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1944 United States Senate elections

←  1942 November 7, 1944 1946 →

35 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader Alben Barkley Wallace White
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since July 22, 1937 February 25, 1944
Leader's seat Kentucky Maine
Seats before 58 37
Seats after 57 38
Seat change Decrease 1 Increase 1
Popular vote 19,360,257 [1] [a] 18,557,087 [1]
Percentage 49.4% 47.3%
Seats up 22 13
Races won 21 14

  Third party
 
Party Progressive
Seats before 1
Seats after 1
Seat change Steady
Popular vote 73,089
Percentage 0.2%
Seats up 0
Races won 0

1944 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts 1944 United States Senate special election in New Jersey 1944 United States Senate special election in Oregon 1944 United States Senate election in Alabama 1944 United States Senate election in Arizona 1944 United States Senate election in Arkansas 1944 United States Senate election in California 1944 United States Senate election in Colorado 1944 United States Senate election in Connecticut 1944 United States Senate election in Florida 1944 United States Senate election in Georgia 1944 United States Senate election in Idaho 1944 United States Senate election in Illinois 1944 United States Senate election in Indiana 1944 United States Senate election in Iowa 1944 United States Senate election in Kansas 1944 United States Senate election in Kentucky 1944 United States Senate election in Louisiana 1944 United States Senate election in Maryland 1944 United States Senate election in Missouri 1944 United States Senate election in Nevada 1944 United States Senate election in New Hampshire 1944 United States Senate election in New York 1944 United States Senate election in North Carolina 1944 United States Senate election in North Dakota 1944 United States Senate election in Ohio 1944 United States Senate election in Oklahoma 1944 United States Senate election in Oregon 1944 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania 1944 United States Senate election in South Carolina 1944 United States Senate election in South Dakota 1944 United States Senate election in Utah 1944 United States Senate election in Vermont 1944 United States Senate election in Washington 1944 United States Senate election in Wisconsin
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     No election
Rectangular inset ( Oregon): both seats up for election

Majority Leader before election

Alben Barkley
Democratic

Elected Majority Leader

Alben Barkley
Democratic

The 1944 United States Senate elections coincided with the re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to his fourth term as president. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and three special elections were held to fill vacancies.

The Democrats retained their large majority, although they lost a net of one seat to the Republicans. Republicans won open seats in Indiana, New Jersey, and Missouri, and defeated an incumbent in Iowa. However, Democrats defeated incumbents in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. The Democratic majority was further reduced to 56-39-1 throughout mid-term appointments.

Results summary

57 1 38
Democratic P Republican

Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.

Parties Total
Democratic Republican Progressive Other
Last elections (1942) 57 38 1 0 96
Before these elections 58 37 1 0 96
Not up 36 24 1 61
Up 22 13 0 35
Class 3 ( 1938→1944) 21 11 0 32
Special: Class 1 1 0 1
Special: Class 2 0 2 2
Incumbent retired 4 1 5
Held by same party 2 1 3
Replaced by other party Decrease2 Democrats replaced by Increase2 Republicans 2
Result 2 3 0 0 5
Incumbent ran 18 12 30
Won re-election 13 8 21
Lost re-election Decrease3 Republicans replaced by Increase 3 Democrats
Decrease1 Democrat replaced by Increase 1 Republican
4
Lost renomination
but held by same party
3 1 4
Lost renomination
and party lost
Decrease1 Democrat replaced by Increase 1 Republican 1
Result 19 11 0 0 30
Total elected 21 14 0 0 35
Net change Decrease1 Increase1 Steady Steady 1
Nationwide vote 19,360,257 [a] 18,557,087 73,089 1,211,148 39,201,581
Share 49.39% 47.34% 0.19% 3.09% 100%
Result 57 38 1 0 96

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives [1]

Gains, losses, and holds

Retirements

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

State Senator Replaced by
Indiana (special) Samuel D. Jackson William E. Jenner
Indiana Samuel D. Jackson Homer E. Capehart
Massachusetts (special) Sinclair Weeks Leverett Saltonstall
New Jersey (special) Arthur Walsh H. Alexander Smith
North Carolina Robert R. Reynolds Clyde R. Hoey
Washington Homer Bone Warren Magnuson

Defeats

Four Republicans and five Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.

