1946 United States Senate elections

* * *

| <- 1944 | November 5, 1946 | 1948 ->

|
|

1947 (MS) ->

* * *

36 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
|  | Majority party  | Minority party

|
|

|  |
Leader  | Wallace White | Alben Barkley
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Leader since  | February 25, 1944  | July 22, 1937
Leader's seat  | Maine | Kentucky
Seats before  | 39  | 56
Seats won  | 51 | 45
Seat change  |  12  |  11
Popular vote  | 15,489,926 | 12,062,433
Percentage  | 54.0% | 42.0%
Seats up  | 11  | 24
Races won  | 23 | 13

* * *

| Third party  |
|  |
Party  | Progressive |
Seats before  | 1  |
Seats won  | 0  |
Seat change  |  1  |
Seats up  | 1  |
Races won  | 0  |

* * *

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

* * *

Rectangular inset (N. Dak. and Va.): both seats up for election

* * *

| Majority Leader before election

Alben Barkley
Democratic

| Elected Majority Leader

Wallace White
Republican

|

The 1946 United States Senate elections were held November 5, 1946, in the middle of Democratic President Harry S. Truman's first term after Roosevelt's passing. The 32 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections, and four special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Republicans took control of the Senate by picking up twelve seats, mostly from the Democrats. This was the first time since 1932 that the Republicans had held the Senate, recovering from a low of 16 seats following the 1936 Senate elections.

The vote was largely seen as a referendum on Truman, whose approval rating had sunk to 32%[1] over the president's controversial handling of a wave of post-war labor strikes, such as a nationwide railroad strike in May, at a time when Americans depended on train service for both commuter and long-distance travel. Just as damaging was Truman's back-and-forth over whether to end unpopular wartime price controls to handle shortages, particularly in foodstuffs. For example, price controls on beef had led to a "hamburger famine," but when Truman, in a surprise move, lifted the controls on October 14—just weeks before the election—meat prices shot up to record levels.[citation needed]

This is only one of two occasions in U.S. history that 10 or more Senate seats changed hands in a midterm election (the other being in 1958), and also one of five occasions where 10 or more Senate seats changed hands in any election, with the other occasions being in 1920, 1932, 1958, and 1980.

The president's lack of popular support is widely seen as the reason for the Democrats' congressional defeat, the largest since they were trounced in the 1928 pro-Republican wave that brought Herbert Hoover to power.[2][3] And for the first time since before the Great Depression, Republicans were seen as the party which could best handle the American economy.

However, the Republicans also benefited from what today would be called "a good map," meaning that of the one-third of Senate seats up for election, the majority were held by Democrats. Besides the Republicans being able to hold onto all of their seats, this was the party's largest senate gain since 1920.

## Results summary[edit]

↓  45 | 51

|

Democratic | Republican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

Parties  |  |  |  | Total

|
|
|
|

Democratic  | Republican  | Other
Last elections (1944) | 57  | 38  | 1  | 96
Before these elections  | 56  | 39  | 1  | 96
Not up  | 32  | 28  | 0  | 60
Up  | 24  | 11  | 1  | 36
| Class 1 (1940→1946) | 21  | 10  | 1  | 32
Special: Class 2 | 3  | 1  | —  | 4
Incumbent retired  | 4  | 4  | —  | 8
| Held by same party | 3  | 4  | —  | 7
Replaced by other party | 1 Democrat replaced by 1 Republican  | —  | 1
Result | 3  | 5  | 0  | 8
Incumbent ran  | 20  | 7  | 1  | 28
| Won re-election | 9  | 6  | 0  | 16
Lost re-election | 7 Democrats replaced by  7 Republicans  | —  | 7
Lost renomination
but held by same party | 1  | 1  | —  | 2
Lost (re)nomination
and party lost | 3 Democrats replaced by  3 Republicans
1 Progressive replaced by  1 Republican  | 4
Result | 10  | 18  | 0  | 28
Total elected  | 13  | 23  | 0  | 36
Net change  | 11  | 12  | 1  | 12
Nationwide vote  | 12,062,433  | 15,489,926  | 1,142,765  | 28,695,124
| Share  | 42.04%  | 53.98%  | 3.98%  | 100%
Result  | 45  | 51  | 0  | 96

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives[4]

## Gains, losses, and holds[edit]

### Retirements[edit]

Three Republicans and five Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

State  | Senator  | Replaced by

|
|

Alabama (special) | George R. Swift | John Sparkman
Connecticut | Thomas C. Hart | Raymond E. Baldwin
Indiana | Raymond E. Willis | William E. Jenner
Kentucky (special) | William A. Stanfill | John Sherman Cooper
New York | James M. Mead | Irving Ives
Ohio | James W. Huffman | John W. Bricker
Rhode Island | Peter G. Gerry | J. Howard McGrath
Virginia (special) | Thomas G. Burch | A. Willis Robertson

### Defeats[edit]

One Republican, one Progressive, and ten Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.

State  | Senator  | Replaced by

|
|

Delaware | James M. Tunnell | John J. Williams
Idaho (special) | Charles C. Gossett | Henry Dworshak
Maryland | George L. P. Radcliffe | Herbert O'Conor
Massachusetts | David I. Walsh | Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Minnesota | Henrik Shipstead | Edward J. Thye
Missouri | Frank P. Briggs | James P. Kem
Montana | Burton K. Wheeler | Zales Ecton
Nevada | Edward P. Carville | George W. Malone
Pennsylvania | Joseph F. Guffey | Edward Martin
Utah | Abe Murdock | Arthur V. Watkins
Washington | Hugh Mitchell | Harry P. Cain
Wisconsin | Robert M. La Follette Jr. | Joseph McCarthy

### Post election changes[edit]

State  | Senator  | Replaced by

|
|

Louisiana | John H. Overton | William C. Feazel
South Dakota | Harlan J. Bushfield | Vera C. Bushfield
Mississippi | Theodore G. Bilbo | John C. Stennis

