1936 United States Senate elections

The 1936 United States Senate elections coincided with the reelection of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 32 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections, and special elections were held to fill vacancies. The Great Depression continued and voters backed progressive candidates favoring Roosevelt's New Deal in races across the country. The Democrats gained 5 net seats during the election, and in combination with Democratic and Farmer–Labor interim appointments and the defection of George W. Norris from the Republican Party to become independent, the Republicans were reduced to 16 seats. Democrats gained a further two seats due to mid-term vacancies. The Democrats' 77 seats and their 62-seat majority remain their largest in history.

1936 United States Senate elections

← 1934November 3, 19361938 →

32 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
 Majority partyMinority party
 
LeaderJoseph RobinsonCharles McNary
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Leader sinceDecember 3, 1923March 4, 1933
Leader's seatArkansasOregon
Seats before7022
Seats after7517
Seat changeIncrease 5Decrease 5
Seats up1911
Races won246

 Third partyFourth party
 
PartyFarmer–LaborProgressive
Seats before21
Seats after21
Seat changeSteadySteady
Seats up10
Races won10

 Fifth party
 
PartyIndependent
Seats before0
Seats after1
Seat changeIncrease 1
Seats up0
Races won1

1936 United States Senate special election in Florida (Class 3)1936 United States Senate special election in Florida (Class 1)1936 United States Senate special election in New Mexico1936 United States Senate election in Alabama1936 United States Senate election in Arkansas1936 United States Senate election in Colorado1936 United States Senate election in Delaware1936 United States Senate election in Georgia1936 United States Senate election in Idaho1936 United States Senate election in Illinois1936 United States Senate election in Iowa1936 United States Senate election in Kansas1936 United States Senate election in Kentucky1936 United States Senate election in Louisiana1936 United States Senate election in Maine1936 United States Senate election in Massachusetts1936 United States Senate election in Michigan1936 United States Senate election in Minnesota1936 United States Senate election in Mississippi1936 United States Senate election in Montana1936 United States Senate election in Nebraska1936 United States Senate election in New Hampshire1936 United States Senate election in New Jersey1936 United States Senate election in New Mexico1936 United States Senate election in North Carolina1936 United States Senate election in Oklahoma1936 United States Senate election in Oregon1936 United States Senate election in Rhode Island1936 United States Senate election in South Carolina1936 United States Senate election in South Dakota1936 United States Senate election in Tennessee1936 United States Senate election in Texas1936 United States Senate election in Virginia1936 United States Senate election in West Virginia1936 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     Farmer–Labor hold
     Independent gain
     No election

Majority Leader before election

Joseph Robinson
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Joseph Robinson
Democratic

This was the last of four consecutive election cycles where Republicans suffered losses due to the ongoing effects of the Great Depression. This was also the last Senate election cycle until 2012 in which a Democratic candidate who won two terms also made net gains in the Senate on both occasions (although Roosevelt won a third term and fourth term, he lost Senate seats on both occasions). Additionally, this is the last time any party held three-fourths of all Senate seats.

Gains, losses, and holds

edit

Retirements

edit

One Republican, one Farmer-Labor, and five Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
ColoradoEdward P. CostiganEdwin C. Johnson
Florida (special, class 1)Scott LoftinCharles O. Andrews
Florida (special, class 3)William Luther HillClaude Pepper
LouisianaRose McConnell LongAllen J. Ellender
MassachusettsMarcus A. CoolidgeHenry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Minnesota (special)Elmer A. BensonGuy V. Howard
MinnesotaElmer A. BensonErnest Lundeen
New HampshireHenry W. KeyesStyles Bridges

Defeats

edit

Six Republicans and one Democrat sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
DelawareDaniel O. HastingsJames H. Hughes
IowaL. J. DickinsonClyde L. Herring
MichiganJames CouzensPrentiss M. Brown
New JerseyW. Warren BarbourWilliam H. Smathers
OklahomaThomas GoreJoshua B. Lee
Rhode IslandJesse H. MetcalfTheodore F. Green
WyomingRobert D. CareyHarry Schwartz

Death

edit

One Democrat died on July 16, 1936, and his seat remained vacant until the election.

StateSenatorReplaced by
Iowa (special)Louis MurphyGuy Gillette

Independent gain

edit

One Republican won re-election as an Independent.

