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1952 United States Senate elections

1952 United States Senate elections

← 1950 September 8[a] & November 4, 1952 1954 →

35 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Styles Bridges[b] Ernest McFarland
(Lost re-election)
Party Republican Democratic
Leader since January 8, 1952 January 3, 1951
Leader's seat New Hampshire Arizona
Seats before 47 49
Seats after 49 47
Seat change Increase 2 Decrease 2
Popular vote 24,665,569 21,236,793
Percentage 52.0% 44.8%
Seats up 21 14
Races won 23 12

1952 United States Senate special election in Kentucky1952 United States Senate special election in Connecticut1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska1952 United States Senate election in Arizona1952 United States Senate election in California1952 United States Senate election in Connecticut1952 United States Senate election in Delaware1952 United States Senate election in Florida1952 United States Senate election in Indiana1952 United States Senate election in Maine1952 United States Senate election in Maryland1952 United States Senate election in Massachusetts1952 United States Senate election in Michigan1952 United States Senate election in Minnesota1952 United States Senate election in Mississippi1952 United States Senate election in Missouri1952 United States Senate election in Montana1952 United States Senate election in Nebraska1952 United States Senate election in Nevada1952 United States Senate election in New Jersey1952 United States Senate election in New Mexico1952 United States Senate election in New York1952 United States Senate election in North Dakota1952 United States Senate election in Ohio1952 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania1952 United States Senate election in Rhode Island1952 United States Senate election in Tennessee1952 United States Senate election in Texas1952 United States Senate election in Utah1952 United States Senate election in Vermont1952 United States Senate election in Virginia1952 United States Senate election in Washington1952 United States Senate election in West Virginia1952 United States Senate election in Wisconsin1952 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset (Conn. & Neb.): both seats up for election

Majority Leader before election

Ernest McFarland
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Robert A. Taft
Republican

The 1952 United States Senate elections was an election for the United States Senate which coincided with the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower to the presidency by a large margin. The 32 Senate seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections, and three special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans took control of the Senate by managing to make a net gain of two seats. However, Wayne Morse (R-OR) became an independent forcing Republicans to rely on Vice President Richard Nixon's tie-breaking vote, although Republicans maintained a 48–47–1 plurality. Wayne Morse would caucus with the Republicans at the start of Congress’ second session on January 6, 1954 to allow the GOP to remain in control of the Senate. This was the third time, as well as second consecutive, in which a sitting Senate leader lost his seat.

The 1952 United States Senate elections marked a significant shift in power, with the Republicans gaining control of the Senate by making a net gain of two seats.

This was the last time the Senate changed hands in a presidential election year until 1980 and the last time the Republicans won control of the Senate until 1980. As of 2020, this is the last time both houses simultaneously changed hands in a presidential year.[1]

Results summary

47 49
Democratic Republican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

Parties Total
Democratic Republican Other
Last elections (1950)
Before these elections
49 47 0 96
Not up 35 26 0 61
Up 14 21 35
Class 1 (1946→1952) 13 19 32
Special: Class 2 1 1 2
Special: Class 3 0 1 1
Incumbent retired 2 2 4
Held by same party 1 2 3
Replaced by other party Decrease1 Democrat replaced by Increase1 Republican 1
Result 1 3 0 4
Incumbent ran 12 19 31
Won re-election 6 14 20
Lost re-election Decrease4 Republicans replaced by Increase4 Democrats
Decrease5 Democrats replaced by Increase5 Republicans
9
Lost renomination
but held by same party
1 1 2
Result 11 20 0 31
Total elected 12 23 0 35
Net change Decrease2 Increase2 Steady 2
Nationwide vote 21,236,793 24,665,569 1,534,837 47,437,199
Share 44.77% 52.00% 3.24% 100%
Result 47 49 0 96

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives[2]

Gains, losses and holds

Retirements

One Republican and one Democrat retired instead of seeking re-election. One Republican and one Democrat also retired instead of finishing the unexpired term.

State Senator Replaced by
Connecticut (special) William A. Purtell Prescott Bush
Maryland Herbert O'Conor J. Glenn Beall
Nebraska (special) Fred A. Seaton Dwight Griswold
Texas Tom Connally Price Daniel

Defeats

Four Republicans and five Democrats sought re-election, and one Republican and one Democrat also sought election to run to finish the unexpired term or in the six-year term but lost in the primary or general election.