## Change in composition[edit]

### Before the elections[edit]

| 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
Md.
Ran | D37
Idaho (sp)
Ran | D36
Fla.
Ran | D35
Del.
Ran | D34
Ariz.
Ran | D33
Ala. (sp)
Retired | D32 | D31 | D30 | D29
D39
Mass.
Ran | D40
Miss.
Ran | D41
Mo.
Ran | D42
Mont.
Ran | D43
Nev.
Ran | D44
N.M.
Ran | D45
N.Y.
Retired | D46
Ohio (reg)
Ohio (sp)
Retired | D47
Pa.
Ran | D48
R.I.
Retired
Majority → | D49
Tenn.
Ran
R39
Vt.
Ran | P1
Wis.
Ran | D56
Wyo.
Ran | D55
W.Va.
Ran | D54
Wash.
Ran | D53
Va. (sp)
Retired | D52
Va. (reg)
Ran | D51
Utah
Ran | D50
Texas
Ran
R38
N.D. (reg)
Ran | R37
N.J.
Ran | R36
Neb.
Ran | R35
Minn.
Ran | R34
Mich.
Ran | R33
Maine
Ran | R32
Ky. (sp)
Retired | R31
Ind.
Retired | R30
Conn. (reg)
Conn. (sp)
Retired | R29
Calif. (reg)
Calif. (sp)
Ran
R19 | R20 | R21 | R22 | R23 | R24 | R25 | R26 | R27 | R28
R18 | R17 | R16 | R15 | R14 | R13 | R12 | R11 | R10 | R9
| R1
N.D. (sp)
Elected[a] | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8

### Election results[edit]

| 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
Md.
Hold | D35
Fla.
Elected[b] | D34
Ariz.
Re-elected | D33
Ala. (sp)
Hold | D32 | D31 | D30 | D29
D39
R.I.
Hold | D40
Tenn.
Re-elected | D41
Texas
Re-elected | D42
Va. (reg)
Re-elected | D43
Va. (sp)
Hold | D44
W.Va.
Re-elected | D45
Wyo.
Re-elected | R51
Wis.
Gain | R50
Wash.
Gain | R49
Utah
Gain
Majority →
R39
Vt.
Elected[b] | R40
Del.
Gain | R41
Idaho (sp)
Gain | R42
Mass.
Gain | R43
Mo.
Gain[c] | R44
Mont.
Gain | R45
Nev.
Gain | R46
N.Y.
Gain | R47
Ohio (reg)
Gain

* * *

Ohio (sp)
Gain | R48
Pa.
Gain
R38
N.D. (reg)
Re-elected | R37
N.J.
Re-elected | R36
Neb.
Re-elected | R35
Minn.
Hold | R34
Mich.
Re-elected | R33
Maine
Re-elected | R32
Ky. (sp)
Hold | R31
Ind.
Hold | R30
Conn. (reg)
Conn. (sp)
Hold | R29
Calif. (reg)
Calif. (sp)
Elected[b]
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

|

P# | Progressive
R# | Republican

## Race summaries[edit]

### Special elections during the 79th Congress[edit]

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1946, ordered by election date, then state.

State  | Incumbent  | Results  | Candidates

|
|
|

Senator  | Party  | Electoral history
North Dakota
(Class 3)  | Milton Young | Republican  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee elected June 25, 1946.  |

* ▌Y Milton Young (Republican) 55.5%
* ▌William Lanier (Democratic) 27.4%
* ▌Gerald Nye (Independent) 15.2%

Alabama
(Class 2)  | George R. Swift | Democratic  | 1946 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 5, 1946.
Democratic hold.  |

* ▌Y John Sparkman (Democratic)
* Unopposed

California
(Class 1)  | William Knowland | Republican  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee elected November 5, 1946.
Winner also elected to next term; see below.  |

* ▌Y William Knowland (Republican) 74.3%
* ▌Will Rogers Jr. (Democratic) 15.9%
* ▌George H. McLain (Democratic) 3.12%[5]

Connecticut
(Class 1)  | Thomas C. Hart | Republican  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 5, 1946.
Republican hold.
Winner also elected to next term; see below.  |

* ▌Y Raymond E. Baldwin (Republican) 55.8%
* ▌Joseph M. Tone (Democratic) 41.0%
* ▌Frederic C. Smedley (Socialist) 3.2%[6]

Idaho
(Class 2)  | Charles C. Gossett | Democratic  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee lost nomination.
New senator elected November 5, 1946.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Henry Dworshak (Republican) 58.6%
* ▌George E. Donart (Democratic) 41.4%

Kentucky
(Class 2)  | William A. Stanfill | Republican  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 5, 1946.
Republican hold.  |

* ▌Y John Sherman Cooper (Republican) 53.3%
* ▌John Y. Brown Sr. (Democratic) 46.5%

Ohio
(Class 1)  | James W. Huffman | Democratic  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 5, 1946.
Republican gain.
Winner was not elected to the next term; see below.  |

* ▌Y Kingsley A. Taft (Republican) 56.2%
* ▌Henry P. Webber (Democratic) 43.8%[7]

Virginia
(Class 2)  | Thomas G. Burch | Democratic  | 1946 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 5, 1946.
Democratic hold.  |

* ▌Y A. Willis Robertson (Democratic) 68.2%
* ▌Robert H. Woods (Republican) 29.0%

### Races leading to the 80th Congress[edit]

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1947; 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 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Ernest McFarland (Democratic) 69.2%
* ▌Ward S. Powers 30.1%

California | William Knowland | Republican  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee elected.
Winner also elected to finish term; see above.  |

* ▌Y William Knowland (Republican) 54.1%
* ▌Will Rogers Jr. (Democratic) 44.2%
* ▌Douglas Corrigan (Prohibition) 1.62%[5]

Connecticut | Thomas C. Hart | Republican  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Winner also elected to finish term; see above.  |

* ▌Y Raymond E. Baldwin (Republican) 55.8%
* ▌Wilbur Lucius Cross (Democratic) 40.5%
* ▌Frederic C. Smedley (Socialist) 3.3%[6]

Delaware | James M. Tunnell | Democratic  | 1940 | Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y John J. Williams (Republican) 55.2%
* ▌James M. Tunnell (Democratic) 44.9%

Florida | Spessard Holland | Democratic  | 1946 (Appointed) | Interim appointee elected.  |

* ▌Y Spessard Holland (Democratic) 78.7%
* ▌J. Harry Schad (Republican) 21.4%

Indiana | Raymond E. Willis | Republican  | 1940 | Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.  |