StateSenatorReplaced by
NebraskaGeorge W. NorrisGeorge W. Norris

Post-election changes

edit
StateSenatorReplaced by
AlabamaHugo BlackDixie Bibb Graves
ArkansasJoseph Taylor RobinsonJohn E. Miller
New JerseyA. Harry MooreJohn Gerald Milton
New YorkRoyal S. CopelandJames M. Mead
OregonFrederick SteiwerAlfred E. Reames
TennesseeNathan L. BachmanGeorge L. Berry

Change in composition

edit

Before the elections

edit

After the April 1936 special election.

D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38D37D36D35D34D33D32D31D30D29
D39D40D41D42D43D44D45D46D47D48
Ala.
Ran
Majority →D49
Ark.
Ran
D58
Miss.
Ran
D57
Mass.
Retired
D56
La. (sp)
Elected[a]
La. (reg)
Retired
D55
Ky.
Ran
D54
Ill.
Ran
D53
Ga.
Ran
D52
Fla. (sp3)
Retired
D51
Fla. (sp1)
Retired
D50
Colo.
Retired
D59
Mont.
Ran
D60
N.M. (reg)
Ran
D61
N.M. (sp)
Ran
D62
N.C.
Ran
D63
Okla.
Ran
D64
S.C.
Ran
D65
S.D.
Ran
D66
Tenn.
Ran
D67
Texas
Ran
D68
Va.
Ran
R19
N.H.
Retired
R20
N.J.
Ran
R21
Ore.
Ran
R22
R.I.
Ran
R23
Wyo.
Ran
FL1FL2
Minn. (sp)
Minn. (reg)
Retired
P1V1
Iowa (sp)
D69
W.Va.
Ran
R18
Neb.
Ran
R17
Mich.
Ran
R16
Maine
Ran
R15
Kan.
Ran
R14
Iowa
Ran
R13
Idaho
Ran
R12
Del.
Ran
R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8

Result of the elections

edit
D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38D37D36D35D34D33D32D31D30D29
D39D40D41D42D43D44D45D46D47D48
Ala.
Re-elected
Majority →D49
Ark.
Re-elected
D58
Mont.
Re-elected
D57
Miss.
Re-elected
D56
La. (reg)
Hold
D55
Ky.
Re-elected
D54
Ill.
Re-elected
D53
Ga.
Re-elected
D52
Fla. (sp3)
Hold
D51
Fla. (sp1)
Hold
D50
Colo.
Hold
D59
N.M. (reg)
Re-elected
D60
N.M. (sp)
Elected[a]
D61
N.C.
Re-elected
D62
Okla.
Hold
D63
S.C.
Re-elected
D64
S.D.
Re-elected
D65
Tenn.
Re-elected
D66
Texas
Re-elected
D67
Va.
Re-elected
D68
W.Va.
Re-elected
FL1FL2
Minn. (sp)
Gain[b]
Minn. (reg)
Hold[b]
P1D75
Wyo.
Gain
D74
R.I.
Gain
D73
N.J.
Gain
D72
Mich.
Gain
D71
Iowa (sp)
Hold
D70
Iowa (reg)
Gain
D69
Del.
Gain
I1
Neb.
Re-elected
new party
R17
Mass.
Gain
R16
Ore.
Re-elected
R15
N.H.
Hold
R14
Maine
Re-elected
R13
Kan.
Re-elected
R12
Idaho
Re-elected
R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8

Beginning of the next Congress

edit
D1D2D3D4D5D6D7D8
D18D17D16D15D14D13D12D11D10D9
D19D20D21D22D23D24D25D26D27D28
D38D37D36D35D34D33D32D31D30D29
D39D40D41D42D43D44D45D46D47D48
Majority →D49
D58D57D56D55D54D53D52D51D50
D59D60D61D62D63D64D65D66D67D68
FL2P1D76
S.D.
Appointed[c]
D75D74D73D72D71D70D69
FL1I1R16R15R14R13R12R11R10R9
R1R2R3R4R5R6R7R8
Key
D#Democratic
FL#Farmer–Labor
I#Independent
P#Progressive
R#Republican
V#Vacant
Composition of the Senate after the Election

Race summaries

edit

Elections during the 74th Congress

edit

In these special elections the winners were seated once they qualified; ordered by election date.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
Louisiana
(Class 2)
Rose McConnell LongDemocratic1936 (Appointed)Interim appointee elected April 21, 1936.
Winner was later not elected to the next term; see below.
Florida
(Class 1)
Scott LoftinDemocratic1936 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 3, 1936.
Democratic hold.
Florida
(Class 3)
William Luther HillDemocratic1936 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 3, 1936.
Democratic hold.
Iowa
(Class 3)
VacantLouis Murphy (D) had died July 16, 1936.
New senator elected November 3, 1936.
Democratic hold
Minnesota
(Class 2)
Elmer A. BensonFarmer–Labor1935 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 3, 1936.
Republican gain.
Winner was not a candidate for the next term; see below.
New Mexico
(Class 1)
Dennis ChávezDemocratic1935 (Appointed)Interim appointee elected November 3, 1936.