State Senator Replaced by
Arkansas Hattie Caraway J. William Fulbright
Connecticut John A. Danaher Brien McMahon
Idaho D. Worth Clark Glen H. Taylor
Iowa Guy Gillette Bourke B. Hickenlooper
Missouri Bennett Champ Clark Forrest C. Donnell
North Dakota Gerald Nye John Moses
Oregon Rufus C. Holman Wayne Morse
Pennsylvania James J. Davis Francis J. Myers
South Carolina Ellison D. Smith Olin D. Johnston

Post election changes

State Senator Replaced by
Arkansas John H. Bankhead II George R. Swift
California Hiram Johnson William Knowland
Nevada James G. Scrugham Edward P. Carville
Connecticut Francis T. Maloney Thomas C. Hart
North Dakota John Moses Milton Young
Ohio Harold H. Burton James W. Huffman
Idaho John Thomas Charles C. Gossett
Kentucky Happy Chandler William A. Stanfill
Virginia Carter Glass Thomas G. Burch
Missouri Harry S. Truman Frank P. Briggs
Washington Monrad Wallgren Hugh Mitchell

Change in composition

Before the elections

At the beginning of 1944.

  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
Ariz.
Ran
D37
Ala.
Ran
D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39
Ark.
Ran
D40
Calif.
Ran
D41
Fla.
Ran
D42
Ga.
Ran
D43
Idaho
Ran
D44
Ill.
Ran
D45
Ind. (sp)
Ind. (reg)
Retired
D46
Iowa
Ran
D47
Ky.
Ran
D48
La.
Ran
Majority → D49
Md.
Ran
D58
Wash.
Retired
D57
Utah
Ran
D56
S.C.
Ran
D55
Okla.
Ran
D54
N.C.
Retired
D53
N.Y.
Ran
D52
N.J. (sp)
Ran
D51
Nev.
Ran
D50
Mo.
Ran
P1 R37
Wisc.
Ran
R36
Vt.
Ran
R35
S.D.
Ran
R34
Pa.
Ran
R33
Ore. (sp)
Ran
R32
Ore. (reg)
Ran
R31
Ohio
Ran
R30
N.D.
Ran
R29
N.H.
Ran
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25
Colo.
Ran
R26
Conn.
Ran
R27
Kan.
Ran
R28
Mass. (sp)
Retired
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Election results

  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
Ariz.
Re-elected
D37
Ala.
Re-elected
D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39
Ark.
Hold
D40
Calif.
Re-elected
D41
Fla.
Re-elected
D42
Ga.
Re-elected
D43
Idaho
Hold
D44
Ill.
Re-elected
D45
Ky.
Re-elected
D46
La.
Re-elected
D47
Md.
Re-elected
D48
Nev.
Re-elected
Majority → D49
N.Y.
Re-elected
P1 D57
Pa.
Gain
D56
N.D.
Gain
D55
Conn.
Gain
D54
Wash.
Hold
D53
Utah
Re-elected
D52
S.C.
Hold
D51
Okla.
Re-elected
D50
N.C.
Hold
R38
N.J. (sp)
Gain
R37
Mo.
Gain
R36
Iowa
Gain
R35
Ind. (sp)
Ind. (reg)
Gain
R34
Wisc.
Re-elected
R33
Vt.
Re-elected
R32
S.D.
Re-elected
R31
Ore. (sp)
Elected [b]
R30
Ore. (reg)
Hold
R29
Ohio
Re-elected
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25
Colo.
Re-elected
R26
Kan.
Re-elected
R27
Mass. (sp)
Hold
R28
N.H.
Re-elected
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

Special elections during the 78th Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1944 or before January 3, 1945; ordered by election date.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Indiana
Class 3
Samuel D. Jackson Democratic 1944 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 7, 1944.
Republican gain.
Winner did not run for the next term, see below.
Massachusetts
Class 2
Sinclair Weeks Republican 1944 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 7, 1944.
Republican hold.
New Jersey
Class 1
Arthur Walsh Democratic 1943 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected November 7, 1944.
Republican gain.
Oregon
Class 2
Guy Cordon Republican 1944 (Appointed) Interim appointee elected November 7, 1944.

