1938 United States Senate elections

November 8, 1938

35 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Alben Barkley Charles McNary
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since July 22, 1937 March 4, 1933
Leader's seat Kentucky Oregon
Seats before 77 15
Seats after 69 23
Seat change Decrease 8 Increase 8
Seats up 32 3
Races won 24 11

  Third party Fourth party
 
Party Farmer–Labor Progressive
Seats before 2 1
Seats after 2 1
Seat change Steady Steady
Seats up 0 0
Races won 0 0

  Fifth party
 
Party Independent
Seats before 1
Seats after 1
Seat change Steady
Seats up 0
Races won 0

Results of the elections:
     Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     No election

Majority Leader before election

Alben Barkley
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Alben Barkley
Democratic

The 1938 United States Senate elections occurred in the middle of Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans gained eight seats from the Democrats, though this occurred after multiple Democratic gains since the 1932 election, leading to the Democrats retaining a commanding lead over the Republicans with more than two-thirds of the legislative chamber.

A contemporary account[1] cited a number of reasons for the losses suffered by the Democrats. The Recession of 1937 had continued into the first half of 1938, and had arguably weakened public confidence in the administration's New Deal economic policies, along with controversy over the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 (Roosevelt's "court-packing" plan).

There were, in addition, strains between the more liberal New Deal supporters and the conservative wing of the Democratic party centered in the Southern states, which were exacerbated by an effort led by President Roosevelt to target certain conservative senators for defeat in Democratic primaries, including Walter George of Georgia, Millard Tydings of Maryland, Robert Rice Reynolds of North Carolina, and Ellison Smith of South Carolina. While a number of New Deal supporters won primary elections, such as Alben Barkley in Kentucky, who defeated Governor Happy Chandler, James P. Pope of Idaho, a prominent New Deal supporter, lost his bid for re-nomination, as did California's William McAdoo — though McAdoo's Democratic opponent, Sheridan Downey, had campaigned as a liberal New Dealer on many issues who would also do more to improve pension plans.[2]

President Franklin D. Roosevelt had faced opposition from conservative Democrats and the Republicans in Congress since the beginning of his presidency. Josiah Bailey, Edward R. Burke, Harry F. Byrd, James F. Byrnes, Walter F. George, Peter G. Gerry, Carter Glass, Pat Harrison, Rush Holt Sr., Kenneth McKellar, and Ellison D. Smith were the conservative Democratic senators that opposed Roosevelt's policies although Harrison, Burke, Byrnes, and McKellar had initially supported the First New Deal. Vice President John Nance Garner pushed for Roosevelt to support more conservative policies. The Republicans gained eight seats in the Senate while the Democrats maintained their majority. However, there were around twenty unreliable Democratic votes for Roosevelt which allowed conservatives to block some of his policies.[3]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

One Democrat retired instead of seeking re-election, one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and election to a full term.

State Senator Replaced by
Illinois William H. Dieterich Scott W. Lucas
Oregon (special) Alfred E. Reames Alexander G. Barry
Oregon Alfred E. Reames Rufus C. Holman
South Dakota (special)

Herbert E. Hitchcock

Gladys Pyle

Defeats

Seven Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election. One Democrat sought election to a full term but lost in the primary election and one Democrat sought election to finish the unexpired term but lost in the primary election.

State Senator Replaced by
California William Gibbs McAdoo Sheridan Downey
Connecticut Augustine Lonergan John A. Danaher
Idaho James P. Pope D. Worth Clark
Kansas George McGill Clyde M. Reed
New Hampshire Fred H. Brown Charles W. Tobey
Ohio Robert J. Bulkley Robert A. Taft
South Dakota Herbert E. Hitchcock Chan Gurney
Tennessee George L. Berry Tom Stewart
Wisconsin F. Ryan Duffy Alexander Wiley

Death

One Democrat died on June 17, 1938, and his seat remained vacant until the election.