* ▌Y William E. Jenner (Republican) 54.9%
* ▌M. Clifford Townsend (Democratic) 43.4%

Maine | Owen Brewster | Republican  | 1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Owen Brewster (Republican) 63.6%
* ▌Peter M. MacDonald (Democratic) 36.5%

Maryland | George L. P. Radcliffe | Democratic  | 1934
1940 | Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.  |

* ▌Y Herbert O'Conor (Democratic) 50.2%
* ▌D. John Markey (Republican) 49.8%

Massachusetts | David I. Walsh | Democratic  | 1918
1924 (Lost)
1926 (special)
1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (Republican) 59.6%
* ▌David I. Walsh (Democratic) 39.7%

Michigan | Arthur Vandenberg | Republican  | 1928 (special)
1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Arthur Vandenberg (Republican) 67.1%
* ▌James H. Lee (Democratic) 32.0%

Minnesota | Henrik Shipstead | Republican  | 1922
1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.  |

* ▌Y Edward J. Thye (Republican) 58.9%
* ▌Theodore Jorgenson (DFL) 39.8%

Mississippi | Theodore G. Bilbo | Democratic  | 1934
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Theodore G. Bilbo (Democratic)
* Unopposed[8]

Missouri | Frank P. Briggs | Democratic  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y James P. Kem (Republican) 52.7%
* ▌Frank P. Briggs (Democratic) 47.1%

Montana | Burton K. Wheeler | Democratic  | 1922
1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Zales Ecton (Republican) 53.5%
* ▌Leif Erickson (Democratic) 45.4%

Nebraska | Hugh A. Butler | Republican  | 1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Hugh A. Butler (Republican) 70.8%
* ▌John E. Mekota (Democratic) 29.2%

Nevada | Edward P. Carville | Democratic  | 1945 (Appointed) | Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y George W. Malone (Republican) 55.2%
* ▌Berkeley L. Bunker (Democratic) 44.8%

New Jersey | H. Alexander Smith | Republican  | 1944 (special) | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y H. Alexander Smith (Republican) 58.5%
* ▌George E. Brunner (Democratic) 40.1%

New Mexico | Dennis Chávez | Democratic  | 1935 (Appointed)
1936 (special)
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Dennis Chávez (Democratic) 51.5%
* ▌Patrick J. Hurley (Republican) 48.5%

New York | James M. Mead | Democratic  | 1940 | Incumbent retired to run for New York Governor.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Irving Ives (Republican) 52.6%
* ▌Herbert H. Lehman (Democratic) 47.6%

North Dakota | William Langer | Republican  | 1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y William Langer (Republican) 53.3%
* ▌Arthur E. Thompson (Independent) 23.5%
* ▌Abner B. Larson (Democratic) 23.2%

Ohio | James W. Huffman | Democratic  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Winner was not elected to finish the term; see above.  |

* ▌Y John W. Bricker (Republican) 57.0%
* ▌James W. Huffman (Democratic) 42.4%[7]

Pennsylvania | Joseph F. Guffey | Democratic  | 1934
1940 | Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Edward Martin (Republican) 59.3%
* ▌Joseph F. Guffey (Democratic) 39.8%

Rhode Island | Peter G. Gerry | Democratic  | 1934
1940 | Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.  |

* ▌Y J. Howard McGrath (Democratic) 55.1%
* ▌W. Gurnee Dwyer (Republican) 44.9%

Tennessee | Kenneth McKellar | Democratic  | 1916
1922
1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Kenneth McKellar (Democratic) 66.6%
* ▌William B. Ladd (Republican) 26.2%

Texas | Tom Connally | Democratic  | 1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Tom Connally (Democratic) 88.5%
* ▌Murray C. Sells (Republican) 11.5%

Utah | Abe Murdock | Democratic  | 1940 | Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Arthur V. Watkins (Republican) 51.2%
* ▌Abe Murdock (Democratic) 48.8%

Vermont | Ralph Flanders | Republican  | 1946 (Appointed) | Interim appointee elected.  |

* ▌Y Ralph Flanders (Republican) 74.6%
* ▌Charles P. McDevitt (Democratic) 25.4%

Virginia | Harry F. Byrd | Democratic  | 1933 (Appointed)
1933 (special)
1934
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Harry F. Byrd (Democratic) 64.9%
* ▌Lester S. Parsons (Republican) 30.5%

Washington | Hugh Mitchell | Democratic  | 1945 (Appointed) | Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Incumbent resigned December 25, 1946.
Winner appointed December 26, 1946, to finish term.  |

* ▌Y Harry P. Cain (Republican) 54.3%
* ▌Hugh Mitchell (Democratic) 45.2%

West Virginia | Harley M. Kilgore | Democratic  | 1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Harley M. Kilgore (Democratic) 50.3%
* ▌Thomas Sweeney (Republican) 49.7%

Wisconsin | Robert M. La Follette Jr. | Progressive | 1925 (special)
1928
1934
1940 | Incumbent lost renomination as a Republican.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.  |

* ▌Y Joseph McCarthy (Republican) 61.3%
* ▌Howard J. McMurray (Democratic) 37.4%
* ▌Edwin Knappe (Socialist) 1.2%

Wyoming | Joseph C. O'Mahoney | Democratic  | 1933 (Appointed)
1934
1940 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Joseph C. O'Mahoney (Democratic) 56.2%
* ▌Harry B. Henderson (Republican) 43.8%

## Closest races[edit]

Ten races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State  | Party of winner  | Margin

|
|

Maryland | Democratic  | 0.4%
West Virginia | Democratic  | 0.6%
Utah | Republican (flip)  | 2.4%
New Mexico | Democratic  | 3.0%
New York | Republican (flip)  | 5.0%
Missouri | Republican (flip)  | 5.6%[d]
Kentucky | Republican  | 6.8%
Montana | Republican (flip)  | 8.1%
Washington | Republican (flip)  | 9.1%
California | Republican  | 9.9%

## Alabama (special)[edit]

1946 United States Senate special election in Alabama[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | John Sparkman | 163,217  | 100.00%
| Democratic hold

## Arizona[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Arizona

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Ernest McFarland | Ward S. Powers  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 80,415 | 35,022
Percentage  | 69.18% | 30.13%

* * *

County results
McFarland:  60–70% 70–80% 80–90%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Ernest McFarland
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Ernest McFarland
Democratic

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Arizona

See also: List of United States senators from Arizona

Incumbent Democrat Ernest McFarland ran for re-election to a second term, easily defeating Republican Ward S. Powers in the general election.