Elections leading to the 75th Congress

edit

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1937; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

StateIncumbentResultsCandidates
SenatorPartyElectoral history
AlabamaJohn H. Bankhead IIDemocratic1930Incumbent re-elected.
ArkansasJoseph T. RobinsonDemocratic1913
1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
ColoradoEdward P. CostiganDemocratic1930Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
DelawareDaniel O. HastingsRepublican1928 (Appointed)
1930
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
GeorgiaRichard Russell Jr.Democratic1932 (special)Incumbent re-elected.
IdahoWilliam BorahRepublican1907
1913
1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
IllinoisJ. Hamilton LewisDemocratic1913 (Late)
1918 (Lost)
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
IowaL. J. DickinsonRepublican1930Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
KansasArthur CapperRepublican1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
KentuckyM. M. LoganDemocratic1930Incumbent re-elected.
LouisianaRose McConnell LongDemocratic1936 (Appointed)
1936 (special)
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
MaineWallace H. WhiteRepublican1930Incumbent re-elected.
MassachusettsMarcus A. CoolidgeDemocratic1930Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
MichiganJames CouzensRepublican1922 (Appointed)
1924 (special)
1924
1930
Incumbent lost renomination[2] then died October 22, 1936.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Winner was later appointed to finish term.
MinnesotaElmer A. BensonFarmer–Labor1935 (Appointed)Interim appointee retired to run for Governor of Minnesota.
New senator elected.
Farmer–Labor hold.
Winner was not a candidate to finish the current term.
MississippiPat HarrisonDemocratic1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
MontanaJames E. MurrayDemocratic1934 (special)Incumbent re-elected.
NebraskaGeorge W. NorrisRepublican1913
1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected as an Independent.
Independent gain.
New HampshireHenry W. KeyesRepublican1918
1924
1930
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
New JerseyW. Warren BarbourRepublican1931 (Appointed)
1932 (special)
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
New MexicoCarl HatchDemocratic1933 (Appointed)
1934 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
North CarolinaJosiah BaileyDemocratic1930Incumbent re-elected.
OklahomaThomas GoreDemocratic1907 (New state)
1909
1914
1920 (Lost)
1930
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
OregonCharles L. McNaryRepublican1917 (Appointed)
1918 (Not elected
1918 (Appointed)
1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
Rhode IslandJesse H. MetcalfRepublican1924 (special)
1924
1930
Incumbent lost re-election.[3]
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
South CarolinaJames F. ByrnesDemocratic1930Incumbent re-elected.
South DakotaWilliam J. BulowDemocratic1930Incumbent re-elected.
TennesseeNathan L. BachmanDemocratic1933 (Appointed)
1934 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
TexasMorris SheppardDemocratic1913 (special)
1913
1918
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
VirginiaCarter GlassDemocratic1920 (Appointed)
1920 (special)
1924
1930
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Y Carter Glass (Democratic) 91.7%
  • George Rohken (Republican) 4.7%
  • Donald Burke (Communist) 3.3%
West VirginiaMatthew M. NeelyDemocratic1930Incumbent re-elected.
WyomingRobert D. CareyRepublican1930 (special)
1930
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.

Closest races

edit

Eleven races had a margin of victory under 10%:

StateParty of winnerMargin
MaineRepublican1.5%
KansasRepublican2.6%
OregonRepublican2.6%
South DakotaDemocratic2.0%
IowaDemocratic (flip)3.4%
New HampshireRepublican4.2%
Rhode IslandDemocratic (flip)4.2%
Iowa (special)Democratic (flip)5.3%
NebraskaIndependent (flip)6.0%
MassachusettsRepublican (flip)7.5%
WyomingDemocratic (flip)8.4%

There is no tipping point state.