State Senator Replaced by
New York (special) Royal S. Copeland James M. Mead

Post-election changes

State Senator Replaced by
Idaho William Edgar Borah John Thomas
Illinois James Hamilton Lewis James M. Slattery
Kentucky Marvel Mills Logan Happy Chandler
Vermont Ernest Willard Gibson Ernest W. Gibson Jr.

Change in composition

Before 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 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39 D40 D41 D42 D43 D44 D45 D46
Ala. (reg)
Ala. (sp)
Ran[lower-alpha 1]
D47
Ariz.
Ran
D48
Ark.
Ran
Majority → D49
Calif.
Ran
D58
Kan.
Ran
D57
Iowa
Ran
D56
Ind.
Ran
D55
Ill.
Retired
D54
Idaho
Ran
D53
Ga.
Ran
D52
Fla.
Ran
D51
Conn.
Ran
D50
Colo.
Ran
D59
Ky.
Ran
D60
La.
Ran
D61
Md.
Ran
D62
Mo.
Ran
D63
Nev.
Ran
D64
N.H.
Ran
D65
N.J. (sp)
Retired
D66
N.Y. (reg)
Ran
D67
N.Y. (sp)
Died
D68
N.C.
Ran
FL2 D77
Wisc.
Ran
D76
Wash.
Ran
D75
Utah
Ran
D74
Tenn. (sp)
Ran
D73
S.D. (reg)
Ran S.D. (sp)
Retired
D72
S.C.
Ran
D71
Ore. (reg)
Ore. (sp)
Retired
D70
Okla.
Ran
D69
Ohio
Ran
FL1 I1 P1 R15
Vt.
Ran
R14
Pa.
Ran
R13
N.D.
Ran
R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Result 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 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39 D40 D41 D42 D43 D44 D45 D46
Ala. (sp)
Elected[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 1]
Ala. (reg)
Re-elected[lower-alpha 1]
D47
Ariz.
Re-elected
D48
Ark.
Re-elected
Majority → D49
Calif.
Hold
D58
La.
Re-elected
D57
Ky.
Re-elected
D56
Iowa
Re-elected
D55
Ind.
Re-elected
D54
Ill.
Hold
D53
Idaho
Hold
D52
Ga.
Re-elected
D51
Fla.
Re-elected
D50
Colo.
Re-elected
D59
Md.
Re-elected
D60
Mo.
Re-elected
D61
Nev.
Re-elected
D62
N.Y. (reg)
Re-elected
D63
N.Y. (sp)
Hold
D64
N.C.
Re-elected
D65
Okla.
Re-elected
D66
S.C.
Re-elected
D67
Tenn. (sp)
Hold
D68
Utah
Re-elected
R19
N.J. (sp)
Gain
R20
Ohio
Gain
R21
Ore. (reg)
Ore. (sp)
Gain
R22
S.D. (reg)
S.D. (sp)
Gain
R23
Wisc.
Gain
P1 I1 FL1 FL2 D69
Wash.
Re-elected
R18
N.H.
Gain
R17
Kan.
Gain
R16
Conn.
Gain
R15
Vt.
Re-elected
R14
Pa.
Re-elected
R13
N.D.
Re-elected
R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
Key:
D# Democratic
FL# Farmer–Labor
I# Independent
P# Progressive
R# Republican

Race summaries

Special elections during the 75th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1938 or before January 3, 1939; ordered by election date.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Alabama
(Class 3)
J. Lister Hill Democratic 1938 (Appointed) Interim appointee elected April 26, 1938.
New Jersey
(Class 1)
John Milton Democratic 1938 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
Winner elected November 8, 1938.
Republican gain.
New York
(Class 1)
Royal S. Copeland Democratic 1922
1928
1934
Incumbent died June 17, 1938.
Winner elected November 8, 1938.
Democratic hold.
  • Green tickY James M. Mead (Democratic) 53.6%
  • Edward F. Corsi (Republican) 45.8%
Oregon
(Class 3)
Alfred E. Reames Democratic 1938 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
Winner elected November 8, 1938.
Republican gain.
Winner did not run for the next term, however; see below.
South Dakota
(Class 3)
Herbert E. Hitchcock Democratic 1936 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
Winner elected November 8, 1938.
Republican gain.
Winner did not run for the next term, however; see below.
  • Green tickY Gladys Pyle (Republican) 58.1%
  • John T. McCullen (Democratic) 41.9%
Tennessee
(Class 2)
George L. Berry Democratic 1937 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination to finish the term.
Winner elected November 8, 1938.
Democratic hold.
Winner delayed his term until January 16, 1939, to finish his term as district attorney.
  • Green tickY Tom Stewart (Democratic) 70.5%
  • Harley G. Fowler (Republican) 26.2%

