1916 United States Senate elections

1916 United States Senate elections

← 1914 November 7, 1916[a] 1918 →

35 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader John W. Kern[b]
(lost re-election)
Jacob H. Gallinger[c]
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since March 4, 1911 March 4, 1911
Leader's seat Indiana New Hampshire
Seats before 56 40
Seats won 17 18
Seats after 54 42
Seat change Decrease 2 Increase 2
Seats up 19 16


1916 United States Senate special election in Indiana1916 United States Senate special election in Maine1916 United States Senate special election in Arkansas1916 United States Senate election in Arizona1916 United States Senate election in California1916 United States Senate election in Connecticut1916 United States Senate election in Delaware1916 United States Senate election in Florida1916 United States Senate election in Indiana1916 United States Senate election in Maine1916 United States Senate election in Maryland1916 United States Senate election in Massachusetts1916 United States Senate election in Michigan1916 United States Senate election in Minnesota1916 United States Senate election in Mississippi1916 United States Senate election in Missouri1916 United States Senate election in Montana1916 United States Senate election in Nebraska1916 United States Senate election in Nevada1916 United States Senate election in New Jersey1916 United States Senate election in New Mexico1916 United States Senate election in New York1916 United States Senate election in North Dakota1916 United States Senate election in Ohio1916 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania1916 United States Senate election in Rhode Island1916 United States Senate election in Tennessee1916 United States Senate election in Texas1916 United States Senate election in Utah1916 United States Senate election in Vermont1916 United States Senate election in Virginia1916 United States Senate election in Washington1916 United States Senate election in West Virginia1916 United States Senate election in Wisconsin1916 United States Senate election in Wyoming
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     No election

Majority conference chairman before election

John W. Kern
Democratic

Elected Majority conference chairman

Thomas S. Martin
Democratic

The 1916 United States Senate elections were elections that coincided with the re-election of President Woodrow Wilson. This was the first election since the enactment of the Seventeenth Amendment that all 32 Class 1 senators were selected by direct or popular elections instead of state legislatures. Republicans gained a net of two seats from the Democrats, and then an additional two seats through mid-term vacancies thereby reducing Democrats to a 52–44 majority.

Gains, losses, and holds

[edit]

Retirements

[edit]

Four Republicans and two Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

State Senator Replaced by
Arkansas James P. Clarke William F. Kirby
California John D. Works Hiram Johnson
Maine (special) Edwin C. Burleigh Bert M. Fernald
New Mexico Thomas B. Catron Andrieus A. Jones
New York James A. O'Gorman William M. Calder
Pennsylvania George T. Oliver Philander C. Knox

Defeats

[edit]

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

State Senator Replaced by
Delaware Henry A. du Pont Josiah O. Wolcott
Florida Nathan P. Bryan Park Trammell
Indiana (special) Thomas Taggart James E. Watson
Indiana John W. Kern Harry S. New
Maine Charles F. Johnson Frederick Hale
Maryland Blair Lee I Joseph I. France
Minnesota Moses E. Clapp Frank B. Kellogg
New Jersey James E. Martine Joseph S. Frelinghuysen
Rhode Island Henry F. Lippitt Peter G. Gerry
Tennessee Luke Lea Kenneth McKellar
Utah George Sutherland William H. King
West Virginia William E. Chilton Howard Sutherland
Wyoming Clarence D. Clark John B. Kendrick

Post-election changes

[edit]

Eight Democrats and two Republicans died during the 65th Congress, and initially were all replaced by appointees except in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, Democratic Senator Paul O. Husting died on October 21, 1917, and his seat remained vacant until an April 1918 election.

State Senator Replaced by
Idaho
(Class 3)
James H. Brady John F. Nugent
Kentucky
(Class 2)
Ollie Murray James George B. Martin
Louisiana
(Class 3)
Robert F. Broussard Walter Guion
Missouri
(Class 3)
William J. Stone Xenophon P. Wilfley
Nevada
(Class 3)
Francis G. Newlands Charles Henderson
New Hampshire
(Class 3)
Jacob H. Gallinger Irving W. Drew
New Jersey
(Class 2)
William Hughes David Baird Sr.
Oregon
(Class 2)
Harry Lane Charles L. McNary
South Carolina
(Class 2)
Benjamin Tillman Christie Benet
Wisconsin
(Class 3)
Paul O. Husting Irvine Lenroot