State Senator Replaced by
Arizona Ernest McFarland Barry Goldwater
Connecticut (regular) William Benton William A. Purtell
Kentucky (special) Thomas R. Underwood John Sherman Cooper
Maine Owen Brewster Frederick G. Payne
Massachusetts Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. John F. Kennedy
Michigan Blair Moody Charles E. Potter
Missouri James P. Kem Stuart Symington
Montana Zales Ecton Mike Mansfield
Tennessee Kenneth McKellar Albert Gore Sr.
Washington Harry P. Cain Henry M. Jackson
Wyoming Joseph C. O'Mahoney Frank A. Barrett

Post-election changes

State Senator Replaced by
Oregon Wayne Morse Wayne Morse
Nebraska (Class 1) Hugh A. Butler Samuel W. Reynolds
Nebraska (Class 2) Dwight Griswold Eva Bowring
Nevada Pat McCarran Ernest S. Brown
New Hampshire Charles W. Tobey Robert W. Upton
North Carolina (Class 2) Willis Smith Alton Lennon
North Carolina (Class 3) Clyde R. Hoey Sam Ervin
Ohio Robert A. Taft Thomas A. Burke
South Carolina Burnet R. Maybank Charles E. Daniel
Wyoming Lester C. Hunt Edward D. Crippa

Change in composition

Before the elections

Going into the November elections.

  D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9
D19 D20 D21 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 D27 D28
D38
Fla.
Ran
D37
Conn. (reg)
Ran
D36
Ariz.
Ran
D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39
Ky. (sp)
Ran
D40
Md.
Ran
D41
Mich. (sp)
Mich. (reg)
Ran
D42
Miss.
Ran
D43
N.M.
Ran
D44
R.I.
Ran
D45
Tenn.
Ran
D46
Texas
Retired
D47
Va.
Ran
D48
W.Va.
Ran
Majority → D49
Wyo.
Ran
R39
N.J.
Ran
R40
N.Y.
Ran
R41
N.D.
Ran
R42
Ohio
Ran
R43
Pa.
Ran
R44
Utah
Ran
R45
Vt.
Ran
R46
Wash.
Ran
R47
Wis.
Ran
R38
Nev.
Ran
R37
Neb. (sp)
Retired
R36
Neb. (reg)
Ran
R35
Mont.
Ran
R34
Mo.
Ran
R33
Minn.
Ran
R32
Mass.
Ran
R31
Maine
Ran
R30
Ind.
Ran
R29
Del.
Ran
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27
Calif.
Ran
R28
Conn. (sp)
Retired
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Results of the elections

  D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9
D19 D20 D21 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 D27 D28
D38
N.M.
Re-elected
D37
Miss.
Re-elected
D36
Fla.
Re-elected
D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39
R.I.
Re-elected
D40
Tenn.
Hold
D41
Texas
Hold
D42
Va.
Re-elected
D43
W.Va.
Re-elected
D44
Mass.
Gain
D45
Mo.
Gain
D46
Mont.
Gain
D47
Wash.
Gain
R49
Wyo.
Gain
Majority →
R39
Ohio
Re-elected
R40
Pa.
Re-elected
R41
Utah
Re-elected
R42
Vt.
Re-elected
R43
Wis.
Re-elected
R44
Ariz.
Gain
R45
Conn. (reg)
Gain
R46
Ky. (sp)
Gain[c]
R47
Md.
Gain
R48
Mich. (sp)
Mich. (reg)
Gain[c]
R38
N.D.
Re-elected
R37
N.Y.
Re-elected
R36
N.J.
Re-elected
R35
Nev.
Re-elected
R34
Neb. (sp)
Hold
R33
Neb. (reg)
Re-elected
R32
Minn.
Re-elected
R31
Maine
Hold
R30
Ind.
Re-elected
R29
Del.
Re-elected
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27
Calif.
Re-elected
R28
Conn. (sp)
Hold
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Beginning of the next Congress

  D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9
D19 D20 D21 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 D27 D28
D38 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39 D40 D41 D42 D43 D44 D45 D46 D47 I1
Ore.
Changed
Majority using VP's vote ↓
R39 R40 R41 R42 R43 R44 R45 R46 R47 R48
R38 R37 R36 R35 R34 R33 R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
Key
D# Democratic
I# Independent
R# Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 82nd Congress

In these special elections the winners were seated before January 3, 1953; ordered by election date, then state.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Connecticut
(Class 3)
William A. Purtell Republican 1952 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired to run for the Class 1 seat.
New senator elected November 4, 1952.
Republican hold.
Kentucky
(Class 2)
Thomas R. Underwood Democratic 1951 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected November 4, 1952.
Republican gain.
Michigan
(Class 1)
Blair Moody Democratic 1951 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected November 4, 1952.
Republican gain.
Winner was also elected to the next term; see below.
Nebraska
(Class 2)
Fred A. Seaton Republican 1951 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 4, 1952.
Republican hold.