Races leading to the 76th Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1939; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 3 seats.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral
history
Alabama J. Lister Hill Democratic 1938 (Appointed)
1938 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY J. Lister Hill (Democratic) 86.4%
  • J. M. Pennington (Republican) 13.6%
Arizona Carl Hayden Democratic 1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Carl Hayden (Democratic) 76.5%
  • B. H. Clingan (Republican) 23.5%
Arkansas Hattie Caraway Democratic 1931 (Appointed)
1932 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Hattie Caraway (Democratic) 89.6%
  • C. D. Atkinson (Republican) 10.4%
California William Gibbs McAdoo Democratic 1932 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent then resigned and Thomas M. Storke (D) was appointed to finish the term.
  • Green tickY Sheridan Downey (Democratic) 54.4%
  • Philip Bancroft (Republican) 44.7%
  • Lillain Symes Clements (Socialist) 0.9%
Colorado Alva B. Adams Democratic 1923 (Appointed)
1924 (Retired)
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Alva B. Adams (Democratic) 58.2%
  • Archibald A. Lee (Republican) 40.2%
Connecticut Augustine Lonergan Democratic 1932 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Florida Claude Pepper Democratic 1936 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Claude Pepper (Democratic) 82.5%
  • Thomas E. Swanson (Republican) 17.6%
Georgia Walter F. George Democratic 1922 (special)
1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho James P. Pope Democratic 1932 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Illinois William H. Dieterich Democratic 1932 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Indiana Frederick Van Nuys Democratic 1932 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
  • Herman L. Seeger (Prohibition) 0.4%
  • Louis E. Roebuck (Socialist) 0.1%
  • Miles Blansett (Communist) 0.1%
Iowa Guy Gillette Democratic 1936 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Kansas George McGill Democratic 1930 (special)
1932
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Kentucky Alben W. Barkley Democratic 1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
Louisiana John H. Overton Democratic 1932 Incumbent re-elected.
Maryland Millard Tydings Democratic 1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
Missouri Bennett Champ Clark Democratic 1932
1933 (Appointed)
Incumbent re-elected.
Nevada Pat McCarran Democratic 1932 Incumbent re-elected.
New Hampshire Fred H. Brown Democratic 1932 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
New York Robert F. Wagner Democratic 1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
North Carolina Robert R. Reynolds Democratic 1932 (special)
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
North Dakota Gerald Nye Republican 1925 (Appointed)
1926 (special)
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
Ohio Robert J. Bulkley Democratic 1930 (special)
1932
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Oklahoma Elmer Thomas Democratic 1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Elmer Thomas (Democratic) 65.4%
  • Harry G. Glasser (Republican) 33.9%
Oregon Alfred E. Reames Democratic 1938 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Pennsylvania James J. Davis Republican 1930 (special)
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
South Carolina Ellison D. Smith Democratic 1909
1914
1920
1926
1932
Incumbent re-elected.
South Dakota Herbert E. Hitchcock Democratic 1936 (Appointed) Interim appointee lost nomination to next term.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Utah Elbert D. Thomas Democratic 1932 Incumbent re-elected.
Vermont Ernest W. Gibson Republican 1933 (Appointed)
1934 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
Washington Homer Bone Democratic 1932 Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Homer Bone (Democratic) 62.6%
  • Ewing D. Colvin (Republican) 37.1%
  • Eugene Solie (Socialist Labor) 0.3%
Wisconsin F. Ryan Duffy Democratic 1932 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.