Races leading to the 79th Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1945; 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)
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Arizona Carl Hayden Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Arkansas Hattie Caraway Democratic 1931 (Appointed)
1932 (special)
1932
1938
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
California Sheridan Downey Democratic 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Colorado Eugene Millikin Republican 1941 (Appointed)
1942
Incumbent re-elected.
Connecticut John A. Danaher Republican 1938 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Florida Claude Pepper Democratic 1936 (special)
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Georgia Walter F. George Democratic 1922 (special)
1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Idaho D. Worth Clark Democratic 1938 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Illinois Scott W. Lucas Democratic 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Indiana Samuel D. Jackson Democratic 1944 (Appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Winner did not run to finish the term, see above.
Iowa Guy Gillette Democratic 1936 (special)
1938
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Kansas Clyde M. Reed Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Kentucky Alben W. Barkley Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Louisiana John H. Overton Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Maryland Millard Tydings Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Missouri Bennett Champ Clark Democratic 1932
1933 (Appointed)
1938
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Nevada Pat McCarran Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
New Hampshire Charles W. Tobey Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
New York Robert F. Wagner Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
North Carolina Robert R. Reynolds Democratic 1932
1932 (special)
1938
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
North Dakota Gerald Nye Republican 1925 (Appointed)
1926 (special)
1932
1938
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Ohio Robert A. Taft Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Oklahoma Elmer Thomas Democratic 1926
1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Oregon Rufus C. Holman Republican 1938 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Pennsylvania James J. Davis Republican 1930 (special)
1932
1938
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
South Carolina Ellison D. Smith Democratic 1909
1914
1920
1926
1932
1938
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent died November 17, 1944.
Wilton E. Hall appointed just to finish the term.
South Dakota Chan Gurney Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.
Utah Elbert D. Thomas Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent re-elected.
Vermont George Aiken Republican 1940 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
Washington Homer Bone Democratic 1932
1938
Incumbent retired to become Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Incumbent resigned November 13, 1944, and winner was appointed December 14 to finish the term.
Wisconsin Alexander Wiley Republican 1938 Incumbent re-elected.

Closest races

Fourteen races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State Party of winner Margin
Missouri Republican (flip) 0.1%
Ohio Republican 0.6%
Pennsylvania Democratic (flip) 0.6%
Indiana (regular) Republican 1.3%
New Jersey (special) Republican (flip) 1.6%
New Hampshire Republican 1.8%
Idaho Democratic 2.2%
Iowa Republican (flip) 2.9%
Connecticut Democratic (flip) 4.4%
California Democratic 4.6%
Indiana (special) Republican (flip) 5.0%
New York Democratic 6.4%
Wisconsin Republican 7.7%
Kentucky Democratic 9.9%

Utah was the tipping point state with a margin of 19.8%.

Alabama

Alabama election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Lister Hill (Incumbent) 202,604 81.78%
Republican John A. Posey 41,983 16.95%
Prohibition Parrish 3,162 1.28%
Majority 160,621 64.83%
Turnout 247,749
Democratic hold

Arizona

1944 United States Senate election in Arizona

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Carl Hayden Fred Wildon Fickett Jr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 90,335 39,891
Percentage 69.37% 30.63%

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

U.S. senator before election

Carl Hayden
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Carl Hayden
Democratic

Three-term Democrat Carl T. Hayden was easily re-elected.

1944 United States Senate election in Arizona [2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carl T. Hayden (incumbent) 90,335 69.37%
Republican Fred Wildon Fickett Jr. 39,891 30.63%
Majority 50,444 38.74%
Turnout 130,226
Democratic hold

Hayden would be re-elected three more times before retiring in 1962.

Arkansas

Arkansas election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. William Fulbright 182,499 85.10%
Republican Victor M. Wade 31,942 14.90%
Majority 150,575 70.20%
Turnout 214,441
Democratic hold

California

1944 United States Senate election in California

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Sheridan Downey Frederick F. Houser
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Prohibition
Popular vote 1,728,155 1,576,553
Percentage 52.29% 47.71%

Downey:      50–60%      60–70%
Houser:      50–60%      60–70%
Tie:      50%

U.S. senator before election

Sheridan Downey
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Sheridan Downey
Democratic

California election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheridan Downey (Incumbent) 1,728,155 52.29%
Republican Frederick F. Houser 1,576,553 47.00%
None Scattering 526 0.02%
Majority 151,602 5.29%
Turnout 3,305,234
Democratic hold

Colorado

1944 United States Senate election in Colorado

←  1942 (special) November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Eugene Millikin Barney L. Whatley
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 277,410 214,335
Percentage 56.06% 43.31%

