Map Size:300px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Nebraska.

See also: List of United States senators from Nebraska.

New Hampshire

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Country:New Hampshire
Flag Year:1931
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in New Hampshire
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:StylesBridges(R-NH) (cropped, 3x4).jpg
Nominee1:Styles Bridges
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:129,600
Percentage1:58.14%
Nominee2:Alfred E. Fortin
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:91,760
Percentage2:41.17%
Map Size:245px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Styles Bridges
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Styles Bridges
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in New Hampshire.

See also: List of United States senators from New Hampshire and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire.

New Jersey

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Country:New Jersey
Flag Year:1896
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in New Jersey
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:Robert Clymer Hendrickson.jpg
Nominee1:Robert C. Hendrickson
Party1:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote1:934,720
Percentage1:49.99%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:884,414
Percentage2:47.30%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in New Jersey.

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

New Mexico

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Country:New Mexico
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in New Mexico
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Clinton Presba Anderson.jpg
Nominee1:Clinton Anderson
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:108,269
Percentage1:57.44%
Nominee2:Patrick J. Hurley
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:80,226
Percentage2:42.40%
Map Size:215px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Carl Hatch
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Clinton Anderson
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

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

North Carolina

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

There were 2 elections to the same seat, due to the December 15, 1946 death of three-term Democrat Josiah Bailey. Democratic former congressman William B. Umstead was appointed December 18, 1946 to continue Bailey's term, pending a special election.

Umstead supported the conservative Taft–Hartley Act. The Democratic former Governor of North Carolina J. Melville Broughton was seen as a "rather liberal alternative" to Umstead. Broughton beat Umstead in the Democratic primaries and then won the general elections.

North Carolina (regular)

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Country:North Carolina
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in North Carolina
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1950 United States Senate special election in North Carolina
Next Year:1950 (special)
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Flag Year:1885
Image1:File:Melville Broughton.jpg
Nominee1:J. Melville Broughton
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:540,762
Percentage1:70.70%
Nominee2:John A. Wilkinson
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:220,307
Percentage2:28.80%
Map Size:325px
Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

Broughton was seated December 31, 1948 to finish the current term but died March 6, 1949, just after the new term began. His death lead to another appointment (Democrat Frank Graham) in 1949 and another special election in 1950 of Democrat Willis Smith. Smith also died during the term, leading to yet another appointment (Democrat Alton A. Lennon) and 1954 special election (of Democrat W. Kerr Scott). In all, five senators held the seat during the 1949–1955 term.

Oklahoma

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
Country:Oklahoma
Flag Image:Flag of Oklahoma (1941–1988).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Oklahoma
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Robert S. Kerr (OK).png
Nominee1:Robert S. Kerr
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:441,654
Percentage1:62.30%
Nominee2:Ross Rizley
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:265,169
Percentage2:37.40%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Edward H. Moore
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Robert S. Kerr
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Oklahoma.

See also: List of United States senators from Oklahoma.

Oregon

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Oregon
Country:Oregon
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Oregon
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Oregon
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Guy Cordon.jpg
Nominee1:Guy Cordon
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:299,295
Percentage1:60.03%
Nominee2:Manley J. Wilson
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:199,275
Percentage2:39.97%
Map Size:270px
Senator
Before Party:Republican Party (US)
After Party:Republican Party (US)

See also: List of United States senators from Oregon and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in Oregon.

Rhode Island

See also: List of United States senators from Rhode Island and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in Rhode Island.

South Carolina

Election Name:1948 Democratic Senate primary in South Carolina
Country:South Carolina
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in South Carolina
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in South Carolina
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:Burnet R. Maybank.jpg
Nominee1:Burnet R. Maybank
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:161,608
Percentage1:51.63%
Party2:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote2:76,749
Percentage2:24.85%
Nominee4:Neville Bennett
Party4:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote4:43,068
Percentage4:13.48%
Nominee5:Alan Johnstone
Party5:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote5:17,689
Percentage5:5.44%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in South Carolina.

See also: List of United States senators from South Carolina and 1948 United States House of Representatives elections in South Carolina.

Senator Burnet R. Maybank was opposed in the Democratic primary by U.S. Representative William Jennings Bryan Dorn and three other candidates. Maybank obtained over 50% in the primary election on August 10 to avoid a runoff election.