1946 United States Senate election in Arizona[9] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Ernest McFarland (incumbent)  | 80,415  | 69.18%
| Republican | Ward S. Powers  | 35,022  | 30.13%
| Communist | Morris Graham  | 802  | 0.69%
Majority  | 45,393  | 39.05%
Turnout | 116,239  |
| Democratic hold

## California[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from California

### California (special)[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate special election in California

### Results[edit]

1946 U.S. Senate special election in California[4][10] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Write-in  | William F. Knowland (inc.)  | 425,273  | 74.31%
| Write-in  | Will Rogers Jr. | 90,723  | 15.85%
| Write-in  | George H. McLain | 17,883  | 3.13%
| Write-in  | Ellis E. Patterson | 3,889  | 0.68%
| Write-in  | Douglas Corrigan | 2,464  | 0.43%
| Write-in  | Vic Paulsen  | 1,616  | 0.28%
| Write-in  | Moody Staten  | 1,494  | 0.26%
| Write-in  | Hartley F. Peart  | 1,383  | 0.24%
| Write-in  | George C. Highley  | 1,268  | 0.22%
| Write-in  | James Moran  | 918  | 0.16%
| Write-in  | Ben Rinaldo  | 765  | 0.13%
| Write-in  | Aubrey D. Lewis  | 519  | 0.09%
| Write-in  | Frank Merriam | 507  | 0.09%
| Write-in  | All others  | 23,619  | 4.13%
Total votes  | 572,321  | 100.00%

### California (regular)[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in California

1946 United States Senate election in California

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | William F. Knowland | Will Rogers Jr. |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 1,428,067 | 1,167,161
Percentage  | 54.10% | 44.22%

* * *

County results
Knowland: 40–50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80%
Rogers: 50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

William F. Knowland
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

William F. Knowland
Republican

|

1946 United States Senate election in California[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | William Knowland (Incumbent)  | 1,428,067  | 54.10%
| Democratic | Will Rogers Jr. | 1,167,161  | 44.22%
| Prohibition | Douglas Corrigan | 42,683  | 1.62%
| Write-In  | Herbert Steiner  | 156  | 0.01%
| None  | Scattering  | 1,398  | 0.05%
Majority  | 260,906  | 9.88%
Turnout | 2,639,465  |
| Republican hold

## Connecticut[edit]

Senator Raymond E. Baldwin

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Connecticut

See also: List of United States senators from Connecticut and 1946 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut

There were 2 elections for the same seat due to the January 16, 1945, death of Democrat Francis T. Maloney. Republican Thomas C. Hart was appointed February 15, 1945, to continue the term, pending a special election. Republican Governor of Connecticut Raymond E. Baldwin won both elections, but resigned only three years after the election to become a state judge.

### Connecticut (regular)[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Connecticut

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1950 (special) ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Raymond E. Baldwin | Joseph M. Tone  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 381,328 | 276,424
Percentage  | 55.84% | 40.48%

* * *

County results
Baldwin: 50–60% 60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Thomas C. Hart
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Raymond E. Baldwin
Republican

|

1946 United States Senate election in Connecticut[11] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Raymond E. Baldwin | 381,328  | 55.84%
| Democratic | Joseph M. Tone  | 276,424  | 40.48%
| Socialist | Frederick C. Smedley  | 22,012  | 3.22%
| Socialist Labor | John W. Aiken | 3,156  | 0,46%
Majority  | 104,904  | 29.32%
Turnout | 682,920  |
| Republican hold

### Connecticut (special)[edit]

1946 United States Senate special election in Connecticut[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Raymond E. Baldwin | 378,707  | 55.77%
| Democratic | Wilbur Lucius Cross | 278,188  | 40.97%
| Socialist | Frederic C. Smedly  | 22,164  | 3.26%
Majority  | 100,519  | 14.80%
Turnout | 679,059  |
| Republican hold

## Delaware[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Delaware

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | John J. Williams | James M. Tunnell |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 62,603 | 50,910
Percentage  | 55.15% | 44.85%

* * *

County results
Williams: 50-60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

James M. Tunnell
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

John J. Williams
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Delaware

See also: List of United States senators from Delaware

1946 United States Senate election in Delaware[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | John J. Williams | 62,603  | 55.15%
| Democratic | James M. Tunnell (Incumbent)  | 50,910  | 44.85%
Majority  | 11,693  | 10.30%
Turnout | 113,513  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Florida[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Florida

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Spessard Holland | J. Harry Schad  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 156,232 | 42,408
Percentage  | 78.65% | 21.35%

* * *

County results
Holland: 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% >90%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Spessard Holland
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Spessard Holland
Democratic

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Florida

See also: List of United States senators from Florida

1946 United States Senate election in Florida[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Spessard Holland (Incumbent)  | 156,232  | 78.65%
| Republican | J. Harry Schad  | 42,408  | 21.35%
Majority  | 113,824  | 57.30%
Turnout | 198,640  |
| Democratic hold

## Idaho (special)[edit]

1946 United States Senate special election in Idaho[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Henry Dworshak | 105,523  | 58.57%
| Democratic | George E. Donart | 74,629  | 41.43%
Majority  | 30,894  | 17.14%
Turnout | 180,152  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Indiana[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Indiana

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | William E. Jenner | M. Clifford Townsend |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 739,807 | 584,288
Percentage  | 54.91% | 43.36%

* * *

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

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Raymond E. Willis
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

William E. Jenner
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Indiana

See also: List of United States senators from Indiana

1946 United States Senate election in Indiana[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | William E. Jenner | 739,809  | 54.91%
| Democratic | M. Clifford Townsend | 584,288  | 43.36%
| Prohibition | Elmer D. Riggs  | 21,008  | 1.56%
| Socialist Labor | John Marion Morris  | 1,523  | 0.11%
| Communist | Elmer G. Johnson  | 806  | 0.06%
Majority  | 155,521  | 15.55%
Turnout | 1,347,434  |
| Republican hold