Alabama

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Alabama

← 1930November 2, 19361942 →
 
NomineeJohn H. Bankhead IIH. E. Berkstresser
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote239,63233,698
Percentage87.03%12.24%

County results
Bankhead:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Berkstresser:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

John H. Bankhead II
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John H. Bankhead II
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Alabama[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJohn H. Bankhead II (Incumbent) 239,532 87.02%
RepublicanH. E. Berkstresser33,69712.24%
IndependentWilliam C. Irby2,0220.73%
IndependentSam Powe10.00%
Majority105,83574.78%
Turnout275,252
Democratic hold

Arkansas

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Arkansas

← 1930November 3, 19361937 (special) →
 
NomineeJoe T. RobinsonG.C. Ledbetter
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote170,33627,746
Percentage84.08%15.06%

County results
Robinson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Ledbetter:      50–60%
Williams:      50–60%
Tie:      40-50%

U.S. senator before election

Joseph T. Robinson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Joseph T. Robinson
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Arkansas[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJoseph Taylor Robinson 154,866 84.08%
RepublicanG. C. Ledbetter27,74615.06%
IndependentClaude C. Williams1,5870.86%
Majority127,12069.02%
Turnout184,199
Democratic hold

Colorado

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Colorado

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeEd JohnsonRay Sauter
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote299,376166,308
Percentage63.45%35.25%

Results by county
Johnson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Sauter:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Edward P. Costigan
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Edwin C. Johnson
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Colorado[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticEdwin C. Johnson 299,376 63.45%
RepublicanRaymond L. Sauter166,30835.25%
SocialistCarle Whithead4,4380.94%
National UnionGeorge W. Carleton1,7050.36%
Majority133,06828.20%
Turnout471,827
Democratic hold

Delaware

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Delaware[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJames H. Hughes 67,136 52.97%
RepublicanDaniel O. Hastings (Incumbent)52,46941.40%
IndependentRobert G. Houston6,8975.44%
SocialistCharles W. Perry1830.14%
CommunistWilliam V. P. Daviatis530.04%
Majority14,66711.57%
Turnout126,738
Democratic gain from Republican

Florida (special)

edit

There were two special elections in Florida, due to the May 8, 1936, death of four-term Democrat Park Trammell and the June 17, 1936, death of five-term Democrat Duncan U. Fletcher.

Florida (special, class 1)

edit

Democrat Scott M. Loftin was appointed May 26, 1936, to continue the term, pending a special election. Primaries were held August 11, 1936.[5]

1936 United States Senate election in Florida (Class 1 special)[4][6]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticCharles O. Andrews 241,528 81.90%
RepublicanHoward C. Babcock57,01619.10%
Majority184,51262.80%
Turnout298,54420.33%
Democratic hold

Andrews would be re-elected once and serve until his death September 18, 1946.

Florida (special, class 3)

edit

Democrat William Luther Hill was appointed July 1, 1936, to continue the term, pending a special election. Democrat Claude Pepper, who had lost to Trammell in 1934 won this election.

1936 United States Senate Class 3 special election in Florida[4][7]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticClaude Pepper 246,050 100.00%
Turnout16.76%
Democratic hold

Pepper would be re-elected twice and serve until he lost renomination in 1950. He would later be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and serve there for 26 years.

Georgia

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Georgia[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticRichard Russell Jr. (Incumbent) 285,468 100.00%
Democratic hold

Idaho

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Idaho[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanWilliam Borah (Incumbent) 128,723 63.36%
DemocraticC. Ben Ross74,44436.64%
Majority54,27926.72%
Turnout203,167
Republican hold

Illinois

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Illinois

← 1930November 3, 19361940 (special) →
 
NomineeJ. Hamilton LewisOtis F. Glenn
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote2,142,8871,545,170
Percentage56.47%40.72%

Results by county
Lewis:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Glenn:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

J. Hamilton Lewis
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

J. Hamilton Lewis
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Illinois[4][8]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJ. Hamilton Lewis (Incumbent) 2,142,887 56.47%
RepublicanOtis F. Glenn1,545,17040.72%
UnionNewton Jenkins93,6962.47%
SocialistArthur McDowell7,4050.20%
ProhibitionAdah M. Hagler3,2980.09%
Socialist LaborFrank Schnur2,2080.06%
Majority597,71715.75%
Turnout3,794,664
Democratic hold

Iowa

edit

Iowa (regular)

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Iowa

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeClyde HerringL. J. Dickinson
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote539,554504,535
Percentage50.26%47.34%