Races leading to the 83rd Congress

In these general elections, the winner was seated on January 3, 1953; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 1 seats.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral
history
Arizona Ernest McFarland Democratic 1940
1946
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
California William Knowland Republican 1945 (Appointed)
1946 (special)
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Connecticut William Benton Democratic 1949 (Appointed)
1950 (special)
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Delaware John J. Williams Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
Florida Spessard Holland Democratic 1946 (Appointed)
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Indiana William E. Jenner Republican 1944 (special)
1944 (Retired)
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Maine Owen Brewster Republican 1940
1946
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Incumbent resigned December 31, 1952.
Maryland Herbert O'Conor Democratic 1946 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Massachusetts Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. Republican 1936
1942
1944 (Resigned)
1946
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Michigan Blair Moody Democratic 1951 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain
Winner was also elected to finish the term; see above.
Minnesota Edward J. Thye Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
Mississippi John C. Stennis Democratic 1947 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Missouri James P. Kem Republican 1946 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Montana Zales Ecton Republican 1946 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Nebraska Hugh A. Butler Republican 1940
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Nevada George W. Malone Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
New Jersey H. Alexander Smith Republican 1944 (special)
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
New Mexico Dennis Chávez Democratic 1935 (Appointed)
1936 (special)
1940
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
New York Irving Ives Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
North Dakota William Langer Republican 1940
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Ohio John W. Bricker Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
Pennsylvania Edward Martin Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
Rhode Island John Pastore Democratic 1950 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Tennessee Kenneth McKellar Democratic 1916
1922
1928
1934
1940
1946
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Texas Tom Connally Democratic 1928
1934
1940
1946
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Utah Arthur V. Watkins Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
Vermont Ralph Flanders Republican 1946 (Appointed)
1946 (special)
1952
Incumbent re-elected.
Virginia Harry F. Byrd Democratic 1933 (Appointed)
1933 (special)
1934
1940
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Washington Harry P. Cain Republican 1946
1946 (Appointed)
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
West Virginia Harley M. Kilgore Democratic 1940
1946
Incumbent re-elected.
Wisconsin Joseph McCarthy Republican 1946 Incumbent re-elected.
Wyoming Joseph C. O'Mahoney Democratic 1933 (Appointed)
1934
1940
1946
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.

Closest races

Twenty races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State Party of winner Margin
Michigan Republican (flip) 1.6%
Montana Democratic (flip) 2.19%
New Mexico Democratic 2.24%
Arizona Republican (flip) 2.6%[d]
Connecticut (special) Republican 2.7%
Massachusetts Democratic (flip) 2.99%
Kentucky (special) Republican (flip) 3.0%
Wyoming Republican (flip) 3.2%
Nevada Republican 3.4%
Pennsylvania Republican 3.6%
Maryland Republican (flip) 5.0%
Indiana Republican 5.6%
West Virginia Democratic 7.2%
Missouri Democratic (flip) 8.05%
Connecticut Republican (flip) 8.12%
Utah Republican 8.52%
Wisconsin Republican 8.67%
Delaware Republican 9.0%
Ohio Republican 9.2%
Rhode Island Democratic 9.6%

Arizona

1952 United States Senate election in Arizona

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
Turnout+23.65% 82.28% (registered voters)[5]
 
Nominee Barry Goldwater Ernest McFarland
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 132,063 125,338
Percentage 51.31% 48.69%

County results
Goldwater:      50-60%
McFarland:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Ernest McFarland
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Barry Goldwater
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Arizona[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Barry Goldwater 132,063 51.31
Democratic Ernest McFarland (Incumbent) 125,338 48.69
Majority 6,725 2.62
Turnout 257,401 82.28
Republican gain from Democratic

California

1952 United States Senate election in California

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee William F. Knowland Reuben W. Borough
Party Republican Progressive
Alliance Democratic
Popular vote 3,982,448 542,270
Percentage 87.79% 11.95%

County Results
Knowland:      80–90%      90-100%

U.S. senator before election

William F. Knowland
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William F. Knowland
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in California[2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican William Knowland (Incumbent) 3,982,448 87.79 +33.69%
Progressive Reuben W. Borough 542,270 11.95 N/A
Write-in Helen Gahagan Douglas 11,812 0.26 N/A
Total votes 4,536,530 100.00
Republican hold Swing

Connecticut

There were two elections on the same day due to the July 28, 1952 death of two-term Democrat Brien McMahon.

Republican businessman William Purtell was appointed August 29, 1952 to continue the class 3 term, pending a special election in which he was not a candidate. Purtell was already the Republican nominee in the regular election for the class 1 seat, a race he then won.