Results by county
Millikin:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Whatley:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Eugene Millikin
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Eugene Millikin
Republican

Colorado election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Eugene Millikin (Incumbent) 277,410 56.06%
Democratic Barney L. Whatley 214,335 43.31%
Socialist Carle Whitehead 3,143 0.64%
Majority 63,075 12.75%
Turnout 494,888
Republican hold

Connecticut

Connecticut election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brien McMahon 430,716 51.99%
Republican John A. Danaher (Incumbent) 391,748 47.28%
Socialist Spender Anderson 6,033 0.73%
Majority 38,968 4.71%
Turnout 828,497
Democratic gain from Republican

Florida

Florida election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claude Pepper (Incumbent) 335,685 71.28%
Republican Miles H. Draper 135,258 28.72%
Majority 200,427 42.56%
Turnout 470,943
Democratic hold

Georgia

Georgia election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Walter F. George (Incumbent) 272,569 99.00%
None Scattering 4 0.00%
Majority 272,565 100.00%
Turnout 272,573
Democratic hold

Idaho

Idaho election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Glen H. Taylor 107,096 51.13%
Republican C. A. Bottolfsen 102,373 48.87%
Majority 4,723 2.26%
Turnout 209,469
Democratic hold

Illinois

1944 United States Senate election in Illinois

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Scott W. Lucas Richard J. Lyons
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 2,059,023 1,841,793
Percentage 52.61% 47.06%

County results
Lucas:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Lyons:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Senator before election

Scott W. Lucas
Democratic

Elected Senator

Scott W. Lucas
Democratic

Illinois election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Scott W. Lucas (Incumbent) 2,059,023 52.61%
Republican Richard J. Lyons 1,841,793 47.06%
Socialist Labor Frank Schnur 7,312 0.19%
Prohibition Enoch A. Holtwick 5,798 0.15%
Majority 217,230 5.55%
Turnout 3,913,926
Democratic hold

Indiana

There were 2 elections in Indiana, due to the January 25, 1944, death of Democrat Frederick Van Nuys.

Democrat Samuel D. Jackson was appointed to continue the term, pending a special election. Republican William E. Jenner won the special election to finish the term, and Republican Homer E. Capehart won the general election to the next term.

Indiana (special)

Indiana special election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William E. Jenner 857,250 52.11%
Democratic Cornelius O’Brien 775,417 47.14%
Prohibition Carl W. Thompson 12,349 0.75%
Majority 81,833 4.97%
Turnout 1,645,016
Republican hold

Indiana (regular)

1944 United States Senate election in Indiana

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Homer Capehart Henry F. Schricker
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 829,489 807,766
Percentage 50.23% 48.91%

County results
Capehart:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Schricker:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Samuel D. Jackson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Homer Capehart
Republican

Indiana election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Homer E. Capehart 829,489 50.23%
Democratic Henry F. Schricker 807,766 48.91%
Prohibition George W. Holston 12,213 0.74%
Socialist Marid B. Tomish 1,917 0.12%
Majority 21,723 1.32%
Turnout 1,651,385
Republican gain from Democratic

Iowa

Iowa election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bourke B. Hickenlooper 523,963 51.28%
Democratic Guy Gillette (Incumbent) 494,229 48.37%
Prohibition W. S. Bowden 2,751 0.27%
Socialist C. W. Drescher 744 0.07%
Majority 29,734 2.91%
Turnout 1,021,687
Republican gain from Democratic

Kansas

Kansas election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Clyde M. Reed (Incumbent) 387,090 57.84%
Democratic Thurman Hill 272,053 40.65%
Prohibition L. B. Dubbs 7,674 1.15%
Socialist Arthur Goodwin Billings 2,374 0.35%
Majority 115,037 17.19%
Turnout 669,191
Republican hold

Kentucky

Kentucky election

←  1938
1950 →
 
Nominee Alben W. Barkley James Park
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 464,053 380,425
Percentage 54.81% 44.93%

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

U.S. senator before election

Alben W. Barkley
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Alben W. Barkley
Democratic

Kentucky election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alben W. Barkley (Incumbent) 464,053 54.81%
Republican James Park 380,425 44.93%
Prohibition Robert H. Garrison 1,808 0.21%
Socialist Labor Yona M. Marret 340 0.04%
None Scattering 1.15% 0.00%
Majority 83,628 9.88%
Turnout 846,627
Democratic hold