Democratic Primary
CandidateVotes%
Burnet R. Maybank161,60851.5
W.J. Bryan Dorn76,74924.4
Neville Bennett43,06813.7
Alan Johnstone17,6895.6
Marcus A. Stone14,9044.8

Since the end of Reconstruction in 1877, the Democratic Party dominated the politics of South Carolina and its statewide candidates were never seriously challenged. Maybank did not campaign for the general election as there was no chance of defeat.

South Dakota

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Country:South Dakota
Flag Year:1909
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in South Dakota
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Rep. Karl Mundt, Repub., of S.D., 2-21-40 LCCN2016877155 (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Karl E. Mundt
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:144,084
Percentage1:59.33%
Nominee2:John A. Engel
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:98,749
Percentage2:40.67%
Map Size:240px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Vera C. Bushfield
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Karl E. Mundt
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in South Dakota.

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

Tennessee

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Country:Tennessee
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Tennessee
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:SenatorKefauver(D-TN).jpg
Nominee1:Estes Kefauver
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:326,142
Percentage1:65.33%
Nominee2:B. Carroll Reece
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:166,947
Percentage2:33.44%
Map Size:325px
Senator
Before Election:Tom Stewart
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Election:Estes Kefauver
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Tennessee.

See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee.

Texas

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Texas
Country:Texas
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Texas
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Texas
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:Senator Lyndon Johnson (1).jpg
Nominee1:Lyndon B. Johnson
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:702,985
Percentage1:66.22%
Nominee2:Jack Porter
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:349,665
Percentage2:32.94%
U.S. Senator
Before Election:W. Lee O'Daniel
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Election:Lyndon B. Johnson
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Texas.

See also: List of United States senators from Texas. Incumbent Democrat W. Lee O'Daniel decided to retire rather than seek a second full term. Congressman Lyndon Johnson won the highly contested Democratic primary against former governor Coke Stevenson. Johnson went on to win the general election against Republican Jack Porter, but by a closer margin than usual for Texas Democrats.

Virginia

Election Name:Virginia election
Country:Virginia
Type:presidential
Flag Year:1931
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1946 United States Senate special election in Virginia
Previous Year:1946
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in Virginia
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:Absalom Willis Robertson.jpg
Nominee1:A. Willis Robertson
Party1:Democratic Party (US)
Popular Vote1:253,865
Percentage1:65.7%
Nominee2:Robert H. Woods
Party2:Republican Party (US)
Popular Vote2:118,546
Percentage2:30.7%
U.S. Senator
Before Party:Democratic Party (US)
After Party:Democratic Party (US)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Virginia.

See also: List of United States senators from Virginia.

Incumbent Democrat A. Willis Robertson defeated Republican Robert H. Woods and was re-elected to his first full term in office.

West Virginia

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Country:West Virginia
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate election in West Virginia
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Nominee1:Matthew M. Neely
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:435,354
Percentage1:56.99%
Nominee2:Chapman Revercomb
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:328,534
Percentage2:43.01%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Chapman Revercomb
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Matthew M. Neely
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See also: List of United States senators from West Virginia.

Wyoming

Election Name:1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Country:Wyoming
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1942 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Previous Year:1942
Next Election:1954 United States Senate elections in Wyoming
Next Year:1954
Election Date:November 2, 1948
Image1:File:Lester Hunt.jpg
Nominee1:Lester C. Hunt
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:57,953
Percentage1:57.11%
Nominee2:Edward V. Robertson
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:43,527
Percentage2:42.89%
Map Size:250px
U.S. Senator
Before Election:Edward V. Robertson
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Lester C. Hunt
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

See main article: 1948 United States Senate election in Wyoming.

See also: List of United States senators from Wyoming and 1948 United States House of Representatives election in Wyoming.

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. News: SWEEP IN CONGRESS – Democrats Obtain 54-42 Margin in Senate by Winning 9 G.O.P. Seats . New York Times . William S. White . November 4, 1948 . April 8, 2014 .
  2. News: Truman Sweep . New York Times . November 7, 1948 . April 8, 2014 .
  3. Web site: . 1949-03-01 . Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1948 . 14 - 15, 50. U.S. Government Printing Office.