Connecticut (special)

1952 United States Senate special election in Connecticut

← 1950 November 4, 1952 1956 →
 
Nominee Prescott Bush Abraham Ribicoff
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 559,465 530,505
Percentage 51.17% 48.52%

Bush:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%
Ribicoff:      50–60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

William A. Purtell
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Prescott Bush
Republican

Connecticut special election[2][6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Prescott Bush 559,465 51.17
Democratic Abraham A. Ribicoff 530,505 48.52
Socialist William J. Taft 3,298 0.30
Majority 28,960 2.65
Turnout 1,093,268 54.47
Republican hold

Connecticut (regular)

1952 United States Senate election in Connecticut

← 1950 (special) November 3, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee William A. Purtell William Benton
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 573,854 485,066
Percentage 52.48% 44.36%

Purtell:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Benton:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

William Benton
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

William A. Purtell
Republican

Connecticut general election[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William A. Purtell 573,854 52.48
Democratic William Benton (Incumbent) 485,066 44.36
Independent Republican Vivien Kellems 22,268 2.04
Socialist Jasper McLevy 12,279 1.12
Majority 88,788 8.12
Turnout 1,093,467
Republican gain from Democratic

Delaware

1952 United States Senate election in Delaware

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee John J. Williams Alexis I. du Pont Bayard
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 93,020 77,685
Percentage 54.49% 45.51%

County results
Williams:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

John J. Williams
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John J. Williams
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Delaware[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John J. Williams (Incumbent) 93,020 54.49
Democratic Alexis I. du Pont Bayard 77,685 45.51
Majority 15,335 8.98
Turnout 170,705
Republican hold

Florida

1952 United States Senate election in Florida

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Spessard Holland
Party Democratic
Popular vote 616,665
Percentage 99.82%

County Results
Holland:      >90%

U.S. senator before election

Spessard Holland
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Spessard Holland
Democratic

General election results[7]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Spessard Holland (incumbent) 616,665 99.82%
Write-ins 1,135 0.18%
Total votes 617,800 100.00%

Indiana

1952 United States Senate election in Indiana

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee William E. Jenner Henry F. Schricker
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,020,605 911,169
Percentage 52.44% 46.82%

County results
Jenner:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Schricker:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

William E. Jenner
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William E. Jenner
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Indiana[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William E. Jenner (Incumbent) 1,020,605 52.44
Democratic Henry F. Schricker 911,169 46.82
Prohibition Carl W. Thompson 12,734 0.65
Progressive Carl Leon Eddy 891 0.05
Socialist Labor John Marion Morris 719 0.04
Majority 109,436 5.62
Turnout 1,946,118
Republican hold

Kentucky (special)

Kentucky special election

← 1948 November 4, 1952 1954 →
 
Nominee John Sherman Cooper Thomas R. Underwood
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 494,576 465,652
Percentage 51.5% 48.5%

County results
Cooper:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Underwood:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas R. Underwood
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Sherman Cooper
Republican

1952 United States Senate special election in Kentucky[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Sherman Cooper 494,576 51.51
Democratic Thomas R. Underwood (incumbent) 465,652 48.49
Majority 28,924 3.02
Turnout 960,228
Republican gain from Democratic

Maine

Maine election

← 1946 September 8, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Frederick G. Payne Roger P. Dube
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 139,205 82,665
Percentage 58.70% 34.86%

 
Nominee Earl S. Grant
Party Independent Democratic
Popular vote 15,294
Percentage 6.45%

County Results
Payne:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Dube:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Owen Brewster
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Frederick G. Payne
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Maine[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Frederick G. Payne 139,205 58.70
Democratic Roger P. Dube 82,665 34.86
Independent Democratic Earl S. Grant 15,294 6.45
Majority 56,540 23.84
Turnout 237,164
Republican hold

Maryland

1952 United States Senate election in Maryland

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee James Glenn Beall George P. Mahoney
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 449,823 406,370
Percentage 52.54% 47.46%

County results
Beall:      50–60%      60–70%
Mahoney:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Herbert O'Conor
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James Glenn Beall
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Maryland[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican J. Glenn Beall 449,823 52.54
Democratic George P. Mahoney 406,370 47.46
Majority 43,453 5.08
Turnout 856,193
Republican gain from Democratic

Massachusetts

1952 United States Senate election in Massachusetts

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee John F. Kennedy Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,211,984 1,141,247
Percentage 51.34% 48.35%


U.S. senator before election

Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John F. Kennedy
Democratic

General election[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John F. Kennedy 1,211,984 51.34
Republican Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (Incumbent) 1,141,247 48.35
Socialist Labor Thelma Ingersoll 4,683 0.20
Prohibition Mark R. Shaw 2,508 0.11
None Scattering 3 0.00
Majority 70,737 3.0
Turnout 2,360,425
Democratic gain from Republican

Michigan

There were two elections to the same seat on the same day due to the April 18, 1951 death of five-term Republican Arthur Vandenberg. Democratic journalist Blair Moody was appointed April 23, 1951 to continue the term pending a special election. The primary elections were held August 5, 1952.[8] Moody lost both the special and the regular elections to Republican congressman Charles E. Potter.