Louisiana

Senator John H. Overton
Louisiana election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John H. Overton (Incumbent) 287,365 99.99%
Independent Maurice E. Clark 26 0.01%
Majority 287,339 99.98%
Turnout 287,391
Democratic hold

Maryland

1944 United States Senate election in Maryland

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Millard Tydings Blanchard Randall
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 344,725 213,705
Percentage 61.73% 38.27%

County results
Randall:      50–60%      60–70%
Tydings:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Millard Tydings
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Millard Tydings
Democratic

Maryland election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Millard Tydings (Incumbent) 344,725 61.73%
Republican Blanchard Randall Jr. 213,705 38.27%
Majority 131,020 23.44%
Turnout 558,430
Democratic hold

Massachusetts (special)

1944 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts

←  1942 November 7, 1944 1948 →
 
Nominee Leverett Saltonstall John H. Corcoran
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,228,754 667,086
Percentage 64.29% 34.90%


U.S. senator before election

Sinclair Weeks
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Leverett Saltonstall
Republican

Republican Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. resigned February 3, 1944, to return to active duty in the U.S. Army during World War II. Republican Sinclair Weeks was appointed February 8 to continue the term until an election was held. A special election was held on November 7 with Republican Massachusetts Governor Leverett Saltonstall defeating his challengers. He didn't take office until January 4, 1945, when his term as Governor ended.

Massachusetts special election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Leverett Saltonstall 1,228,754 64.29% +11.85%
Democratic John H. Corcoran 667,086 34.90% -11.71%
Socialist Labor Bernard G. Kelly 12,296 0.64% +0.29%
Prohibition E. Tallmadge Root 3,269 0.17% -0.09%
None Scattering 17 0.00%
Majority 561,668 29.38%
Turnout 1,911,422
Republican hold

Missouri

1944 United States Senate election in Missouri

←  1938
1950 →
 
Nominee Forrest C. Donnell Roy McKittrick
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 778,778 776,790
Percentage 49.95% 49.82%

County results
Donnell:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
McKittrick:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

Bennett Champ Clark
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Forrest C. Donnell
Republican

Missouri election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Forrest C. Donnell 778,778 49.95%
Democratic Roy McKittrick 776,790 49.82%
Socialist D. B. Preisler 3,320 0.21%
Socialist Labor William Wesley Cox 215 0.01%
Majority 1,988 0.13%
Turnout 1,559,103
Republican gain from Democratic

Nevada

Nevada election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Pat McCarran (Incumbent) 30,595 58.38%
Republican George W. Malone 21,816 41.62%
Majority 8,779 16.76%
Turnout 52,411
Democratic hold

New Hampshire

New Hampshire election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles W. Tobey (Incumbent) 110,549 50.93%
Democratic Joseph J. Betley 106,508 49.07%
Majority 4,041 1.86%
Turnout 217,057
Republican hold

New Jersey (special)

1944 United States Senate special election in New Jersey

←  1940 November 7, 1944 1946 →
 
Nominee H. Alexander Smith Elmer H. Wene
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 939,987 910,096
Percentage 50.44% 48.84%

County results
Smith:      50–60%      60–70%
Wene:      50–60%      60–70%

Senator before election

Arthur Walsh
Democratic

Elected Senator

H. Alexander Smith
Republican

New Jersey special election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican H. Alexander Smith 940,051 50.44%
Democratic Elmer H. Wene 910,096 48.84%
Prohibition George W. Ridout 9,873 0.53%
Socialist Labor John C. Butterworth 1,997 0.11%
Socialist Morris Riger 1,593 0.09%
Majority 29,955 1.60%
Turnout 1,863,610
Republican gain from Democratic

New York

1944 United States Senate election in New York

←  1938 November 8, 1944 1949 (special) →
 
Nominee Robert F. Wagner Thomas J. Curran
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance
Popular vote 3,294,576 2,899,497
Percentage 53.06% 46.70%

County Results
Wagner:      50–60%      60–70%
Curran:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Senator before election

Robert F. Wagner
Democratic

Elected Senator

Robert F. Wagner
Democratic

The Socialist Labor state convention met on April 2 at the Cornish Arms Hotel, the corner of Eighth Avenue and Twenty-eighth Street, in New York City. They nominated Eric Hass for the U.S. Senate. [3] At that time, the party used the name "Industrial Government Party" on the ballot, but was also referred to as the "Industrial Labor Party".