County Results
Herring:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Dickinson:     40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Lester J. Dickinson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Clyde Herring
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Iowa[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticClyde L. Herring 539,555 50.34%
RepublicanLester J. Dickinson (Incumbent)503,63546.99%
Farmer–LaborGeorge F. Buresch25,5672.39%
ProhibitionJohn B. Hammond1,7260.16%
SocialistLaetitia M. Conrad1,2330.12%
Majority35,9203.35%
Turnout1,071,716
Democratic gain from Republican

Iowa (special)

edit
1936 United States Senate Special Election

← 1932Tuesday, November 3, 19361938 →
 Majority partyMinority party
 
CandidateGuy M. GilletteBerry F. Halden
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote536,075478,521
Percentage51.91%46.43%

County Results
Gillette:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Halden:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Vacant

Elected U.S. Senator

Guy M. Gillette
Democratic

1936 United States Senate special election in Iowa[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticGuy M. Gillette 535,966 52.00%
RepublicanBerry.F. Halden478,51646.43%
Farmer–LaborErnest R. Quick16,1791.57%
Majority57,4505.57%
Turnout1,030,661
Democratic hold

Kansas

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Kansas[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanArthur Capper (Incumbent) 417,873 51.63%
DemocraticOmar B. Ketchum386,68547.78%
SocialistT. C. Hager4,7750.59%
Majority31,1883.85%
Turnout809,333
Republican hold

Kentucky

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Kentucky

← 1930November 3, 19361940 (special) →
 
NomineeM. M. LoganRobert H. Lucas
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote539,968365,850
Percentage58.80%39.84%

County results
Logan:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Lucas:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

M. M. Logan
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

M. M. Logan
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Kentucky[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticM. M. Logan (Incumbent) 539,968 58.80%
RepublicanRobert H. Lucas365,85039.84%
UnionWilliam M. Likins11,7091.28%
SocialistW. E. Sandefer5410.06%
Socialist LaborFerdinand Zimmerer2710.03%
Majority174,11818.96%
Turnout918,339
Democratic hold

Louisiana

edit

Louisiana (regular)

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Louisiana[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticAllen J. Ellender 293,256 100.00%
NoneScattering70.00%
Majority293,249100.00%
Turnout293,263
Democratic hold

Louisiana (special)

edit

Democrat Rose McConnell Long was elected April 21, 1936, to finish the term to which she was appointed on January 31, 1936. She was not a candidate, however, to the next term on November 3, 1936, see above.

Maine

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Maine[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanWallace H. White Jr. (Incumbent) 158,068 50.75%
DemocraticLouis J. Brann153,42049.25%
Majority4,6481.50%
Turnout311,488
Republican hold

Massachusetts

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Massachusetts

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeHenry Cabot Lodge Jr.James Michael CurleyThomas C. O'Brien
PartyRepublicanDemocraticUnion
Popular vote875,160739,751134,245
Percentage48.53%41.02%7.44%

County results
Cabot Lodge Jr.:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Curley:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Marcus A. Coolidge
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
Republican

Massachusetts general election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
RepublicanHenry Cabot Lodge Jr. 875,160 48.53 +3.86
DemocraticJames Michael Curley739,75141.02-12.99
UnionThomas C. O'Brien134,2457.44+7.44
EconomyAlonzo B. Cook11,5190.64+0.64
Social JusticeGuy M. Gray9,9060.55+0.55
SocialistAlbert Sprague Coolidge9,7630.54-0.06
TownsendMoses H. Gulesian7,4080.41+0.41
Socialist LaborErnest L. Dodge7,4080.39+0.01
CommunistCharles Flaherty4,8210.27-0.06
ProhibitionWilbur D. Moon3,6770.20+0.20
Write-in160.00
total1,803,674100.00

Michigan

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Michigan

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineePrentiss M. BrownWilber M. Brucker
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote910,937714,602
Percentage53.29%41.80%

County results
Brown:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Brucker:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

James J. Couzens
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Prentiss M. Brown
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Michigan[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticPrentiss M. Brown 910,937 53.29%
RepublicanWilber M. Brucker714,60241.80%
The Third PartyLouis B. Ward75,6804.43%
SocialistRoy E. Mathews4,9940.29%
CommunistLawrence Emery2,1450.13%
Socialist LaborRalph Naylor5100.03%
Commonwealth LandAlbert B. Sheldon4290.03%
AmericanEdward N. Lee1470.01%
Majority196,33511.49%
Turnout1,709,444
Democratic gain from Republican

Minnesota

edit

There were 2 elections to the same seat on the same day due to the December 22, 1935, death of two-term Republican Thomas D. Schall.