Michigan (special)

1952 United States Senate special election in Michigan

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Charles E. Potter Blair Moody
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,417,032 1,347,705
Percentage 51.24% 48.73%

County results
Potter:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Moody:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Blair Moody
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles E. Potter
Republican

Michigan special election[2][9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles E. Potter 1,417,032 51.24
Democratic Blair Moody (Incumbent) 1,347,705 48.73
Socialist Workers Genora Dollinger 819 0.03
None Scattering 160 0.01
Majority 69,327 2.51
Turnout 2,765,716 43.40
Republican gain from Democratic

Michigan (regular)

1952 United States Senate election in Michigan

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Charles E. Potter Blair Moody
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,428,352 1,383,416
Percentage 50.63% 49.04%

County results
Potter:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Moody:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Blair Moody
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles E. Potter
Republican

Michigan general election[2][10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles E. Potter 1,428,352 50.63
Democratic Blair Moody (Incumbent) 1,383,416 49.04
Prohibition LeRoy M. Lowell 7,435 0.26
Socialist Labor James Sim 1,202 0.04
Socialist Workers Genora Dollinger 726 0.03
None Scattering 2 0.00
Majority 44,936 1.59
Turnout 2,821,131 44.28
Republican gain from Democratic

Minnesota

1952 United States Senate election in Minnesota

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Edward J. Thye Bill Carlson
Party Republican Democratic (DFL)
Popular vote 785,649 590,011
Percentage 56.63% 42.53%

County results
Thye:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Carlson:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Edward J. Thye
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Edward J. Thye
Republican

Minnesota election[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Edward J. Thye (Incumbent) 785,649 56.63
Democratic (DFL) Bill Carlson 590,011 42.53
Progressive Marian LeSueur 7,917 0.57
Socialist Workers Vincent R. Dunne 3,842 0.28
Majority 195,638 14.10
Turnout 1,387,419
Republican hold

Mississippi

1952 U.S. Senate Democratic primary in Mississippi

← 1947 (special) August 26, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee John C. Stennis William P. Davis
Party Democratic Democratic
Popular vote 191,380 22,802
Percentage 89.35% 10.65%

County results
Stennis:      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

U.S. senator before election

John C. Stennis
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John C. Stennis
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in Mississippi[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John C. Stennis (Incumbent) 233,919 100.00
Democratic hold

Missouri

1952 United States Senate election in Missouri

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Stuart Symington James P. Kem
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,008,521 858,170
Percentage 53.99% 45.94%

County results
Symington:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Kem:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

James P. Kem
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Stuart Symington
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in Missouri[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Stuart Symington 1,008,521 53.99
Republican James P. Kem (Incumbent) 858,170 45.94
Progressive Haven P. Perkins 883 0.05
Socialist Joseph G. Hodges 219 0.01
Christian Nationalist Christian Frederick 161 0.01
Socialist Labor Henry W. Genck 145 0.01
Majority 150,351 8.05
Turnout 1,868,099
Democratic gain from Republican

Montana

1952 United States Senate election in Montana

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Mike Mansfield Zales Ecton
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 133,109 127,360
Percentage 50.75% 48.56%

County results
Mansfield:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Ecton:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Zales Ecton
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Mike Mansfield
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in Montana[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mike Mansfield 133,109 50.75
Republican Zales N. Ecton (Incumbent) 127,360 48.56
Progressive Lawrence J. ‘Larry’ Price 1,828 0.70
Majority 5,749 2.19
Turnout 262,297
Democratic gain from Republican

Nebraska

Nebraska (special)

1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska

← 1948 November 4, 1952 1954 (special) →
 
Nominee Dwight Griswold William Ritchie
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 369,841 211,898
Percentage 63.57% 36.42%

County results
Griswold:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Fred A. Seaton
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Dwight Griswold
Republican

1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Dwight Griswold 369,841 63.57
Democratic William Ritchie 211,898 36.42
None Scattering 11 <0.01
Majority 157,943 27.15
Turnout 581,750
Republican hold

Nebraska (regular)

1952 United States Senate election in Nebraska

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1954 (special) →
 
Nominee Hugh A. Butler Stanley D. Long
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 408,971 164,660
Percentage 69.11% 27.83%

County results
Butler:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Hugh A. Butler
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Hugh A. Butler
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Nebraska[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Hugh Butler (Incumbent) 408,971 69.11
Democratic Stanley D. Long 164,660 27.83
By Petition Dwight Dell 18,087 3.06
None Scattering 31 0.01
Majority 244,311 41.28
Turnout 591,749
Republican hold