The Liberal Party was organized by a state convention with about 1,100 delegates who met on May 19 and 20 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. They endorsed the incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner for re-election. [4] The party filed a petition to nominate candidates which was allowed by Secretary of State Curran on August 25. [5]

The Republican State Committee met on August 8 at Albany, New York. They nominated Secretary of State Thomas J. Curran for the U.S. Senate. [6]

The Democratic State Committee met on August 8 at the National Democratic Club at 233, Madison Avenue in New York City. They re-nominated the incumbent U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner. [7]

The American Labor state convention met on August 10. They endorsed the Democratic nominee Wagner. [8]

The Democratic/American Labor/Liberal ticket was elected and incumbent Wagner was re-elected.

Democratic Robert F. Wagner 2,485,735
Republican Thomas J. Curran 2,899,497
American Labor Robert F. Wagner 483,785
Liberal Robert F. Wagner 325,056
Industrial Government Eric Hass 15,244

North Carolina

North Carolina election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Clyde R. Hoey 533,813 70.25%
Republican A. I. Ferree 226,037 29.75%
Majority 307,776 40.50%
Turnout 759,850
Democratic hold

North Dakota

1944 United States Senate election in North Dakota

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1946 (special) →
 
Nominee John Moses Gerald Nye Lynn Stambaugh
Party Democratic Republican Independent Republican
Popular vote 95,102 69,530 44,596
Percentage 45.20% 33.04% 21.19%

County results
Moses:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Nye:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      80–90%
Stambaugh:      30–40%

U.S. senator before election

Gerald Nye
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John Moses
Democratic

North Dakota election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Moses 95,102 45.20%
Republican Gerald Nye (Incumbent) 69,530 33.04%
Independent Lynn U. Stumbaugh 44,596 21.19%
Independent Bernard J. O’Laughlin 705 0.34%
Prohibition L. D. Harris 489 0.23%
Majority 25,572 12.16%
Turnout 210,422
Democratic gain from Republican

Ohio

1944 United States Senate election in Ohio

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Robert A. Taft William Pickrel
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,500,609 1,482,610
Percentage 50.30% 49.70%

County results
Taft:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Pickrel:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Robert A. Taft
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Robert A. Taft
Republican

Ohio election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Robert A. Taft (Incumbent) 1,500,609 50.30%
Democratic William G. Pickrel 1,482,610 49.70%
Majority 17,999 0.60%
Turnout 2,983,219
Republican hold

Oklahoma

Oklahoma election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Elmer Thomas (Incumbent) 390,851 55.65%
Republican William J. Otjen 309,222 44.02%
Independent Paul V. Beck 1,128 0.16%
Independent T. B. Williams 674 0.10%
Independent Paul R. Nagle 519 0.07%
Majority 81,629 11.63%
Turnout 702,394
Democratic hold

Oregon

Oregon (special)

Oregon special election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Guy Cordon (Incumbent) 260,631 57.54%
Democratic Willis Mahoney 192,305 42.46%
Majority 68,326 15.08%
Turnout 452,936
Republican hold

Oregon (regular)

Incumbent Republican Rufus C. Holman ran for re-election, but was defeated in the Republican primary by Wayne Morse.

Oregon election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Wayne Morse 269,095 60.71%
Democratic Edgar W. Smith 174,140 39.29%
Majority 94,955 21.42%
Turnout 443,235
Republican hold

Pennsylvania

1944 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Francis J. Myers James J. Davis
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,864,622 1,840,938
Percentage 49.99% 49.35%

County results
Myers:      50–60%      60–70%
Davis:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

James J. Davis
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Francis J. Myers
Democratic

General election results [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Francis J. Myers 1,864,622 49.99%
Republican James J. Davis (Incumbent) 1,840,938 49.35%
Socialist J. Henry Stump 14,129 0.38%
Prohibition Charles Palmer 8,599 0.23%
Socialist Labor Frank Knotek 1,989 0.05%
Majority 23,684 0.64%
Turnout 3,730,277
Democratic gain from Republican