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
Ariz.
Ran
D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39
Ark. (sp)
Died
D40
Ind. (sp)
Ran
D41
Fla.
Ran
D42
Ind. (reg)
Ran
D43
Maine (reg)
Ran
D44
Md.
Ran
D45
Miss.
Ran
D46
Mo.
Ran
D47
Mont.
Ran
D48
Neb.
Ran
Majority → D49
Nev.
Ran
R39
Wis.
Ran
R40
Wyo.
Ran
D56
W.Va.
Ran
D55
Va.
Ran
D54
Texas
Ran
D53
Tenn.
Ran
D52
Ohio
Ran
D51
N.Y.
Retired
D50
N.J.
Ran
R38
Wash.
Ran
R37
Vt.
Ran
R36
Utah
Ran
R35
R.I.
Ran
R34
Pa.
Retired
R33
N.D.
Ran
R32
N.M.
Retired
R31
Minn.
Ran
R30
Mich.
Ran
R29
Mass.
Ran
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25
Calif.
Retired
R26
Conn.
Ran
R27
Del.
Ran
R28
Maine (sp)
Died
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Elections 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
Ariz.
Re-elected
D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39
Ark. (sp)
Hold
D40
Del.
Gain
D41
Fla.
Hold
D42
Miss.
Re-elected
D43
Mo.
Re-elected
D44
Mont.
Re-elected
D45
Neb.
Re-elected
D46
Nev.
Re-elected
D47
N.M.
Gain
D48
Ohio
Re-elected
Majority → D49
R.I.
Gain
R39
Vt.
Re-elected
R40
Wash.
Re-elected
R41
W.Va.
Gain
R42
Wis.
Re-elected
D54
Wyo.
Gain
D53
Va.
Re-elected
D52
Utah
Gain
D51
Texas
Re-elected
D50
Tenn.
Hold
R38
Pa.
Hold
R37
N.D.
Re-elected
R36
N.Y.
Gain
R35
N.J.
Gain
R34
Minn.
Hold
R33
Mich.
Re-elected
R32
Mass.
Re-elected
R31
Md.
Gain
R30
Maine (sp)
Hold
R29
Maine (reg)
Gain
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25
Calif.
Hold
R26
Conn.
Re-elected
R27
Ind. (reg)
Gain
R28
Ind. (sp)
Gain[d]
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
Key
D# Democratic
R# Republican

Race summaries

[edit]

Special elections during the 64th Congress

[edit]

In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1916 or before March 4, 1917; ordered by election date.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Maine
(Class 2)
Edwin C. Burleigh Republican 1913 Incumbent died June 16, 1916.
A new senator elected September 11, 1916.
Republican hold.
Arkansas
(Class 3)
James P. Clarke Democratic 1903
1909
1914
Incumbent died October 1, 1916.
New senator elected November 7, 1916.
Democratic hold.
Indiana
(Class 3)
Thomas Taggart Democratic 1916 (appointed) Interim appointee lost election to finish term.
New senator elected November 7, 1916.
Republican gain.
Others
  • William H. Hickman (Prohibition) 2.29%
  • John F. Clifford (Progressive) 0.68%

Elections leading to the 65th Congress

[edit]

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning March 4, 1917; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 1 seats.