## Kentucky (special)[edit]

1946 United States Senate special election in Kentucky

* * *

| <- 1942 | November 5, 1946 | 1948 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | John Sherman Cooper | John Y. Brown |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 327,652 | 285,829
Percentage  | 53.27% | 46.47%

* * *

County results
Cooper: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90%
Brown: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

William A. Stanfill
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

John Sherman Cooper
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate special election in Kentucky

See also: List of United States senators from Kentucky

1946 United States Senate special election in Kentucky[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | John Sherman Cooper | 327,652  | 53.27%
| Democratic | John Young Brown | 285,829  | 46.47%
| Socialist | W. E. Sandefur  | 1,638  | 0.27%
Majority  | 41,823  | 6.80%
Turnout | 615,119  |
| Republican hold

## Maine[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Maine

See also: List of United States senators from Maine

1946 United States Senate election in Maine[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Ralph Owen Brewster (Incumbent)  | 111,215  | 63.55%
| Democratic | Peter M. MacDonald  | 63,799  | 36.45%
Majority  | 47,416  | 27.10%
Turnout | 175,014  |
| Republican hold

## Maryland[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Maryland

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Herbert O'Conor | D. John Markey |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 237,232 | 235,000
Percentage  | 50.24% | 49.76%

* * *

County results
Markey: 50–60% 60–70%
O'Conor: 50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

George L. P. Radcliffe
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Herbert O'Conor
Democratic

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Maryland

See also: List of United States senators from Maryland

1946 United States Senate election in Maryland[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Herbert O'Conor | 237,232  | 50.24%
| Republican | D. John Markey | 235,000  | 49.76%
Majority  | 2,232  | 0.48%
Turnout | 472,232  |
| Democratic hold

## Massachusetts[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Massachusetts

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. | David I. Walsh |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 989,736 | 660,200
Percentage  | 59.55% | 39.72%

* * *

County results

Municipality results

Lodge: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% 90–100%
Walsh: 50–60% 60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

David I. Walsh
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Massachusetts

See also: List of United States senators from Massachusetts

Republican Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. defeated incumbent David I. Walsh.

1946 United States Senate election in Massachusetts[12] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. | 989,736  | 59.55
| Democratic | David I. Walsh (Incumbent)  | 660,200  | 39.72
| Socialist Labor | Henning A. Blomen | 9,221  | 0.56
| Prohibition | Mark R. Shaw | 2,898  | 0.17
Majority  | 329,536  | 19.83%
Turnout | 1,662,055  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Michigan[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Michigan

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Arthur Vandenberg | James H. Lee  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 1,085,570 | 517,923
Percentage  | 67.06% | 32.00%

* * *

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

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Arthur Vandenberg
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Arthur Vandenberg
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Michigan

See also: List of United States senators from Michigan

1946 United States Senate election in Michigan[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Arthur Vandenberg (Incumbent)  | 1,985,570  | 67.06%
| Democratic | James H. Lee  | 517,923  | 32.00%
| Prohibition | Lawrence A. Ruble  | 8,109  | 0.50%
| Socialist Labor | Theos A. Grove  | 4,572  | 0.28%
| Communist | Hugo Beiswenger  | 2,546  | 0.16%
Majority  | 1,467,647  | 35.06%
Turnout | 1,618,720  |
| Republican hold

## Minnesota[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Minnesota

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Edward J. Thye | Theodore Jorgenson  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic (DFL)
Popular vote  | 517,775 | 349,520
Percentage  | 58.92% | 39.78%

* * *

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

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Henrik Shipstead
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Edward J. Thye
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Minnesota

See also: List of United States senators from Minnesota

1946 United States Senate election in Minnesota[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Edward John Thye | 517,775  | 58.92%
| Democratic (DFL) | Theodore Jorgenson  | 349,520  | 39.78%
| Revolutionary Workers  | Grace Carlson | 11,421  | 1.30%
| Write-In  | Henrik Shipstead (Incumbent)  | 15  | 0.00%
Majority  | 168,255  | 19.14%
Turnout | 878,731  |
| Republican hold

## Mississippi[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Mississippi

See also: List of United States senators from Mississippi

1946 United States Senate election in Mississippi[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Theodore G. Bilbo (Incumbent)  | 46,747  | 100.00%
| Democratic hold

## Missouri[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Missouri

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | James P. Kem | Frank P. Briggs |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 572,556 | 511,544
Percentage  | 52.71% | 47.09%

* * *

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

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Frank P. Briggs
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

James P. Kem
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Missouri

See also: List of United States senators from Missouri

1946 United States Senate election in Missouri[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | James P. Kem | 572,556  | 52.71%
| Democratic | Frank P. Briggs (Incumbent)  | 411,544  | 47.09%
| Prohibition | Jackson  | 979  | 0.09%
| Socialist | W. F. Rinck  | 887  | 0.08%
| Socialist Labor | Baeff  | 275  | 0.03%
Majority  | 61,012  | 5.62%
Turnout | 1,086,241  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Montana[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Montana

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Zales Ecton | Leif Erickson |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 101,901 | 86,476
Percentage  | 53.47% | 45.38%

* * *

County results
Ecton:  50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
Erickson:  40–50% 50–60% 60–70%
No data

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Burton K. Wheeler
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Zales Ecton
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Montana

See also: List of United States senators from Montana

1946 United States Senate election in Montana[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Zales Ecton | 101,901  | 53.47%
| Democratic | Leif Erickson | 86,476  | 45.38%
| Socialist | Floyd P. Jones  | 2,189  | 1.15%
Majority  | 15,425  | 8.09%
Turnout | 190,566  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Nebraska[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Nebraska

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Hugh A. Butler | John E. Mekota  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 271,208 | 111,751
Percentage  | 70.82% | 29.18%

* * *

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

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Hugh A. Butler
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Hugh A. Butler
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Nebraska

See also: List of United States senators from Nebraska

1946 United States Senate election in Nebraska[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Hugh Butler (Incumbent)  | 271,208  | 70.82%
| Democratic | John E. Mekota  | 111,751  | 29.18%
Majority  | 159,457  | 41.64%
Turnout | 382,958  |
| Republican hold