South Carolina

Senator Olin D. Johnston
South Carolina U.S. Senate Election, 1944
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Olin D. Johnston 94,556 92.94%
Republican James B. Gaston 3,807 3.74%
Progressive Democratic Osceola E. McKaine 3,214 3.16% 3.16%
Prohibition B. L. Hendrix 141 0.14%
No party Write-Ins 18 0.00% 0.00%
Majority 90,749 89.20%
Turnout 101,736
Democratic hold Swing

South Dakota

1944 United States Senate election in South Dakota

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Chan Gurney George M. Bradshaw
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 145,248 82,199
Percentage 63.86% 36.14%

County results
Gurney:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Bradshaw:      50–60%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Chan Gurney
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Chan Gurney
Republican

South Dakota election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Chandler Gurney (Incumbent) 145,248 63.86%
Democratic George M. Bradshaw 82,199 36.14%
Majority 63,049 27.72%
Turnout 227,447
Republican hold

Utah

Incumbent Democratic Senator Elbert D. Thomas won a third term. As of 2024, this is the last time that a Democrat was elected to Utah's class 3 Senate seat.

Utah election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Elbert D. Thomas (Incumbent) 148,748 59.91%
Republican Adam S. Bennion 99,532 40.09%
Majority 49,216 19.82%
Turnout 248,280
Democratic hold

Vermont

Senator George Aiken
1944 United States Senate election in Vermont [9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George Aiken (Incumbent) 81,094 65.80%
Democratic Harry W. Witters 42,136 34.19%
None Scattering 18 0.01%
Majority 38,958 31.61%
Turnout 123,248
Republican hold

Washington

1944 United States Senate election in Washington

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Warren Magnuson Harry P. Cain
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 397,719 342,464
Percentage 55.13% 44.44%

Results by county
Magnuson:      50–60%      60–70%
Cain:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Homer Bone [c]
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Warren Magnuson
Democratic

Washington election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Warren Magnuson 452,013 55.13%
Republican Harry P. Cain 364,356 44.44%
Socialist Ray C. Roberts 1,912 0.23%
Prohibition Josephine B. Sulston 1,598 0.19%
Majority 87,657 10.69%
Turnout 819,879
Democratic hold

Wisconsin

1944 United States Senate election in Wisconsin

←  1938 November 7, 1944 1950 →
 
Nominee Alexander Wiley Howard J. McMurray Harry Sauthoff
Party Republican Democratic Progressive
Popular vote 634,513 537,144 73,089
Percentage 50.50% 42.75% 5.82%

County results
Wiley:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
McMurray:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Alexander Wiley
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Alexander Wiley
Republican

Wisconsin election [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Alexander Wiley (Incumbent) 634,513 50.50%
Democratic Howard J. McMurray 537,144 42.75%
Progressive Harry Sauthoff 73,089 5.82%
Socialist Walter H. Uphoff 9,964 0.79%
Socialist Labor Adolf Wiggert 1,664 0.13%
None Scattering 106 0.01%
Majority 97,369 7.75%
Turnout 1,256,480
Republican hold

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b National vote totals for the Democratic Party do not include a combined 808,841 votes for the American Labor Party and the Liberal Party of New York, which endorsed and voted for the Democratic candidate, Robert F. Wagner.
  2. ^ Appointee elected
  3. ^ Bone resigned from office on April 1 to take his commission as a federal judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

References

  1. ^ 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 Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (March 1, 1945). "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 7, 1944" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. 16–17, 25–26, 36, 54.
  2. ^ Kalb, Deborah, ed. (2010). Guide to U.S. Elections. Washington, DC: CQ Press. p. 1436. ISBN  978-1-60426-536-1.
  3. ^ "2 CANDIDATES NAMED BY SOCIALIST LABOR". The New York Times. April 3, 1944.
  4. ^ "NEW PARTY FIXES 400,000-VOTE GOAL FOR ROOSEVELT". The New York Times. May 21, 1944.
  5. ^ "LIBERAL PARTY WINS; Curran Overrules Objections by O'Connor to Petitions". The New York Times. August 26, 1944.
  6. ^ "CURRAN IS NAMED". The New York Times. August 9, 1944.
  7. ^ "DEMOCRATS NAME WAGNER AND DYE". The New York Times. August 9, 1944.
  8. ^ "ROOSEVELT NAMED AT ALP CONVENTION; Wagner, Also Renominated". The New York Times. August 11, 1944.
  9. ^ "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 17, 2015.