Closest races

Thirteen races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State Party of winner Margin
Indiana Democratic 0.3%
Iowa Democratic 0.3%
Connecticut Republican (flip) 2.9%
Illinois Democratic 3.0%
South Dakota Republican (flip) 5.0%
Ohio Republican (flip) 7.2%
New Jersey Republican (flip) 7.3%
North Dakota Democratic 7.5%
New Hampshire Republican (flip) 8.4%
New York Democratic 9.5%
California Democratic 9.7%
Idaho Democratic 9.8%
Oregon Republican (flip) 9.8%

There is no tipping point state.

Alabama

There were 2 elections due to the August 19, 1937, resignation of two-term Democrat Hugo Black. Democrat Dixie Bibb Graves was appointed August 20, 1937 (by her husband, the governor) to finish Black's term.

Alabama (special)

Alabama special Democratic primary, January 4, 1938[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Lister Hill 90,601 61.81%
Democratic James Thomas Heflin 50,189 34.24%
Democratic Charles W. Williams 5,783 3.95%
Turnout 1.87%
Democratic hold
Majority 40,412 27.57%

After congressman J. Lister Hill won the January 4, 1938, Democratic primary, Graves resigned and Hill was appointed to continue the term until the April 26, 1938, special election, which he won unopposed.

Alabama special election, April 26, 1938[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Lister Hill (Incumbent) 49,429 100.00%
Turnout 1.87%
Democratic hold

Hill was then easily re-elected in November to the next term.

Alabama (regular)

Alabama election[6][7]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Lister Hill (Incumbent) 113,413 86.38%
Republican J. M. Pennington 17,885 13.62%
None Scattering 1 0.00%
Majority 95,528 72.76%
Turnout 131,299 4.96%
Democratic hold

Arizona

Arizona election

 
Nominee Carl Hayden Burt H. Clingan
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 82,714 25,378
Percentage 76.52% 23.48%

U.S. senator before election

Carl Hayden
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Carl Hayden
Democratic

Incumbent Democrat Carl Hayden was re-elected to a third term, defeating Republican nominee Burt H. Clingan, chairman of the Arizona Industrial Commission, in the general election.

In contrast to previous elections, Hayden was easily reelected, receiving only token opposition from a relatively unknown Republican challenger.

Arizona Democratic primary[8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carl T. Hayden (Incumbent) 68,328 65.48%
Democratic Robert E. Miller 22,154 21.23%
Democratic Whit I. Hughes 13,867 13.29%
Total votes 104,349 100.00
Arizona general election[9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carl T. Hayden (Incumbent) 82,714 76.52%
Republican Burt H. Clingan 25,378 23.48%
Majority 57,336 53.04%
Turnout 108,092
Democratic hold

Arkansas

Arkansas election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Hattie Wyatt Caraway (Incumbent) 122,883 89.58%
Republican C. T. Atkinson 14,290 10.42%
Majority 108,593 79.16%
Turnout 137,173
Democratic hold

California

California election

 
Nominee Sheridan Downey Philip Bancroft
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Progressive
Townsend
Popular vote 1,372,314 1,126,240
Percentage 54.43% 44.67%

U.S. senator before election

William Gibbs McAdoo
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Sheridan Downey
Democratic

California election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheridan Downey 1,372,314 54.41%
Republican Philip Bancroft 1,126,240 44.65%
Socialist Lillian Symes Clements 22,569 0.89%
None Scattering 1,019 0.04%
Majority 246,074 9.76%
Turnout 2,522,142
Democratic hold

Colorado

Colorado election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alva B. Adams (Incumbent) 262,786 58.24%
Republican Archibald A. Lee 181,297 40.18%
Socialist Carle Whitehead 3,604 0.80%
Independent Progressive James Allander 3,522 0.78%
Majority 81,489 18.06%
Turnout 451,209
Democratic hold