State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Arizona Henry F. Ashurst Democratic 1912 (new state) Incumbent re-elected.
California John D. Works Republican 1911 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Connecticut George P. McLean Republican 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
  • Martin Plunkett (Socialist) 2.48%
  • Wilbur Manchester (Prohibition) 0.83%
  • Otto Ruckser (Socialist Labor) 0.29%
Delaware Henry A. du Pont Republican 1906 (special)
1911
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Florida Nathan P. Bryan Democratic 1911 (appointed)
1911 (late)
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.
Democratic hold.
Indiana John W. Kern Democratic 1911 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Others
  • Elwood Haynes (Prohibition) 2.21%
  • John N. Dyer (Progressive) 0.61%
  • Ira Decker (Socialist Labor) 0.22%
Maine Charles F. Johnson Democratic 1911 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected September 11, 1916.
Republican gain.
Others
  • James F. Carey (Socialist) 1.0%
  • Arthur C. Jackson (Prohibition) 0.19%
Maryland Blair Lee I Democratic 1913 (special) Incumbent lost renomination.[11]
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Others
  • James Frizzell (Prohibition) 1.44%
  • Sylvester Young (Socialist) 1.12%
  • Frank Lang (Labor) 0.5%
Massachusetts Henry Cabot Lodge Republican 1893
1899
1905
1911
Incumbent re-elected
Michigan Charles E. Townsend Republican 1911 Incumbent re-elected.[13]
Others
  • E. O. Foss (Socialist) 2.41%
  • John Y. Johnston (Prohibition) 1.17%
  • Herman Richter (Socialist Labor) 0.14%
Minnesota Moses E. Clapp Republican 1901 (special)
1905
1911
Incumbent lost renomination.[14]
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
Mississippi John Sharp Williams Democratic 1908 (early) Incumbent re-elected.
Missouri James A. Reed Democratic 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
Montana Henry L. Myers Democratic 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Nebraska Gilbert Hitchcock Democratic 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Nevada Key Pittman Democratic 1913 (special) Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Key Pittman (Democratic) 38.81%
  • Samuel Platt (Republican) 32.28%
  • Ashley G. Miller (Socialist) 28.91%[20]
New Jersey James E. Martine Democratic 1911 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Others
  • Livingston Barbour (Prohibition) 1.64%
  • Rudolph Katz (Socialist Labor) 0.42%
New Mexico Thomas B. Catron Republican 1912 (new state) Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
  • Green tickY Andrieus A. Jones (Democratic) 51.01%
  • Frank Hubbell (Republican) 45.95%
  • W. P. Metcalf (Socialist) 3.04%[22]
New York James A. O'Gorman Democratic 1911 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Others
North Dakota Porter J. McCumber Republican 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Ohio Atlee Pomerene Democratic 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
Pennsylvania George T. Oliver Republican 1909 (special)
1911
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected.
Republican hold.
  • Green tickY Philander C. Knox (Republican) 56.31%
  • Ellis Orvis (Democratic) 37.25%
  • Charles Ervin (Socialist) 3.76%[25]
Others
  • Herbert T. Ames (Prohibition) 2.49%
  • Robert C. Macauley (Single Tax) 0.12%
Rhode Island Henry F. Lippitt Republican 1911 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Others
  • Frederick Hurst (Socialist) 2.25%
  • Frank J. Sibley (Prohibition) 0.51%
  • Peter McDermott (Socialist Labor) 0.19%
Tennessee Luke Lea Democratic 1911 Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected.[25]
Democratic hold.
Texas Charles A. Culberson Democratic 1899
1905
1911
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Charles A. Culberson (Democratic) 81.3%
  • Alex W. Atcheson (Republican) 13.09%
  • Thomas. A. Hickey (Socialist) 4.99%
  • Edward. H. Conibear (Prohibition) 0.62%[27]
Utah George Sutherland Republican 1905
1911
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.
Vermont Carroll S. Page Republican 1908 (special)
1910
Incumbent re-elected.
  • Green tickY Carroll S. Page (Republican) 74.41%
  • Oscar C. Miller (Democratic) 23.5%
  • Norman Greenslet (Socialist) 2.1%[29]
Virginia Claude A. Swanson Democratic 1910 (appointed)
1911 (appointed)
1912 (special)
Incumbent re-elected.
Washington Miles Poindexter Republican 1911 Incumbent re-elected.
Others
  • Joseph Campbell (Prohibition) 1.21%
  • Walter J. Thompson (Progressive) 0.4%
West Virginia William E. Chilton Democratic 1911 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Republican gain.
Wisconsin Robert M. La Follette Republican 1905
1911
Incumbent re-elected.
Wyoming Clarence D. Clark Republican 1911 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected.
Democratic gain.

Closest races

[edit]

Eighteen races had a margin of victory under 10%:

State Party of winner Margin
Indiana (special) Republican (flip) 1.37%
Indiana Republican (flip) 1.63%
Maryland Republican (flip) 1.7%
West Virginia Republican (flip) 1.97%
Missouri Democratic 3.12%
Ohio Democratic 3.14%
Connecticut Republican 3.93%
Nebraska Democratic 4.1%
Delaware Democratic (flip) 4.9%
New Mexico Democratic (flip) 5.06%
Wyoming Democratic (flip) 6.0%
Massachusetts Republican 6.37%
Nevada Democratic 6.53%
Maine Republican (flip) 6.63%[e]
Montana Democratic 7.66%
Maine (special) Republican 8.79%
Rhode Island Democratic (flip) 8.82%
Tennessee Democratic 9.67%