## Nevada[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from Nevada

1946 United States Senate election in Nevada[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | George W. Malone | 27,801  | 55.21%
| Democratic | Berkeley L. Bunker | 22,553  | 44.79%
Majority  | 5,248  | 10.42%
Turnout | 50,354  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## New Jersey[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in New Jersey

* * *

| <- 1944 (special) | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | H. Alexander Smith | George E. Brunner |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 799,808 | 548,458
Percentage  | 58.50% | 40.12%

* * *

County Results
Smith:  50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80–90%
Brunner:  50–60% 60–70%

* * *

| Senator before election

H. Alexander Smith
Republican

| Elected Senator

H. Alexander Smith
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in New Jersey

See also: List of United States senators from New Jersey

1946 United States Senate election in New Jersey[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | H. Alexander Smith (Incumbent)  | 799,808  | 58.50%
| Democratic | George E. Brunner | 548,458  | 40.12%
| Socialist Labor | John C. Butterworth  | 7,675  | 0.56%
| Socialist Workers | George Breitman | 4,976  | 0.36%
| Socialist | Arthur Riley  | 2,226  | 0.16%
| Prohibition | George W. Ridout  | 1,711  | 0.13%
| Anti-Medical Trust Federation  | Frederick W. Collins  | 1,676  | 0.12%
| Independent American  | Mark M. Jones  | 625  | 0.05%
Majority  | 251,350  | 18.38%
Turnout | 1,367,155  |
| Republican hold

## New Mexico[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from New Mexico

1946 United States Senate election in New Mexico[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Dennis Chávez (Incumbent)  | 68,650  | 51.51%
| Republican | Patrick J. Hurley | 64,632  | 48.49%
Majority  | 4,018  | 3.02%
Turnout | 133,282  |
| Democratic hold

## New York[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in New York

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Irving Ives | Herbert Lehman |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Alliance  |  | Liberal
American Labor
Popular vote  | 2,559,365 | 2,308,112
Percentage  | 52.58% | 47.42%

* * *

County results
Ives: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90%
Lehman: 50–60% 60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

James M. Mead
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Irving M. Ives
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in New York

See also: List of United States senators from New York

The New York state election was held on November 5, 1946.

The Socialist Labor state convention met on April 7 and nominated Eric Hass for the U.S.Senate.[13] The party filed a petition to nominate candidates under the name "Industrial Government Party."

The Liberal Party gathered 51,015 signatures and filed a petition to nominate candidates with the Secretary of State on September 2.[14]

The Republican state convention met on September 4 at Saratoga Springs, New York. They nominated Assembly Majority Leader Irving M. Ives.[15]

The Democratic state convention met on September 4 at Albany, New York, and nominated Ex-Governor Herbert H. Lehman (in office 1933–1942) for the U.S. Senate.[16]

The American Labor state convention met on September 3 and endorsed Lehman.[17] Fielding, Chapman and Abt were withdrawn from the ticket on September 5, and Democrats Corning, Young and Epstein substituted on the ticket.[18]

The Socialist Workers Party filed a petition to nominate candidates headed by Farrell Dobbs for Governor.

The Industrial Government, Socialist and Socialist Workers tickets were not allowed on the ballot because of "defective nominating petitions." The Court of Appeals upheld the decisions of the lower courts.[19]

The whole Republican ticket was elected in a landslide.

New York general election[20] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Irving M. Ives | 2,559,365  | 52.58%  | 5.92%
| Total  | Herbert Lehman  | 2,308,112  | 47.42%  | 5.16%
| Democratic | Herbert Lehman | 1,688,887 | 34.70% |
| American Labor | Herbert Lehman | 435,846 | 8.95% |
| Liberal | Herbert Lehman | 183,379 | 3.77% |
Total votes  | 4,867,477  | 36.14%  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

Obs.:

* "Blank, void and scattering" votes: 178,694

## North Dakota[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from North Dakota and 1946 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota

### North Dakota (special)[edit]

1946 United States Senate special election in North Dakota

* * *

| <- 1944 | June 25, 1946 | 1950 ->

|
|

|  |  |  |

|
|
|

Nominee  | Milton Young | P. W. "Bill" Lanier  | Gerald Nye
Party  | Republican | Democratic | Independent
Popular vote  | 75,998 | 37,507  | 20,848
Percentage  | 55.54% | 27.41%  | 15.24%

* * *

County results
Young:  40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Milton Young
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Milton Young
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate special election in North Dakota

Newly-elected Democrat John Moses had died March 3, 1945, and Republican state senator Milton Young was appointed March 12, 1945, to continue the term, pending a special election.

Young was elected June 25, 1946, to finish the term that would end in 1951.

1946 United States Senate special election in North Dakota[21] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Milton Young (Incumbent)  | 75,998  | 55.53
| Democratic | Bill Lanier  | 37,507  | 27.41
| Independent | Gerald P. Nye | 20,848  | 15.23
| Independent | E.A. Johansson  | 2,473  | 1.81
| Independent  | Scattering  | 26  | 0.02
Majority  | 38,491  | 28.13
Turnout | 136,852  |
| Republican hold

Young would go on to be elected 5 more times, serving until his 1975 retirement.

### North Dakota (regular)[edit]

Senator William Langer

First-term Republican William Langer was re-elected to a second term.

1946 United States Senate election in North Dakota[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | William Langer (Incumbent)  | 88,210  | 53.34
| Independent | Arthur E. Thompson | 38,804  | 23.46
| Democratic | Abner B. Larson  | 38,368  | 23.20
Majority  | 49,406  | 29.88
Turnout | 165,382  |
| Republican hold

Langer would be re-elected twice more, serving until his 1959 death.

## Ohio[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from Ohio

There were 2 elections to the same seat due to the September 30, 1945, resignation of Republican Harold H. Burton.

Democrat James W. Huffman was appointed to continue the term, pending a special election in which Huffman was not a candidate. Huffman was, however, nominated to the regular election,[22] which he lost.