Connecticut

Connecticut election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John A. Danaher 270,413 42.89%
Democratic Augustine Lonergan (Incumbent) 252,426 40.04%
Socialist Bellani Trombley 99,282 15.75%
Socialist Labor Joseph Mackey 6,931 1.10%
American Labor Philip Brainard 766 0.12%
Communist Michael A. Russo 615 0.10%
Majority 17,987 2.85%
Turnout 630,433
Republican gain from Democratic

Florida

Florida election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claude Pepper (Incumbent) 145,757 82.45%
Republican Thomas E. Swanson 31,035 17.55%
Majority 114,722 64.90%
Turnout 176,792
Democratic hold

Georgia

Georgia election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Walter F. George (Incumbent) 66,987 95.09%
Independent Charles A. Jiles 3,442 4.89%
Independent Eugene Talmadge 14 0.02%
Majority 63,545 90.20%
Turnout 70,443
Democratic hold

Idaho

Idaho election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic David Worth Clark 99,801 54.66%
Republican Donald A. Callahan 81,939 44.88%
Progressive V. A. Verhei 845 0.46%
Majority 17,862 9.78%
Turnout 182,585
Democratic hold

Illinois

Incumbent Democrat William H. Dieterich retired, making this an open-seat.

Illinois election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Scott W. Lucas 1,638,162 51.32%
Republican Richard J. Lyons 1,542,574 48.33%
Prohibition Enoch A. Holtwick 10,707 0.34%
None Scattering 569 0.02%
Majority 95,588 2.99%
Turnout 3,192,012
Democratic hold

Indiana

Indiana election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Frederick Van Nuys (Incumbent) 788,386 49.85%
Republican Raymond E. Willis 783,189 49.52%
Prohibition Herman L. Seeger 6,905 0.44%
Socialist Louis E. Roebuck 2,026 0.13%
Communist Miles Blansett 984 0.06%
Majority 5,197 0.33%
Turnout 1,581,490
Democratic hold

Iowa

Iowa election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Guy Gillette (Incumbent) 413,788 49.74%
Republican Lester J. Dickinson 410,983 49.41%
Farmer–Labor George F. Buresch 4,723 0.57%
Progressive Raymond E. Hanke 1,525 0.18%
Prohibition G. W. Bauseman 820 0.10%
Majority 2,805 0.33%
Turnout 831,839
Democratic hold

Kansas

Kansas election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Clyde M. Reed 419,532 56.21%
Democratic George McGill (Incumbent) 326,774 43.78%
Independent Joe Corpstein 99 0.01%
Majority 92,758 12.43%
Turnout 746,405
Republican gain from Democratic

Kentucky

Kentucky election

 
Nominee Alben W. Barkley John P. Haswell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 346,735 212,266
Percentage 62.03% 37.97%

County results
Barkley:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Haswell:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Alben W. Barkley
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Alben W. Barkley
Democratic

Kentucky election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alben W. Barkley (Incumbent) 346,735 62.03%
Republican John P. Haswell 212,266 37.97%
Democratic Happy Chandler (write-in) 20 0.00%
Majority 134,469 22.06%
Turnout 559,021
Democratic hold

Louisiana

Louisiana election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John H. Overton (Incumbent) 151,582 99.84%
Independent Maurice E. Clark 250 0.16%
Majority 151,332 99.68%
Turnout 151,832
Democratic hold

Maryland

Maryland election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Millard Tydings (Incumbent) 357,245 68.28%
Republican Oscar Lesser 153,253 29.29%
Union George W. Hunt 5,784 1.11%
Socialist Elisabeth Gilman 3,311 0.63%
American Labor Frank N. H. Lang 2,330 0.45%
Communist Harry Straw 1,301 0.25%
Majority 203,992 38.99%
Turnout 523,238
Democratic hold

Missouri

Missouri election

 
Nominee Bennett Champ Clark Henry S. Caulfield
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 757,587 488,687
Percentage 60.69% 39.15%

County results
Clark:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Caulfield:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Bennett Champ Clark
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Bennett Champ Clark
Democratic

Missouri election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bennett Champ Clark (Incumbent) 757,587 60.69%
Republican Henry S. Caulfield 488,687 39.15%
Socialist J. G. Hodges 1,712 0.14%
Socialist Labor Karl L. Oberhue 292 0.02%
Majority 268,900 21.54%
Turnout 1,248,278
Democratic hold