Arizona

[edit]
1916 United States Senate elections in Arizona

← 1912 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Henry F. Ashurst Joseph Henry Kibbey
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 29,873 21,261
Percentage 55.4% 39.4%

 
Nominee W. S. Bradford
Party Socialist
Popular vote 2,827
Percentage 5.2%

Election results by county
Ashurst:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Kibbey:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Henry F. Ashurst
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Henry F. Ashurst
Democratic

Arizona election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry F. Ashurst (incumbent) 29,873 55.36
Republican Joseph Henry Kibbey 21,261 39.40
Socialist W. S. Bradford 2,827 5.24
Majority 8,612 15.96
Total votes 53,961 100.00
Democratic hold

Arkansas (special)

[edit]
1916 United States Senate special election in Arkansas

← 1914 November 7, 1916 1920 →
 
Nominee William F. Kirby Harmon L. Remmel
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 110,293 48,922
Percentage 69.27% 30.73%

County results
Kirby:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Remmel:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

James Paul Clarke
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

William F. Kirby
Democratic

Three-term Democratic Senate President pro tempore James Paul Clarke died October 1, 1916.

Democrat William F. Kirby was elected November 7, 1916, to finish the term. He served only the rest of this term, losing renomination in 1920.

Arkansas special election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William F. Kirby 110,293 69.27
Republican Harmon L. Remmel 48,922 30.73
Majority 61,371 38.55
Total votes 159,215 100.00
Democratic hold

California

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in California

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Hiram Johnson George S. Patton Walter Thomas Mills
Party Republican Democratic Socialist
Alliance Progressive
Popular vote 574,667 277,852 49,341
Percentage 61.09% 29.54% 5.25%

County results
Johnson:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Patton:      40-50%      50-60%

U.S. senator before election

John Downey Works
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Hiram Johnson
Republican

1916 United States Senate election in California[35]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Hiram Johnson 574,667 61.09%
Democratic George S. Patton 277,852 29.54%
Socialist Walter Thomas Mills 49,341 5.25%
Prohibition Marshall W. Atwood 38,797 4.12%
Total votes 907,900 100.00%

Connecticut

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Connecticut

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee George P. McLean Homer Stille Cummings
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 107,020 98,649
Percentage 50.17% 46.24%

McLean:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%
Cummings:      40–50%      50–60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election

George P. McLean
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

George P. McLean
Republican

1916 U.S. Senate election in Connecticut[36]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George P. McLean (inc.) 107,020 50.17%
Democratic Homer Stille Cummings 98,649 46.24%
Socialist Martin F. Plunkett 5,279 2.48%
Prohibition Wilbur G. Manchester 1,768 0.83%
Socialist Labor Otto Ruckser 619 0.29%
Total votes 213,335 100.00%
Republican hold

Delaware

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Delaware

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Josiah O. Wolcott Henry A. du Pont
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 25,434 22,925
Percentage 49.67% 44.77%

County results
Wolcott:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Henry A. du Pont
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Josiah O. Wolcott
Democratic

1916 U.S. Senate election in Delaware[37][38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Josiah O. Wolcott 25,434 49.67%
Republican Henry A. du Pont (incumbent) 22,925 44.77%
Progressive Hiram R. Burton 2,361 4.61%
Socialist William C. Ferris 490 0.96%
Total votes 51,210 100.00%
Democratic gain from Republican

Florida

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Florida

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Park Trammell William R. O'Neal
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 58,391 8,774
Percentage 82.86% 12.45%

County results
Trammell:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

U.S. senator before election

Nathan Philemon Bryan
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Park Trammell
Democratic

1916 U.S. Senate election in Florida[39][40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Park Trammell 58,391 82.86%
Republican William R. O'Neal 8,774 12.45%
Socialist R. L. Goodwin 3,304 4.69%
Total votes 70,469 100.00%

Indiana

[edit]

There were two elections held November 7, 1916, due to a vacancy. The elections converted both seats from Democratic to Republican, thus marking the first time since the popular-election of Senators was mandated by the Seventeenth Amendment three years earlier that both Senate seats in a state flipped from one party to the other in a single election cycle.