Minnesota (special)

edit
Minnesota special election

← 1930November 3, 19361942 (special) →
 
NomineeGuy V. HowardN. J. Holmberg
PartyRepublicanIndependent
Popular vote317,457210,364
Percentage42.89%28.42%

 
NomineeAndrew Olaf DevoldJohn G. Alexander
PartyIndependentIndependent
Popular vote147,85864,493
Percentage19.98%8.71%

County Results:
Howard:      30-40%      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%
Holmberg:      30-40%
Devold:      30-40%
Tie:      Howard/Holmberg 30-40%

U.S. senator before election

Elmer A. Benson
Farmer–Labor

Elected U.S. Senator

Guy V. Howard
Republican

The election was held to fill the vacancy in the seat formerly held by Thomas D. Schall for the final two months of Schall's unexpired term. Governor Floyd B. Olson had appointed Elmer Benson to fill the seat in 1935, but this appointment was temporary and subject to a special election held in the next general election year thereafter—1936. Benson opted to run for governor instead of running for election to continue for the remainder of the term. No special primaries were held for the special election, and, among Minnesota's three major parties, only the Republican Party of Minnesota officially fielded a candidate—Guy V. Howard. Regardless of the absence of Farmer-Labor and Democratic nominees, Howard nevertheless faced a great degree of competition from independent candidates Nathaniel J. Holmberg, Andrew Olaf Devold, and John G. Alexander.

The candidates were:

Minnesota special election[9]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanGuy V. Howard 317,457 42.89%
IndependentN. J. Holmberg210,36428.42%
IndependentAndrew Olaf Devold147,85819.98%
IndependentJohn G. Alexander64,4938.71%
Total votes740,172 100.00%
Majority107,09314.47%
Republican gain from Farmer–Labor

Howard was not a candidate for the next term, and served only until January 1937.

Minnesota (regular)

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Minnesota

← 1936 (special)November 3, 19361942 (special) →
 
NomineeErnest LundeenTheodore Christianson
PartyFarmer–LaborRepublican
Popular vote663,363402,404
Percentage62.24%37.76%

County results
Lundeen:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Christianson:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Elmer A. Benson
Farmer–Labor

Elected U.S. Senator

Ernest Lundeen
Farmer–Labor

The election to the next term was won by Farmer–Labor congressman Ernest Lundeen.

Minnesota regular election[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Farmer–LaborErnest Lundeen 663,363 62.24%
RepublicanTheodore Christianson402,40437.76%
Majority260,95924.48%
Turnout1,065,767
Farmer–Labor hold

Mississippi

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Mississippi[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticPat Harrison (Incumbent) 140,570 100.00%
DemocraticMike Conner10.00%
DemocraticFrank Harper10.00%
Majority140,569100.00%
Turnout140,572
Democratic hold

Montana

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Montana

← 1934 (special)November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeJames E. MurrayThomas LarsonJoseph P. Monaghan
PartyDemocraticRepublicanIndependent
Popular vote121,76960,03839,655
Percentage54.98%27.11%17.91%

County results
Murray:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Monaghan:      40–50%
     No data      Tie

U.S. senator before election

James E. Murray
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James E. Murray
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Montana[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
DemocraticJames E. Murray (Incumbent) 121,769 54.98% -4.68%
RepublicanThomas O. Larson60,03827.11%-12.32%
IndependentJoseph P. Monaghan39,65517.91%
Majority61,73127.87%+7.65%
Turnout221,462
Democratic holdSwing

Nebraska

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Nebraska

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeGeorge NorrisRobert SimmonsTerry Carpenter
PartyIndependentRepublicanDemocratic
Popular vote258,700223,276108,391
Percentage43.82%37.82%18.36%

Results by county

U.S. senator before election

George W. Norris
Independent

Elected U.S. Senator

George W. Norris
Independent

1936 United States Senate election in Nebraska[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
IndependentGeorge W. Norris (Incumbent) 258,700 43.82%
RepublicanRobert G. Simmons223,27637.82%
DemocraticTerry Carpenter108,39118.36%
Majority35,4246.00%
Turnout590,367
Independent gain from Republican