Nevada

Nevada election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Pat McCarran (Incumbent) 27,406 58.96%
Republican Tasker Oddie 19,078 41.04%
Majority 8,328 17.92%
Turnout 46,484
Democratic hold

New Hampshire

New Hampshire election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles W. Tobey 100,633 54.23%
Democratic Fred H. Brown (Incumbent) 84,920 45.77%
Majority 15,713 8.46%
Turnout 185,553
Republican gain from Democratic

New Jersey (special)

New Jersey special election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William Warren Barbour 816,667 52.98%
Democratic William H. J. Ely 704,159 45.68%
Prohibition Louis H. Kelley 8,201 0.53%
Socialist John Palangio 3,671 0.24%
Townsend Fred Turner 3,521 0.23%
Communist William Norman 3,515 0.23%
Socialist Labor John C. Butterworth 1,873 0.12%
Majority 112,508 7.30%
Turnout 1,541,607
Republican gain from Democratic

New York

There were 2 elections due to the June 17, 1938, death of three-term Democrat Royal S. Copeland.

New York (regular)

New York regular election

November 8, 1938
 
Nominee Robert F. Wagner John Lord O'Brian
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance American Labor Independent Progressive
Popular vote 2,497,029 2,058,615
Percentage 54.48% 44.92%

U.S. senator before election

Robert F. Wagner
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Robert F. Wagner
Democratic

New York Republicans nominated John Lord O'Brian for the U.S. Senate.[10] Democrats re-nominated the incumbent Wagner.[11] The American Labor party endorsed Wagner.[12]

1938 United States Senate election in New York[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert F. Wagner (Incumbent) 2,098,919 45.80%
American Labor Robert F. Wagner (Incumbent) 398,410 8.69%
Total Robert F. Wagner (Incumbent) 2,497,029 54.48%
Republican John Lord O'Brian 2,046,794 44.66%
Independent Progressive John Lord O'Brian 11,821 0.26%
'Total' John Lord O'Brian 2,058,615 44.92%
Socialist Herman J. Hahn[lower-alpha 3] 23,553 0.51%
Socialist Labor O. Martin Olson[lower-alpha 4] 3,851 0.08%
Total votes 4,583,048 100.00%

New York (special)

New York Republicans nominated Edward Corsi for the short term to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Royal S. Copeland.[10] Democrats nominated James M. Mead.[11] The American Labor party endorsed Mead.[12]

Democratic ticket Republican ticket American Labor ticket Socialist ticket
James M. Mead 2,060,876 Edward F. Corsi 2,083,666 James M. Mead 378,028 Harry W. Laidler 27,161

North Carolina

1938 United States Senate election in North Carolina

November 7, 1938
 
Nominee Robert R. Reynolds Charles A. Jonas
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 316,685 179,461
Percentage 63.83% 36.17%

Results by county
Reynolds:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Jonas:      50–60%      60–70%

Senator before election

Robert Rice Reynolds
Democratic

Elected Senator

Robert Rice Reynolds
Democratic

North Carolina election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Rice Reynolds (Incumbent) 316,685 63.80%
Republican Charles A. Jonas 179,650 36.20%
Majority 137,035 27.60%
Turnout 496,335
Democratic hold

North Dakota

North Dakota election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Gerald Nye (Incumbent) 131,907 50.12%
Independent William Langer 112,007 42.56%
Democratic J. J. Nygard 19,244 7.31%
Majority 19,900 7.56%
Turnout 263,158
Republican hold

Ohio

Ohio election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Robert A. Taft 1,255,414 53.62%
Democratic Robert J. Bulkley (Incumbent) 1,085,792 46.38%
Majority 169,622 7.24%
Turnout 2,341,206
Republican gain from Democratic

Oklahoma

Oklahoma election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Elmer Thomas (Incumbent) 307,936 65.37%
Republican Harry G. Glasser 159,734 33.91%
Prohibition P. C. Nelson 2,220 0.47%
Independent Raymond B. Clark 603 0.13%
Independent Herndon J. Thompson 573 0.12%
Majority 148,202 31.46%
Turnout 471,066
Democratic hold

Oregon

There were 2 elections for the same seat, due to the January 31, 1938, resignation of two-term Republican Frederick Steiwer. Democratic businessman Alfred E. Reames was appointed February 1, 1938, to continue the term, pending a special election, but he did not run in either the special or the general elections.