Indiana (special)

[edit]
1916 United States Senate special election in Indiana

← 1914 November 7, 1916 1920 →
 
Nominee James Eli Watson Thomas Taggart
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 335,193 325,577
Percentage 47.66% 46.29%

County results
Watson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Taggart:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas Taggart
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

James Eli Watson
Republican

Indiana election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James Eli Watson 335,193 47.66
Democratic Thomas Taggart (incumbent) 325,577 46.29
Socialist Edward Henry 21,626 3.08
Prohibition William H. Hickman 16,095 2.29
Progressive John F. Clifford 4,798 0.68
Total votes 703,289 100.00
Republican gain from Democratic

Two-term Democrat Benjamin F. Shively was re-elected in 1914 and served until he died March 14, 1916. Democrat Thomas Taggart was appointed by Governor Samuel Ralston on March 20 to continue the term until a November 7, 1916, special election. Taggart lost the special election to Republican James Eli Watson.

Watson would finish out the term, be re-elected twice, and serve until his 1932 re-election loss.

Indiana (regular)

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Indiana

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Harry New John W. Kern
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 337,089 325,588
Percentage 47.77% 46.14%

County results
New:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Kern:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

John W. Kern
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Harry New
Republican

1916 U.S. Senate election in Indiana[41][42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Harry Stewart New 337,089 47.77%
Democratic John W. Kern (incumbent) 325,588 46.14%
Socialist Joseph Zimmerman 21,558 3.06%
Prohibition Elwood Haynes 15,598 2.21%
Progressive John N. Dyer 4,272 0.61%
Socialist Labor Ira J. Decker 1,562 0.22%
Total votes 705,667 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic

One-term Democrat John W. Kern was elected in 1911. He lost re-election to Republican Harry Stewart New.

New served only until losing renomination in 1922. Kern died on August 17, 1917, the same year he left the U.S. Senate.

Maine

[edit]

There were two elections due to a vacancy. Both elections were held September 11, 1916, as Maine routinely held its annual elections in September at the time.

Maine (special)

[edit]
1916 United States Senate special election in Maine

← 1913 September 11, 1916 1918 →
 
Nominee Bert M. Fernald Kenneth C. Sills
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 81,369 68,201
Percentage 54.27% 45.49%

County results
Fernald:      50–60%      60–70%
Sillis:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Edwin C. Burleigh
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

Bert M. Fernald
Republican

Maine election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bert M. Fernald 81,369 54.27%
Democratic Kenneth C. Sills 68,201 45.49%
Prohibition Frederick A. Shepherd 348 2.29%
Others 11 0.01%
Total votes 149,929 100.00%
Republican hold

One-term Republican Edwin C. Burleigh was elected in 1913, and died June 16, 1916. Republican Bert M. Fernald was elected September 12, 1916, to finish the term.

Fernand would later be re-elected twice and serve until his 1926 death.

Maine (regular)

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Maine

← 1911 September 11, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Frederick Hale Charles F. Johnson
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 79,481 69,486
Percentage 52.72% 46.09%

County results
Hale:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Johnson:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Charles F. Johnson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Frederick Hale
Republican

1916 U.S. Senate election in Maine[43]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Frederick Hale 79,481 52.72%
Democratic Charles F. Johnson (incumbent) 69,486 46.09%
Socialist James F. Carey 1,510 1.00%
Prohibition Arthur C. Johnson 279 0.19%
Write-in 7 0.01%
Total votes 150,763 100.00%

One-term Democrat Charles Fletcher Johnson was elected in 1911. He lost re-election to Republican Frederick Hale.

Hale would later be re-elected three times and serve until his 1935 retirement.

Maryland

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Maryland

← 1913 (special) November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Joseph I. France David John Lewis
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 113,662 109,740
Percentage 49.32% 47.62%

County results
France:      40–50%      50–60%
Lewis:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Blair Lee I
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Joseph I. France
Republican

1916 U.S. Senate election in Maryland[44][45]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Joseph I. France 113,662 49.32% Increase12.34
Democratic David John Lewis 109,740 47.62% Decrease9.13
Prohibition James W. Frizzell 3,325 1.44% Increase0.23
Socialist Sylvester L. Young 2,590 1.12% Decrease0.29
Labor Robert E. Long 1,143 0.50% N/A
Total votes 230,460 100.00%

Massachusetts

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Massachusetts

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Henry Cabot Lodge John F. Fitzgerald
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 267,177 234,238
Percentage 51.68% 45.31%

County results
Lodge:      50–60%      60–70%
Fitzgerald:      50–60%

Senator before election

Henry Cabot Lodge
Republican

Elected Senator

Henry Cabot Lodge
Republican

1916 United States Senate election in Massachusetts[46]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Henry Cabot Lodge (incumbent) 267,177 51.68%
Democratic John F. Fitzgerald 234,238 45.31%
Socialist William N. McDonald 15,558 3.01%
Write-in All others 26 0.00%
Total votes 516,999 100.00%