### Ohio (special)[edit]

Senator Kingsley A. Taft Ohio special election[4][23] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Kingsley A. Taft | 1,193,852  | 56.22%
| Democratic | Henry P. Webber  | 929,584  | 43.78%
Majority  | 264,268  | 12.44%
Turnout | 2,123,436  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

### Ohio (regular)[edit]

Senator John W. Bricker

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Ohio

Ohio regular election[4][24] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | John W. Bricker | 1,275,774  | 57.02%
| Democratic | James W. Huffman (Incumbent)  | 947,610  | 42.36%
| Socialist Labor | William Farkas  | 13,885  | 0.62%
Majority  | 328,164  | 14.66%
Turnout | 2,237,269  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Pennsylvania[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Edward Martin | Joseph F. Guffey |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 1,853,458 | 1,245,338
Percentage  | 59.26% | 39.81%

* * *

County results

Cooke: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90%

Guffey: 40–50% 50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Joseph F. Guffey
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Edward Martin
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania

See also: List of United States senators from Pennsylvania

Incumbent Democrat Joseph F. Guffey lost re-election to Republican Edward Martin.

General election results[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Edward Martin | 1,853,458  | 59.26%  | +11.90%
| Democratic | Joseph F. Guffey (Incumbent)  | 1,245,338  | 39.81%  | -11.98%
| Prohibition | Dale H. Learn | 17,451  | 0.56%  | +0.28%
| Socialist Labor | Frank Knotek  | 11,613  | 0.37%  | +0.31%
Majority  | 608,120  | 19.45%  |
Turnout | 3,127,860  |  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Rhode Island[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from Rhode Island

1946 United States Senate election in Rhode Island[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | J. Howard McGrath | 150,748  | 55.11%
| Republican | W. Gurnee Dwyer  | 122,780  | 44.89%
Majority  | 27,968  | 10.22%
Turnout | 273,528  |
| Democratic hold

## Tennessee[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Tennessee

See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee

1946 United States Senate election in Tennessee[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Kenneth D. McKellar (Incumbent)  | 145,654  | 66.60%
| Republican | William B. Ladd  | 57,238  | 26.17%
| Independent | John Randolph Neal Jr. | 11,516  | 5.27%
| Independent | Herman H. Ross  | 4,303  | 1.97%
| None  | Scattering  | 3  | 0.00%
Majority  | 88,416  | 40.43%
Turnout | 218,714  |
| Democratic hold

## Texas[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Texas

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Tom Connally | Murray Sells  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 336,931 | 43,750
Percentage  | 88.51% | 11.49%

* * *

County Results[25]

Connally:  60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90%
Sells:  50–60%

No vote:

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Tom Connally
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Tom Connally
Democratic

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Texas

See also: List of United States senators from Texas

1946 United States Senate election in Texas[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Tom Connally (Incumbent)  | 336,931  | 88.51%
| Republican | Murray C. Sells  | 43,750  | 11.49%
Majority  | 293,181  | 77.02%
Turnout | 380,681  |
| Democratic hold

## Utah[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from Utah

1946 United States Senate election in Utah[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Arthur Vivian Watkins | 101,142  | 51.24%
| Democratic | Abe Murdock (incumbent)  | 96,257  | 48.76%
Majority  | 4,885  | 2.48%
Turnout | 197,399  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Vermont[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Vermont

See also: List of United States senators from Vermont

Incumbent Republican Ralph Flanders successfully ran for re-election to a full term in the United States Senate, defeating Democratic candidate Charles P. McDevitt.

1946 United States Senate election in Vermont[26] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Ralph Flanders (inc.)  | 54,729  | 74.62%
| Democratic | Charles P. McDevitt  | 18,594  | 25.35%
| None  | Scattering  | 17  | 0.02%
Majority  | 36,135  | 49.27%
Total votes  | 73,340  |
| Republican hold

## Virginia[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from Virginia and 1946 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia

### Virginia (regular)[edit]

Virginia election

* * *

<- 1940

1952 ->

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Harry F. Byrd Sr. | Lester S. Parsons  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 163,960 | 77,005
Percentage  | 64.8% | 30.5%

* * *

County and Independent City Results

Byrd:  40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% 90-100%

Parsons:  40-50% 50-60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Harry F. Byrd Sr.
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Harry F. Byrd Sr.
Democratic

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Virginia

Incumbent Harry F. Byrd Sr. was re-elected to a fourth term after defeating Republican Lester S. Parsons.

1946 United States Senate election in Virginia[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Harry F. Byrd Sr. (Incumbent)  | 163,960  | 64.84%  | -28.48%
| Republican | Lester S. Parsons  | 77,005  | 30.45%  | +30.45%
| Independent | Howard Carwile | 5,189  | 2.05%  |
| Communist | Alice Burke  | 3,318  | 1.31%  | -1.50%
| Prohibition | Thomas E. Boorde  | 1,764  | 0.70%  | +0.70%
| Socialist | Clarke T. Robb  | 1,592  | 0.63%  | +0.63%
| Write-ins  |  | 35  | 0.01%  | -0.06%
Majority  | 86,955  | 34.39%  | -55.14%
Turnout | 252,863  |  |
| Democratic hold

### Virginia (special)[edit]

Senator Absalom Willis Robertson

Main article: 1946 United States Senate special election in Virginia

Appointed Democrat Thomas G. Burch retired after filling the vacancy caused by the May 28, 1946, death of Democrat Carter Glass. Democrat Absalom Willis Robertson defeated Republican Robert H. Woods and was elected to finish Glass's term.

1946 United States Senate special election in Virginia[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Absalom Willis Robertson | 169,680  | 68.15%  | -22.93%
| Republican | Robert H. Woods  | 72,253  | 29.02%  | +29.02%
| Socialist | Lawrence S. Wilkes  | 7,024  | 2.82%  | -3.71%
| Write-ins  |  | 5  | <0.01%  |
Majority  | 97,427  | 39.13%  | -45.42%
Turnout | 248,962  |  |
| Democratic hold

## Washington[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Washington

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Harry Cain | Hugh Mitchell |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 358,847 | 298,683
Percentage  | 54.34% | 45.23%

* * *

County results
Cain: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
Mitchell: 50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Hugh Mitchell
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Harry Cain
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Washington