Oregon (special)

Republican Alexander G. Barry was elected to finish the term, but was not a candidate for the next term.

Oregon special election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Alexander G. Barry 180,815 54.20%
Democratic Robert A. Miller 152,773 45.80%
None Scattering 3 0.00%
Majority 28,042 8.40%
Turnout 333,591
Republican gain from Democratic

Oregon (regular)

Oregon general election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rufus C. Holman 203,120 54.86%
Democratic Willis Mahoney 167,135 45.14%
None Scattering 6 0.00%
Majority 35,985 9.72%
Turnout 370,261
Republican gain from Democratic

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania election

November 8, 1938
 
Nominee James J. Davis George Howard Earle III
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 2,086,931 1,694,367
Percentage 54.7% 44.4%

U.S. senator before election

James J. Davis
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

James J. Davis
Republican

General election results[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James J. Davis (incumbent) 2,086,931 54.70%
Democratic George H. Earle 1,694,367 44.41%
Socialist David H. H. Felix 20,155 0.53%
Prohibition Forest S. Van Valin 9,327 0.24%
Pathfinders Reginald B. Naugle 2,508 0.07%
Communist Pat Toohey 1,530 0.04%
None Scattering 104 0.00%
Majority 392,564 10.29%
Turnout 3,814,922
Republican hold

South Carolina

South Carolina election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ellison D. Smith (Incumbent) 45,351 98.89%
Republican J. D. E. Meyer 508 1.11%
None Scattering 2 0.00%
Majority 44,843 97.78%
Turnout 45,861
Democratic hold

South Dakota

There were 2 elections for the same seat due to the December 20, 1936, death of three-term Republican Peter Norbeck. Democrat Herbert Hitchcock was appointed December 29, 1936, to continue the term, pending a special election.

South Dakota (special)

Senator Gladys Pyle
South Dakota election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Gladys Pyle 155,292 58.06%
Democratic John T. McCullen 112,177 41.94%
Majority 43,115 16.12%
Turnout 267,469
Republican gain from Democratic

South Dakota (regular)

Hitchcock lost the Democratic May 3, 1938, primary for the next term to Governor of South Dakota Tom Berry.[14]

South Dakota general election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Chandler Gurney[15] 146,813 52.46%
Democratic Tom Berry 133,064 47.54%
Majority 13,749 4.92%
Turnout 279,877
Republican gain from Democratic

Tennessee (special)

Tennessee special election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tom Stewart 194,028 70.50%
Republican Harley G. Fowler 72,098 26.20%
Independent John Randolph Neal Jr. 9,106 3.31%
Majority 21,930 44.30%
Turnout 275,232
Democratic hold

Utah

Utah election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Elbert D. Thomas (Incumbent) 102,353 55.80%
Republican Franklin S. Harris 81,071 44.20%
Majority 21,282 11.60%
Turnout 183,424
Democratic hold

Vermont

Vermont election

November 8, 1938 (1938-11-08)
 
Nominee Ernest W. Gibson Sr. John McGrath
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 73,990 38,673
Percentage 65.7% 34.3%

U.S. senator before election

Ernest W. Gibson Sr.
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Ernest W. Gibson Sr.
Republican

Vermont election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Ernest Willard Gibson (Incumbent) 73,990 65.58%
Democratic John McGrath 38,673 34.28%
None Scattering 161 0.14%
Majority 35,317 31.30%
Turnout 112,824
Republican hold