New Hampshire

edit
1936 United States Senate election in New Hampshire

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeStyles BridgesWilliam N. Rogers
PartyRepublicanDemocratic
Popular vote107,92399,195
Percentage51.86%47.67%

County results
Bridges:      50–60%      60–70%
Rogers:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Henry W. Keyes
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Styles Bridges
Republican

1936 United States Senate election in New Hampshire[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanStyles Bridges 107,923 51.86%
DemocraticWilliam Nathaniel Rogers99,19547.67%
Farmer–LaborStearns Morse9890.48%
Majority8,7284.19%
Turnout208,107
Republican hold

New Jersey

edit
New Jersey election

 
NomineeWilliam H. SmathersWilliam Warren Barbour
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote916,414740,088
Percentage54.90%44.34%

County Results
Smathers:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Barbour:      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

William Warren Barbour
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William H. Smathers
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in New Jersey[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticWilliam H. Smathers 916,414 54.90%
RepublicanWilliam Warren Barbour (Incumbent)740,08844.34%
TownsendFred Turner6,6510.40%
SocialistHerman F. Niessner3,3090.20%
CommunistHerbert Coley1,4140.08%
ProhibitionMalcolm G. Thomas9670.06%
Socialist LaborGeorge E. Bopp4480.03%
Majority176,32610.56%
Turnout1,669,291
Democratic gain from Republican

New Mexico

edit

There were 2 elections, due to the May 6, 1935, death of two-term Republican Bronson M. Cutting.

New Mexico (special)

edit

Democratic former-Congressman Dennis Chavez had been Cutting's opponent in 1934. On May 11, 1935, after Cutting's death, Chavez was then appointed to continue Cutting's term, pending a special election which he then won.

New Mexico special election[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticDennis Chávez (Incumbent) 94,585 55.74%
RepublicanM. A. Otero Jr.75,02944.22%
Farmer–LaborSantiago El Mayor Matta680.04%
Majority19,55611.52%
Turnout169,438
Democratic hold

Chavez would be re-elected four more times and serve until his death in 1962.

New Mexico (regular)

edit

One-term Democrat Carl Hatch was easily re-elected.

New Mexico regular election[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticCarl Hatch (Incumbent) 104,550 61.70%
RepublicanErnest W. Everly64,81738.25%
Farmer–LaborW. C. Throp710.04%
Majority39,73323.45%
Turnout169,682
Democratic hold

Hatch would be re-elected once and serve until his 1948 retirement.

North Carolina

edit
1936 United States Senate election in North Carolina[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJosiah Bailey (Incumbent) 563,968 70.76%
RepublicanFrank C. Patton233,00929.24%
Majority330,95941.52%
Turnout796,977
Democratic hold

Oklahoma

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Oklahoma[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticJoshua B. Lee (Incumbent) 493,407 67.97%
RepublicanHerbert K. Hyde229,00431.55%
SocialistEdgar Clemons1,8950.26%
ProhibitionP. C. Nelson9730.13%
IndependentFrank M. Kimes3440.05%
IndependentR. M. Funk2980.04%
Majority264,40336.42%
Turnout725,921
Democratic hold

Oregon

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Oregon[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanCharles L. McNary (Incumbent) 199,332 49.69%
DemocraticWillis Mahoney193,82248.32%
IndependentAlbert Streiff3,1340.78%
Socialist LaborEric Hass2,8860.72%
IndependentClarence Rudder1,9560.49%
NoneScattering10.00%
Majority5,5101.37%
Turnout401,131
Republican hold

Rhode Island

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Rhode Island[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticTheodore F. Green 149,141 48.62%
RepublicanJesse H. Metcalf (Incumbent)136,12544.37%
IndependentLudger LaPointe21,4957.01%
Majority13,0164.35%
Turnout306,761
Democratic gain from Republican

South Carolina

edit
1936 South Carolina election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
DemocraticJames F. Byrnes (Incumbent) 113,696 98.6 -1.4
RepublicanJoseph Augustis Tolbert9610.8N/A
RepublicanMarion W. Seabrook7020.6N/A
No partyWrite-Ins10.00.0
Majority112,73597.8-2.2
Turnout115,360
Democratic hold

South Dakota

edit
1936 United States Senate election in South Dakota

← 1930November 3, 19361942 →
 
NomineeWilliam J. BulowChan Gurney
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote141,509135,461
Percentage48.83%46.75%

County results
Bulow:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Gurney:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
No Vote:      