Nevada

1952 United States Senate election in Nevada

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee George W. Malone Thomas B. Mechling
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 41,906 39,184
Percentage 51.68% 48.32%

County results
Malone:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Mechling:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

George W. Malone
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

George W. Malone
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Nevada[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George W. Malone (Incumbent) 41,906 51.68
Democratic Thomas B. Mechling 39,184 48.32
Majority 2,722 3.36
Turnout 81,090
Republican hold

New Jersey

New Jersey election

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Howard Smith Archibald S. Alexander
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,286,782 1,011,187
Percentage 55.51% 43.62%

County Results
Smith:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Alexander:      50–60%

Senator before election

Howard Smith
Republican

Elected Senator

Howard Smith
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in New Jersey[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Howard Smith (Incumbent) 1,286,782 55.51
Democratic Archibald S. Alexander 1,011,187 43.62
Progressive Katharine A. Van Orden 7,195 0.31
Prohibition A. N. Smith 6,815 0.29
Socialist Workers George Breitman 5,088 0.22
Socialist Labor Albert Ronis 1,165 0.05
Majority 275,595 11.89
Turnout 2,318,232
Republican hold

As of 2020, this was the last time that Republicans have won the Class 1 U.S. Senate seat from New Jersey.

New Mexico

1954 United States Senate election in New Mexico

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Dennis Chavez Patrick J. Hurley
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 122,543 117,168
Percentage 51.12% 48.88%

County results
Chevez:      50–60%      60–70%
Hurley:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Dennis Chavez
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Dennis Chavez
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in New Mexico[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dennis Chavez (Incumbent) 122,543 51.12
Republican Patrick J. Hurley 117,168 48.88
Majority 5,375 2.24
Turnout 239,711
Democratic hold

New York

1952 United States Senate election in New York

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Irving Ives John Cashmore George S. Counts
Party Republican Democratic Liberal
Popular vote 3,853,934 2,521,736 489,775
Percentage 55.21% 36.13% 7.02%

County results
Ives:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Cashmore:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Irving M. Ives
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Irving M. Ives
Republican

In New York, the Liberal State Committee met on August 28, and nominated Dr. George S. Counts, Professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, for the U.S. Senate.[11] The Republican State Committee re-nominated the incumbent U.S. senator Irving M. Ives. The Democratic State Committee met on August 28, and nominated Brooklyn Borough President John Cashmore for the U.S. Senate.[12]

The Republican incumbent Ives was re-elected with the then largest plurality[e] in state history.

New York election[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Irving M. Ives (Incumbent) 3,853,934 55.21
Democratic John Cashmore 2,521,736 36.13
Liberal George S. Counts 489,775 7.02
American Labor Corliss Lamont 104,702 1.50
Socialist Workers Michael Bartell[f] 4,263 0.06
Socialist Joseph S. Glass[g] 3,382 0.05
Industrial Government Nathan Karp[h] 2,451 0.04
Majority 1,332,198 19.08
Turnout 6,980,259
Republican hold

North Dakota

1952 United States Senate election in North Dakota

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee William Langer Harold Morrison Fred G. Aandahl
Party Republican Democratic Independent
Popular vote 157,907 55,347 24,741
Percentage 66.35% 23.26% 10.40%

County results
Langer:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Senator before election

William Langer
Republican

Elected Senator

William Langer
Republican

North Dakota election[2][13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William Langer (Incumbent) 157,907 66.35
Democratic Harold A. Morrison 55,347 23.26
Independent Fred G. Aandahl (Write-in) 24,741 10.40
Majority 102,560 43.09
Turnout 204,635 38.41
Republican hold

Ohio

Ohio election

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee John W. Bricker Michael DiSalle
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,878,971 1,563,330
Percentage 54.58% 45.42%

County results
Bricker:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
DiSalle:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

John W. Bricker
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John W. Bricker
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Ohio[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John W. Bricker (Incumbent) 1,878,961 54.58
Democratic Michael V. DiSalle 1,563,330 45.42
Majority 295,631 9.16
Turnout 3,442,291
Republican hold

Pennsylvania

1952 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Edward Martin Guy K. Bard
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 2,331,034 2,168,546
Percentage 51.58% 47.98%

County results

Martin:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Bard:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Edward Martin
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Edward Martin
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Edward Martin (Incumbent) 2,331,034 51.58
Democratic Guy Kurtz Bard 2,168,546 47.98
Prohibition Ira S. Sassaman 12,150 0.27
Socialist William J. Van Essen 3,538 0.08
Militant Workers Anna Chester 2,258 0.05
Independent Government Frank Knotek 1,897 0.04
Majority 162,488 3.60
Turnout 4,519,423
Republican hold