Washington

Washington election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Homer Bone (Incumbent) 371,535 62.62%
Republican Ewing D. Colvin 220,204 37.12%
Socialist Labor Eugene Solie 1,553 0.26%
Majority 151,331 25.50%
Turnout 593,292
Democratic hold

Wisconsin

Wisconsin election[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Alexander Wiley 416,770 45.92%
Progressive Herman Ekern 249,209 27.46%
Democratic F. Ryan Duffy (Incumbent) 231,976 25.56%
Townsend John B. Chapple 7,251 0.80%
Independent Communist Fred Basset Blair 1,283 0.14%
Independent Socialist Labor Joseph Erhardt 1,014 0.11%
None Scattering 31 0.00%
Majority 167,561 18.46%
Turnout 907,534
Republican gain from Democratic

Further reading

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 On the day of the special election, the interim appointee, Dixie Bibb Graves had resigned and been replaced by a new interim appointee — J. Lister Hill — who then won the special election ("Hold") and was re-elected in November ("Re-elected").
  2. Appointee elected
  3. Rev. Herman J. Hahn, of Buffalo, ran also for Lieutenant Governor in 1928 and 1936.
  4. O. Martin Olson, of Jamestown, ran also for Comptroller in 1934

References

  1. 1939 Britannica Book of the Year, "Democratic Party". pp. 205–206.
  2. LIFE. Time Inc. 1994. p. 13. ISSN 0024-3019. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  3. Murphy, Paul (1974). Political Parties In American History, Volume 3, 1890-present. G. P. Putnam's Sons.
  4. "Our Campaigns - AL US Senate - Special D Primary Race - Jan 04, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  5. "Our Campaigns - AL US Senate - Special Election Race - Apr 26, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 8, 1938" (PDF). Clerk.house.gov. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
  7. "Our Campaigns - AL US Senate Race - Nov 08, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  8. "Our Campaigns - AZ US Senate - D Primary Race - Sep 13, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  9. "Our Campaigns - AZ US Senate Race - Nov 08, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  10. 1 2 Hagerty, James A. (September 30, 1938). "DEWEY NOMINATED BY REPUBLICANS; ATTACKES TAMMANY; CHOICE BY ACCLAMATION Dewey Defends Decision to Run Points to Prosecuting Staff HAILED IN OVATION Prosecutor Promises to Rid State of 'Corruption' in 'Bigger Job' O'Brian and Corsi Nominated for Senate--A. V. McDermott for Attorney General DEWEY NOMINATED BY REPUBLICANS Republican Mayor Gets Bid to Inauguration Delay in Completing Ticket Criticizes Farm Legislation Politics the Biggest Racket". The New York Times. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  11. 1 2 Times, Warren Moscowspecial To the New York (October 1, 1938). "LEHMAN IS DRAFTED FOR FOURTH TERM; HE ATTACKS DEWEY; POLETTI ON TICKET Yielding to Pleas to Run, Governor Insists on Justice as Aide CALLS RIVAL UNQUALIFIED Rochester Platform Hits Republican's Crime Issue--Wagner, Mead Are Nominated Calls Dewey Inexperienced Dewey Crime Speech a Factor LEHMAN DRAFTED FOR FOURTH TERM Platform Strong for New Deal La Guardia a Meed Champion Farley Predicts a Big Victory Hailed as". The New York Times. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  12. 1 2 Hagerty, James A. (October 4, 1938). "LABORITES NAME LEHMAN WAGNER; ADOPT PLATFORM; OVATION FOR BOTH Governor, Accepting, Stresses Policy of Law Enforcement POLETTI ALSO NOMINATED Endorsement Efforts Fall Wagner Cites Record La Guardia is Acclaimed as He Urges Candidates Friendly to Roosevelt LABORITIES NAME LEHMAN, WAGNER Yields to Dubinsky Lehman Is Acclaimed Hillman Offers Wagner's Name Vladeck in Seconding Speech". The New York Times. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  13. "NY US Senate". Our Campaigns. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  14. "Our Campaigns - SD US Senate - D Primary Race - May 03, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  15. "Our Campaigns - SD US Senate - R Primary Race - May 03, 1938". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
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