Michigan

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Michigan

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Charles E. Townsend Lawrence Price
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 364,657 257,954
Percentage 56.34% 39.85%

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

U.S. senator before election

Charles E. Townsend
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles E. Townsend
Republican

1916 U.S. Senate election in Michigan[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles E. Townsend (incumbent) 364,657 56.34%
Democratic Lawrence Price 257,954 39.85%
Socialist Edward O. Foss 15,614 2.41%
Prohibition John Y. Johnston 7,569 1.17%
Socialist Labor Herman Richter 924 0.14%
Independent Henry Ford (write-in) 566 0.09%
Total votes 677,284 100.00%
Republican hold

Minnesota

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Minnesota

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Frank B. Kellogg Daniel W. Lawler Willis G. Calderwood
Party Republican Democratic Prohibition
Popular vote 185,159 117,541 78,425
Percentage 48.58% 30.84% 20.58%

County results
Kellogg:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Lawler:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Moses E. Clapp
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Frank B. Kellogg
Republican

General election results[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Frank B. Kellogg 185,159 48.58%
Democratic Daniel W. Lawler 117,541 30.84%
Prohibition W. G. Calderwood 78,425 20.58%
Total votes 381,125 100.00%
Majority 67,618 17.74%
Republican hold

Mississippi

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Mississippi

← 1912 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee John Sharp Williams
Party Democratic
Popular vote 74,290
Percentage 100%

Results by county
Williams:      100%
No Data/Vote:      

U.S. senator before election

John Sharp Williams
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

John Sharp Williams
Democratic

Mississippi Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Sharp Williams (incumbent) 74,290 100%
Total votes 74,290 100
Democratic hold

Missouri

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Missouri

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee James A. Reed Walter S. Dickey
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 396,166 371,710
Percentage 50.56% 47.44%

Results by county
Reed:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
     80–90%
Dickey:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election

James A. Reed
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James A. Reed
Democratic

1916 U.S. Senate election in Missouri[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James A. Reed (incumbent) 396,166 50.56%
Republican Walter S. Dickey 371,710 47.44%
Socialist Kate Richards O'Hare 14,654 1.87%
Socialist Labor Joseph Scheidler 962 0.12%
Total votes 783,492 100.00%

Montana

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Montana

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Henry L. Myers Charles N. Pray Henry La Beau
Party Democratic Republican Socialist
Popular vote 85,585 72,753 9,292
Percentage 51.06% 43.40% 5.54%

Results by county
Myers:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Pray:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Henry L. Myers
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Henry L. Myers
Democratic

1916 United States Senate election in Montana[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry L. Myers (incumbent) 85,585 51.06%
Republican Charles N. Pray 72,753 43.40%
Socialist Henry La Beau 9,292 5.54%
Total votes 167,630 100.00%
Democratic hold

Nebraska

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Nebraska

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Gilbert Hitchcock John L. Kennedy
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 143,082 131,359
Percentage 49.98% 45.88%

County results
Hitchcock:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Kennedy:      40–50%      50–60%
Tie:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Gilbert Hitchcock
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Gilbert Hitchcock
Democratic

General election results[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gilbert Hitchcock (incumbent) 143,082 49.98%
Republican John L. Kennedy 131,359 45.88%
Socialist E. E. Olmstead 7,425 2.59%
Prohibition D. B. Gilbert 4,429 1.55%
Total votes 286,295 100.00%
Democratic hold

Nevada

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Nevada

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Key Pittman Samuel Platt
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 12,765 10,618
Percentage 38.81% 32.28%

 
Nominee Ashley Grant Miller
Party Socialist
Popular vote 9,507
Percentage 28.91%

County results
Pittman:      30–40%      40–50%
Platt:      30–40%      40–50%
Miller:      30–40%      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Key Pittman
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Key Pittman
Democratic

General election results[52]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Key Pittman (incumbent) 12,765 38.81%
Republican Samuel Platt 10,618 32.28%
Socialist Ashley Grant Miller 9,507 28.91%
Total votes 32,890 100.00%
Democratic hold

New Jersey

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in New Jersey

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Joseph S. Frelinghuysen Sr. James E. Martine
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 244,715 170,019
Percentage 55.99% 38.90%