U.S. senator before election

William J. Bulow
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

William J. Bulow
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in South Dakota[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticWilliam J. Bulow (Incumbent) 141,509 48.83%
RepublicanJohn Chandler Gurney135,46146.75%
IndependentArthur Bennett12,8164.42%
Majority6,0482.08%
Turnout289,786
Democratic hold

Tennessee

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Tennessee

← 1934November 3, 19361938 →
 
NomineeNathan L. BachmanDwayne D. Maddox
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote273,29869,753
Percentage75.88%19.37%

Senator before election

Nathan L. Bachman
Democratic

Elected Senator

Nathan L. Bachman
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Tennessee[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticNathan L. Bachman (Incumbent) 273,298 75.88%
RepublicanDwayne D. Maddox69,75319.37%
IndependentJohn Randolph Neal Jr.14,6174.06%
IndependentHoward Kester2,5160.70%
Majority203,54556.51%
Turnout360,184
Democratic hold

Texas

edit
Texas election

← 1930November 3, 19361941 (special) →
 
NomineeMorris SheppardCarlos Watson
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote774,97559,491
Percentage92.56%7.11%

County Results[10]

Sheppard:      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Watson:      40–50%      50–60%

No vote:      

U.S. senator before election

Morris Sheppard
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Morris Sheppard
Democratic

1936 United States Senate election in Texas[4][11]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
DemocraticMorris Sheppard (incumbent) 774,975 92.56% 5.65
RepublicanCarlos G. Watson59,4917.11% 5.62
UnionGertrude Wilson1,8360.22%N/A
SocialistW. B. Starr9580.11% 0.15
Total votes837,260 100.00%
Democratic hold

Virginia

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Virginia[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
DemocraticCarter Glass (inc.) 244,518 91.66% +14.99%
RepublicanGeorge Rohken12,5734.71%+4.71%
CommunistDonald Burke8,9073.34%+3.34%
Independent DemocraticElbert Lee Trinkle4690.18%-17.68%
IndependentA. J. Dunning1250.05%
Write-ins1740.07%+0.04%
Majority231,94586.95%+28.14%
Turnout266,766
Democratic hold

West Virginia

edit
1936 United States Senate election in West Virginia[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticMatthew M. Neely (Incumbent) 488,720 58.95%
RepublicanHugh Ike Shott338,36340.81%
ProhibitionJohn Wesley MacDonald1,0050.12%
SocialistJ. H. Snider9350.11%
Majority150,35718.14%
Turnout829,023
Democratic hold

Wyoming

edit
1936 United States Senate election in Wyoming[4]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticHenry H. Schwartz 53,919 53.83%
RepublicanRobert D. Carey (Incumbent)45,48345.40%
UnionGeorge E. Geier6820.68%
CommunistMerton Willer880.09%
Majority8,4368.43%
Turnout100,172
Democratic gain from Republican

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b Appointee elected
  2. ^ a b The Republican candidate was elected to finish the term, but the Farmer-Labor candidate was elected to the next term.
  3. ^ A South Dakota Republican, who was not up for election, died December 20, 1936, and a Democrat was appointed December 29, 1936, to continue the term pending a 1938 special election.

References

edit
  1. ^ "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  2. ^ "Our Campaigns - MI US Senate - R Primary Race - Sep 15, 1936". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  3. ^ "Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  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 "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1936" (PDF). Clerk.house.gov. Retrieved July 21, 2019.
  5. ^ "Our Campaigns - FL US Senate - Special D Primary Race - Aug 11, 1936". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  6. ^ "Our Campaigns - FL US Senate - Special Race - Nov 03, 1936". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  7. ^ "Our Campaigns - FL US Senate - Special Race - Nov 03, 1936". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  8. ^ "OFFICIAL VOTE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS CAST AT THE GENERAL ELECTION, NOV. 3, 1936 PRIMARY ELECTIONS GENERAL PRIMARY, APRIL 14, 1936 PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE, APRIL 14, 19356" (PDF). Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved 15 December 2020.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "General Election Returns for Minnesota / Tuesday, November Third 1936" (PDF). Minnesota Legislative Manual 1937.
  10. ^ Heard, Alexander; Strong, Donald (1950). Southern Primaries and Elections 1920-1949. University of Alabama Press. pp. 174–177. ISBN 9780836955248.
  11. ^ "Our Campaigns – TX US Senate Race – Nov 03, 1936". www.ourcampaigns.com.