United States Senate elections, 1950

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legend|#00f|Democratic pickups

The U.S. Senate election of 1950 occurred in the middle of Harry Truman's second term as President. As with most 20th century second term mid-terms, the party out of the Presidency made significant gains. The Democratic administration's popularity declining during the Cold War, and in the aftermath of a severe recession in 1948, the Republican opposition made a net gain of five seats, nearly taking control of the chamber.

The Republicans defeated incumbents Scott W. Lucas (D-IL) (current Majority Leader), Millard E. Tydings (D-MD), Francis J. Myers (D-PA), and Elbert B. Thomas (D-UT), as well as taking open seats in Idaho and California. The Democrats only defeated one incumbent, Forrest C. Donnell (R-MO).

During the interim, Republicans and Democrats would exchange seats in Michigan and Connecticut due to deaths and appointments, but this would not affect party balance.

A notable freshman was future President Richard M. Nixon, who would be elected Vice President two years later.

enate contests in 1950

Footnotes

See also

*United States House elections, 1950