County results
Martine:      40–50%      50–60%
Frelinghuysen:      50–60%      60–70%

Senator before election

James E. Martine
Democratic

Elected Senator

Joseph S. Frelinghuysen Sr.
Republican

1916 United States Senate election in New Jersey[53][54]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Joseph S. Frelinghuysen Sr. 244,715 55.99%
Democratic James E. Martine (incumbent) 170,019 38.90%
Socialist William C. Doughty 13,358 3.06%
Prohibition Livingston Barbour 7,178 0.11%
Socialist Labor Rudolph Katz 1,826 0.42%

New Mexico

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in New Mexico

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Andrieus A. Jones Frank A. Hubbell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 33,981 30,609
Percentage 51.01% 45.95%

County results
Jones:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Hubbell:      40–50%      50–60%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

Thomas B. Catron
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Andrieus A. Jones
Democratic

General election results[55]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Andrieus A. Jones 33,981 51.01%
Republican Frank A. Hubbell 30,609 45.95%
Socialist W. P. Metcalf 2,028 3.04%
Total votes 66,618 100.00%
Democratic gain from Republican

New York

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in New York

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee William M. Calder William F. McCombs
Party Republican Democratic
Alliance American
Popular vote 839,314 605,933
Percentage 54.32% 39.22%

County results
Calder:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%
Patton:      40-50%      50-60%

Senator before election

James O'Gorman
Democratic

Elected Senator

William M. Calder
Republican

1916 United States Senate election in New York[56]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William M. Calder 839,314 54.32%
Democratic William F. McCombs 605,933 39.22%
Socialist Joseph D. Cannon 61,167 3.96%
Prohibition D. Leigh Colvin 19,302 1.25%
Progressive Bainbridge Colby 15,339 0.99%
Socialist Labor August Gillhaus 4,086 0.26%
Total votes 1,545,141 100.00%

North Dakota

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in North Dakota

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Porter J. McCumber John Burke
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 57,714 40,988
Percentage 53.85% 38.24%

 
Nominee E. R. Fry
Party Socialist
Popular vote 8,472
Percentage 7.91%

County results
McCumber:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Burke:      40–50%

U.S. senator before election

Porter J. McCumber
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Porter J. McCumber
Republican

General election results[57]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Porter J. McCumber (incumbent) 57,714 53.85%
Democratic John Burke 40,988 38.24%
Socialist E. R. Fry 8,472 7.91%
Total votes 107,174 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic

Ohio

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Ohio

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Atlee Pomerene Myron Herrick
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 571,488 535,391
Percentage 49.26% 46.15%

County results
Pomerene:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Herrick:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Atlee Pomerene
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Atlee Pomerene
Democratic

1916 U.S. Senate election in Ohio[58][59]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Atlee Pomerene (incumbent) 571,488 49.26%
Republican Myron Herrick 535,391 46.15%
Socialist C. E. Ruthenberg 38,186 3.29%
Prohibition Aaron S. Watkins 12,060 1.04%
Independent Jacob Coxey 2,965 0.26%
Total votes 1,160,091 100.00%
Democratic hold

Pennsylvania

[edit]
1916 United States Senate elections in Pennsylvania

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Philander C. Knox Ellis L. Orvis
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 680,451 450,112
Percentage 56.3% 37.3%

County results
Knox:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Orvis:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

George T. Oliver
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Philander C. Knox
Republican

General election results[60]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Philander C. Knox 680,451 56.31
Democratic Ellis L. Orvis 450,112 37.25
Socialist Charles W. Ervin 45,385 3.76
Prohibition Herbert T. Ames 30,089 2.49
Single Tax Robert Colvin Macauley, Jr. 1,387 0.12
Socialist Labor William H. Thomas 1,022 0.09
Total votes 1,208,446 100.00

Rhode Island

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Rhode Island

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Peter G. Gerry Henry F. Lippitt
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 47,048 39,211
Percentage 52.94% 34.12%

County results
Gerry:      50–60%
Lippitt:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Henry F. Lippitt
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Peter G. Gerry
Democratic

1916 U.S. Senate election in Rhode Island[61]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Peter G. Gerry 47,048 52.94%
Republican Henry F. Lippitt (incumbent) 39,211 44.12%
Socialist Frederick W. Hurst 1,996 2.25%
Prohibition Frank J. Sibley 454 0.51%
Socialist Labor Peter McDermott 168 0.19%
Total votes 88,877 100.00%
Democratic gain from Republican