See also: List of United States senators from Washington

1946 United States Senate election in Washington[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Harry P. Cain | 358,847  | 54.34%
| Democratic | Hugh B. Mitchell (Incumbent)  | 298,683  | 45.23%
| Socialist Labor | Harry Morton  | 2,297  | 0.35%
| Socialist Workers | Charles R. Swett  | 515  | 0.08%
Majority  | 60,164  | 9.11%
Turnout | 660,342  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## West Virginia[edit]

See also: List of United States senators from West Virginia

1946 United States Senate election in West Virginia[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Harley M. Kilgore (Incumbent)  | 273,151  | 50.33%
| Republican | Thomas Sweeney | 269,617  | 49.67%
Majority  | 3,534  | 0.66%
Turnout | 542,768  |
| Democratic hold

## Wisconsin[edit]

1946 United States Senate election in Wisconsin

* * *

| <- 1940 | November 5, 1946 | 1952 ->

|
|

|  |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Joseph McCarthy | Howard J. McMurray |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 620,430 | 378,772
Percentage  | 61.28% | 37.41%

* * *

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

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Robert La Follette, Jr.
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Joseph McCarthy
Republican

|

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Wisconsin

See also: List of United States senators from Wisconsin

Three-term incumbent Republican Robert La Follette Jr. lost renomination to Joseph McCarthy, who then won the general election.

}  Wisconsin Republican primary[27] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Joseph McCarthy | 207,935  | 47.25%
| Republican | Robert M. La Follette Jr. (Incumbent)  | 202,557  | 46.03%
| Republican | Perry J. Stearns  | 29,605  | 6.73%
Turnout | 440,097  |
1946 United States Senate election in Wisconsin[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Joseph McCarthy | 620,430  | 61.15%
| Democratic | Howard J. McMurray | 378,772  | 37.33%
| Socialist | Edwin Knappe | 11,750  | 1.16%
| Socialist Labor | Georgia Cozzini | 1,552  | 0.15%
| None  | Scattering  | 2,090  | 0.21%
Majority  | 241,658  | 23.82%
Turnout | 1,014,594  |
| Republican hold

## Wyoming[edit]

Main article: 1946 United States Senate election in Wyoming

See also: List of United States senators from Wyoming

1946 United States Senate election in Wyoming[4] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Joseph C. O'Mahoney (Incumbent)  | 45,843  | 56.21%
| Republican | Harry B. Henderson  | 35,714  | 43.79%
Majority  | 10,129  | 12.42%
Turnout | 81,557  |
| Democratic hold

## See also[edit]

* 1946 United States elections
* 1946 United States gubernatorial elections
* 1946 United States House of Representatives elections
* 79th United States Congress
* 80th United States Congress

## Notes[edit]

1. ^ Appointee elected to remainder of term in the North Dakota special election of June 25, 1946.
2. ^ a b c Appointee elected
3. ^ Appointee defeated
4. ^ Missouri was the "tipping point" state.

## References[edit]

1. ^ Leuchtenburg, William E. (November 2006). "New Faces of 1946: An unpopular president. A war-weary people. In the midterm elections of 60 years ago, voters took aim at incumbents". Smithsonian (magazine). Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution. p. 2 of 5. Retrieved May 12, 2009. "On October 14, scarcely more than three weeks before midterm elections, Truman bit the bullet. Even when his approval rating dropped to 32 percent, he had told reporters that controls were indispensable. On this night, however, speaking to the largest radio audience since the end of the war, Truman lashed out at "the few men in Congress who, in the service of selfish interests, have been determined for some time to wreck price controls no matter what the cost might be to our people." Then he stunned the nation by announcing that he was lifting controls on meat. With the lid off, prices skyrocketed. The New York Daily News headlined: PRICES SOAR, BUYERS SORE/STEERS JUMP OVER THE MOON. Brickbats flew at the president. "Brother," said Ohio's Clarence J. Brown, chair of the Republican Congressional Committee, "the tide is sweepin' our way.""
2. ^ Arthur Krock (November 10, 1946). "Dominant Cause Seen for Republican Sweep". New York Times. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
3. ^ "Three Republicans Who Will Lead the Next Congress". New York Times. November 10, 1946. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
4. ^ 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 ah ai Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (February 1, 1947). "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1946" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 1, 7, 12, 38, 43.
5. ^ a b "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
6. ^ a b "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
7. ^ a b "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
8. ^ "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
9. ^ "Our Campaigns - AZ US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1946". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
10. ^ "Our Campaigns - CA US Senate Special". OurCampaigns. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
11. ^ "Our Campaigns - CT US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1946". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
12. ^ "Our Campaigns - MA US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1946". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
13. ^ "Socialist Labor Party Ticket". The New York Times. April 8, 1946.
14. ^ "LIBERALS TO FILE PETITIONS TODAY". The New York Times. September 2, 1946.
15. ^ "ALBANY 'TEAM' KEPT". The New York Times. September 5, 1946.
16. ^ "DEWEY IS ASSAILED; ...MEAD SPURNS ANY RED AID". The New York Times. September 5, 1946.
17. ^ "DEMOCRATIC DEAL IRKS LABOR PARTY". The New York Times. September 4, 1946.
18. ^ "ALP WITHDRAWS 3 FROM STATE TICKET". The New York Times. September 6, 1946.
19. ^ "MINOR PARTIES RULED OFF BALLOT IN STATE". The New York Times. October 26, 1946.
20. ^ "Our Campaigns - NY US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1946". OurCampaigns. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
21. ^ "Statement of the Findings of the State Board of Canvassers, Primary Election Held June 25 , 1946" (PDF). North Dakota Secretary of State. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
22. ^ "Our Campaigns - OH US Senate - D Primary Race - May 07, 1946". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
23. ^ "Our Campaigns - OH US Senate- Special Election Race - Nov 05, 1946". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
24. ^ "Our Campaigns - OH US Senate Race - Nov 05, 1946". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
25. ^ Heard, Alexander; Strong, Donald (1950). Southern Primaries and Elections 1920-1949. University of Alabama Press. pp. 179–181. ISBN 9780836955248.
26. ^ "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.
27. ^ "WI US Senate - R Primary". OurCampaigns. Retrieved August 16, 2019.

* New York: "RECORD FOR DEWEY IN OFFICIAL COUNT; His 687,151 Majority Topped Lehman's 627,388 in 1932; Won in 1942 by 173,254". The New York Times. December 14, 1946.

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