Rhode Island

1952 United States Senate election in Rhode Island

← 1950 (special) November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee John Pastore Bayard Ewing
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 225,128 185,850
Percentage 54.78% 45.22%

County results
Pastore:      50–60%
Ewing:      50-60%

U.S. senator before election

John Pastore
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Pastore
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in Rhode Island[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John O. Pastore (Incumbent) 225,128 54.78
Republican Bayard Ewing[14] 185,850 45.22
Majority 39,278 9.56
Turnout 410,978
Democratic hold

Tennessee

1952 United States Senate election in Tennessee

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Albert Gore Sr. Hobart F. Atkins
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 545,432 153,479
Percentage 74.19% 20.88%

County results
Gore:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Atkins:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Kenneth McKellar
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Albert Gore Sr.
Democratic

Democratic primary, August 7, 1952[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Albert Gore Sr. 334,957 56.54
Democratic Kenneth D. McKellar (Incumbent) 245,054 41.36
Democratic John Randolph Neal Jr. 7,181 1.21
Democratic Herman H. Ross 4,950 0.84
Democratic James Patrick Sutton (Write-In) 293 0.05
Majority 89,903 15.18
Turnout 18.00
1952 United States Senate election in Tennessee[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Albert Gore Sr. 545,432 74.19
Republican Hobart F. Atkins 153,479 20.88
Independent Richard M. Barber 22,169 3.02
Good Government and Clean Elections John Randolph Neal Jr. 14,132 1.92
Write-in Write-Ins 7 0.00
Majority 391,953 53.31
Turnout 735,219
Democratic hold

Texas

Texas election

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1957
(special)
 →
 
Nominee Price Daniel
Party Democratic
Alliance Republican
Popular vote 1,895,192
Percentage 100.00%

County results
Daniel:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
     80–90%      90–100%
Daniel:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Price Daniel
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Price Daniel
Democratic

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Tom Connally did not run for re-election to a fifth term.

Attorney General Price Daniel won the open race to succeed him, defeating U.S. Representative Lindley Beckworth in the Democratic primary on July 26. Daniel was unopposed in the general election, as the Texas Republican Party chose to endorse the Democratic ticket for all but one statewide offices to maximize votes for their presidential nominee Dwight Eisenhower.[16][17]

1952 United States Senate election in Texas[18][19]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Price Daniel 1,425,007 75.19% Decrease13.32
Republican Price Daniel 469,594 24.78% Increase13.29
Independent Price Daniel 591 0.03% N/A
Total Price Daniel 1,895,192 100.00% N/A
Total votes 1,895,192 100.00%
Democratic hold

Utah

1952 United States Senate election in Utah

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Arthur V. Watkins Walter K. Granger
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 177,435 149,598
Percentage 54.26% 45.74%

County results
Watkins:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Granger:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Arthur V. Watkins
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Arthur V. Watkins
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Utah[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Arthur V. Watkins (Incumbent) 177,435 54.26
Democratic Walter K. Granger 149,598 45.74
Majority 27,837 8.52
Turnout 327,033
Republican hold

Vermont

Vermont election

← 1946
1958 →
 
Nominee Ralph Flanders Allan R. Johnston
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 111,406 42,630
Percentage 72.3% 27.7%

U.S. senator before election

Ralph Flanders
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Ralph Flanders
Republican

United States Senate election in Vermont, 1952[5][20]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ralph Flanders (Incumbent) 111,406 72.3
Democratic Allan R. Johnston 42,630 27.7
N/A Other 16 0.0
Total votes 154,052 100
Republican hold

Virginia

Virginia election

← 1946
1958 →
 
Nominee Harry F. Byrd H. M. Vise Sr.
Party Democratic Independent Democratic
Popular vote 398,677 69,133
Percentage 73.4% 12.7%

 
Nominee Clarke T. Robb
Party Social Democratic
Popular vote 67,281
Percentage 12.4%

County and Independent City Results

Byrd:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%

Vise:      40-50%

U.S. senator before election

Harry F. Byrd
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Harry F. Byrd
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in Virginia[2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Harry F. Byrd (Incumbent) 398,677 73.35 +8.51%
Independent Democratic H. M. Vise Sr. 69,133 12.72 +12.72%
Social Democratic Clarke T. Robb 67,281 12.38 +11.75%
Write-in 8,425 1.55 +1.54%
Majority 329,544 60.63
Turnout 543,516
Democratic hold Swing

Washington

1952 United States Senate election in Washington

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Henry M. Jackson Harry Cain
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 595,288 460,884
Percentage 56.23% 43.53%