Tennessee

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Tennessee

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Kenneth McKellar Ben W. Hooper
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 143,718 118,174
Percentage 54.42% 44.75%

U.S. senator before election

Luke Lea
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Kenneth McKellar
Democratic

1916 U.S. Senate election in Tennessee[62]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Kenneth McKellar (incumbent) 143,718 54.42%
Republican Ben W. Hooper 118,174 44.75%
Socialist H. H. Magnum 2,193 0.83%
Total votes 264,085 100.00%
Democratic hold

Texas

[edit]

Incumbent Democrat Charles Culberson survived a challenge from former Governor Oscar Colquitt in the Democratic primary, then easily won the general election.

1916 United States Senate election in Texas

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Charles Culberson Alex W. Atcheson Thomas A. Hickey
Party Democratic Republican Socialist
Popular vote 303,035 48,788 18,616
Percentage 81.30% 13.09% 4.99%

County Results[63]

Culberson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Atcheson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      80–90%

No vote:      

U.S. senator before election

Charles Culberson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles Culberson
Democratic

1916 United States Senate election in Texas[64][65]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Charles A. Culberson (incumbent) 303,035 81.30%
Republican Alex W. Atcheson 48,788 13.09%
Socialist Thomas A. Hickey 18,616 4.99%
Prohibition Edward H. Conibear 2,319 0.62%
Total votes 372,758 100.00%
Democratic hold

Utah

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Utah

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee William H. King George Sutherland
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 81,057 56,862
Percentage 56.92% 39.93%

County results
King:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Sutherland:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

George Sutherland
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William H. King
Democratic

General election results[66]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William H. King 81,057 56.92%
Republican George Sutherland (incumbent) 56,862 39.93%
Socialist Christian Poulson 4,497 3.16%
Democratic gain from Republican

Vermont

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Vermont

← 1910 November 7, 1916 (1916-11-07) 1922 →
 
Nominee Carroll S. Page Oscar C. Miller
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 47,362 14,956
Percentage 74.4% 23.5%


Page:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%      90-100%
Miller:      50-60%

U.S. senator before election

Carroll S. Page
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Carroll S. Page
Republican

United States Senate election in Vermont, 1916[67]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Carroll S. Page (inc.) 47,362 74.4
Democratic Oscar C. Miller 14,956 23.5
Socialist Norman E. Greenslet 1,336 2.1
Total votes 63,654 100

The 1916 United States Senate election in Vermont took place on November 7, 1916.[68] It was the second direct election for the U.S. Senate to take place in Vermont following the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the first for Vermont's Class I seat. The incumbent, Republican Carroll S. Page successfully ran for re-election to a second full term.[69]

In the primary election, which was held on September 11, Page gained re-nomination by winning 62 percent of the vote to defeat former governor Allen M. Fletcher (20.3) and current governor Charles W. Gates (17.7).[70]

With the Republican Party dominant in Vermont, as it had been since its founding in the 1850s, Democratic candidate Oscar C. Miller was little more than a token opponent for Page.[71] In the general election, Page defeated Miller 74.4 percent to 23.5.[69]

Virginia

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Virginia

← 1912 (special) November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Claude A. Swanson
Party Democratic
Popular vote 133,061
Percentage 100.0%

U.S. senator before election

Claude A. Swanson
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Claude A. Swanson
Democratic

Virginia election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claude A. Swanson (incumbent) 133,061 100.00
Total votes 133,061 100.00
Democratic hold

Washington

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in Washington

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Miles Poindexter George Turner
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 202,287 135,339
Percentage 55.4% 37.1%

 
Nominee Bruce Rogers
Party Socialist
Popular vote 21,709
Percentage 6.0%

County results
Poindexter:      40–50%      50–60%     60–70%
Turner:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Miles Poindexter
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

Miles Poindexter
Republican

Washington election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Miles Poindexter (incumbent) 202,287 55.39
Democratic George Turner 135,339 37.06
Socialist Bruce Rogers 21,709 5.95
Prohibition Joseph A. Campbell 4,411 1.21
Progressive Walter J. Thompson 1,442 0.40
Majority 66,948 18.33
Total votes 365,188 100.00
Republican hold

West Virginia

[edit]
1916 United States Senate election in West Virginia

← 1911 November 7, 1916 1922 →
 
Nominee Howard Sutherland William E. Chilton
Party