County results
Jackson:      50–60%      60–70%
Cain:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Harry Cain
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Henry M. Jackson
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in Washington[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry M. Jackson 595,288 56.23
Republican Harry P. Cain (Incumbent) 460,884 43.53
Progressive Thomas C. Rabbitt 1,912 0.18
Socialist Labor Henry Killman 651 0.06
Majority 134,404 12.70
Turnout 1,058,735
Democratic gain from Republican

West Virginia

1952 United States Senate election in West Virginia

← 1946
1956 →
 
Nominee Harley M. Kilgore Chapman Revercomb
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 470,019 406,554
Percentage 53.62% 46.38%

County results

U.S. senator before election

Harley M. Kilgore
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Harley M. Kilgore
Democratic

1952 United States Senate election in West Virginia[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harley M. Kilgore (Incumbent) 470,019 53.62
Republican Chapman Revercomb 406,554 46.38
Majority 63,465 7.24
Turnout 876,573
Democratic hold

Wisconsin

Wisconsin election

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1957 (special) →
 
Nominee Joseph McCarthy Thomas E. Fairchild
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 870,444 731,402
Percentage 54.23% 45.57%

County results
McCarthy:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Fairfield:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Joseph McCarthy
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Joseph McCarthy
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Wisconsin[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Joseph McCarthy (Incumbent) 870,444 54.23
Democratic Thomas E. Fairchild 731,402 45.56
Independent Alfred L. Easterday 1,879 0.12
Independent James E. Boulton 1,442 0.09
None Scattering 61 0.00
Majority 139,042 8.67
Turnout 1,605,228
Republican hold

Wyoming

Wyoming election

← 1946 November 4, 1952 1958 →
 
Nominee Frank A. Barrett Joseph C. O'Mahoney
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 67,176 62,921
Percentage 51.64% 48.36%

County results
Barrett:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
O'Mahoney:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Joseph C. O'Mahoney
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Frank A. Barrett
Republican

1952 United States Senate election in Wyoming[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Frank A. Barrett 67,176 51.64
Democratic Joseph C. O'Mahoney (Incumbent) 62,921 48.36
Majority 4,255 3.28
Turnout 130,097
Republican gain from Democratic

See also

Notes

  1. ^ In Maine
  2. ^ At the time of these elections, Styles Bridges was the Republican leader. When the new congress began, Bridges became President pro tempore of the United States Senate, while Robert A. Taft of Ohio became majority leader.
  3. ^ a b Appointee defeated
  4. ^ Arizona was the "tipping-point state".
  5. ^ In the New York election, "largest plurality" in this case means: difference between first and second placed candidate, considering the absolute number of votes
  6. ^ Michael Bartell also ran for Governor of New York in 1950.
  7. ^ Joseph G. Glass also ran for New York Attorney General in 1942.
  8. ^ Nathan Karp (b. ca. 1915), clothing cutter of Queens, also ran for lieutenant governor in 1950, Mayor of New York in 1953; and Governor of New York in 1954.

References

  1. ^ Wasserman, David (March 1, 2019). "2020 House Overview: Can Democrats Keep Their Majority?". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (May 12, 1953). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 4, 1952" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 6–7, 14–15, 24–25, 55.
  3. ^ a b "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Our Campaigns - MA US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  5. ^ a b "General Election Results - U.S. Senator - 1914-2014" (PDF). Office of the Vermont Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2015.
  6. ^ "Our Campaigns - CT US Senate - Special Race - Nov 04, 1952".
  7. ^ "FL US Senate".
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns - MI US Senate - R Primary Race - Aug 05, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  9. ^ "Our Campaigns - MI US Senate - Special Election Race - Nov 04, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  10. ^ "Our Campaigns - MI US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  11. ^ "DR. COUNTS TO STAY AS LIBERAL CHOICE". The New York Times. September 6, 1952.
  12. ^ "LIBERALS ADAMANT AGAINST CASHMORE". The New York Times. September 3, 1952.
  13. ^ "Our Campaigns - ND US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  14. ^ Lambert, Bruce (November 1, 1991). "Bayard Ewing, 75, Ex-U.S. Chairman Of the United Way". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  15. ^ "Our Campaigns - TN US Senate - D Primary Race - Aug 07, 1952".
  16. ^ "Trying to bring in a Texas gusher". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  17. ^ Texas State Historical Association (1953). "Texas Almanac, 1954-1955". The Portal to Texas History. The Dallas Morning News. p. 450. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  18. ^ Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (1953). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 3, 1952" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office.
  19. ^ "Our Campaigns – TX US Senate Race – Nov 04, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  20. ^ "Our Campaigns - VT US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1952". www.ourcampaigns.com.

Sources

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