Senate
United States elections · 1980 · held
State Senate races in this election cycle, with separate candidate results and election-era ideology attribution.
State races and results map
Each race has its own denominator. Missing counts are blank. The interactive map uses modern state outlines as navigation references.
Alabama — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Denton | Republican | 650362 | 50.15% | Elected |
| Jim Folsom Jr. | Democratic | 610175 | 47.05% | — |
Incumbent lost renomination. Republican gain. Incumbent resigned January 2, 1981 to give successor advantageous seniority. Winner appointed the same day. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Jeremiah Denton (Republican) 50.2%
▌Jim Folsom Jr. (Democratic) 47.1%
Sources & further reading
Alaska — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Murkowski | Republican | 84159 | 53.69% | Elected |
| Clark Gruening | Democratic | 72007 | 45.93% | — |
Incumbent lost renomination. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Frank Murkowski (Republican) 53.7%
▌Clark Gruening (Democratic) 45.9%
Sources & further reading
Arizona — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barry Goldwater | Republican | 432371 | 49.46% | Elected |
| Bill Schulz | Democratic | 422972 | 48.38% | — |
| Fred R. Esser | Libertarian | 12008 | 1.37% | — |
| Lorenzo Torrez | People Over Politics | 3608 | 0.41% | — |
| Josefina Otero | Socialist Workers | 3266 | 0.37% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Barry Goldwater (Republican) 49.5%
▌William R. Schulz (Democratic) 48.4%
Others
▌Fred R. Easer (Libertarian) 1.4%
▌Lorenzo Torrez (People Over Politics) 0.4%
▌Josefina Otero (Socialist Workers) 0.4%
Sources & further reading
Arkansas — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dale Bumpers | Democratic | 477905 | 59.09% | Elected |
| William Clark | Republican | — | 40.90% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Dale Bumpers (Democratic) 59.1%
▌William Clark (Republican) 40.9%
Sources & further reading
California — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan Cranston | Democratic | 4704098 | 56.51% | Elected |
| Paul Gann | Republican | 3091671 | 37.14% | — |
| David Bergland | Libertarian | 202410 | 2.43% | — |
| David Wald | Peace and Freedom | 196260 | 2.36% | — |
| James C. Griffin | American Independent | 129648 | 1.60% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Alan Cranston (Democratic) 56.5%
▌Paul Gann (Republican) 37.1%
Others
▌David Bergland (Libertarian) 2.4%
▌David Wald (Peace and Freedom) 2.4%
▌Jim Griffin (American Independent) 1.6%
Sources & further reading
Colorado — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Hart | Democratic | 590501 | 50.33% | Elected |
| Mary Estill Buchanan | Republican | 571295 | 48.70% | — |
| Earl Higgerson | Statesman | 7265 | 0.62% | — |
| Henry John Olshaw | Independent American | 4081 | 0.35% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Gary Hart (Democratic) 50.3%
▌Mary E. Buchanan (Republican) 48.7%
Others
▌Earl Higgerson (Statesman) 0.6%
▌Henry John Olshaw (Unaffiliated-American) 0.4%
Sources & further reading
Connecticut — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Dodd | Democratic | 763969 | 56.30% | Elected |
| James Buckley | Republican | 581884 | 42.90% | — |
| Jerry Brennan | Libertarian | 5336 | 0.40% | — |
| Andrew J. Zemel | Concerned Citizens | 4772 | 0.40% | — |
Incumbent retired. Democratic hold. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Chris Dodd (Democratic) 56.3%
▌James L. Buckley (Republican) 42.9%
Others
▌Jerry Brennan (Libertarian) 0.4%
▌Andrew J. Zemel (Concerned Citizens) 0.4%
Sources & further reading
Florida — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paula Hawkins | Republican | 1822460 | 51.66% | Elected |
| Bill Gunter | Democratic | 1705409 | 48.34% | — |
Incumbent lost renomination. Republican gain. Incumbent resigned December 31, 1980 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed January 1, 1981. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Paula Hawkins (Republican) 51.7%
▌Bill Gunter (Democratic) 48.3%
Sources & further reading
Georgia — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mack Mattingly | Republican | 803686 | 50.87% | Elected |
| Herman Talmadge | Democratic | 776143 | 49.13% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Mack Mattingly (Republican) 50.9%
▌Herman Talmadge (Democratic) 49.1%
Sources & further reading
Hawaii — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Inouye | Democratic | 224485 | 77.94% | Elected |
| Cooper Brown | Republican | 53068 | 18.43% | — |
| Bud Shasteen | Libertarian | 10453 | 3.63% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Daniel Inouye (Democratic) 77.9%
▌Cooper Brown (Republican) 18.4%
Sources & further reading
Idaho — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Symms | Republican | 218701 | 49.74% | Elected |
| Frank Church | Democratic | 214439 | 48.78% | — |
| Larry Fullmer | Libertarian | 6507 | 1.48% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Steve Symms (Republican) 49.7%
▌Frank Church (Democratic) 48.8%
▌Larry Fullmer (Libertarian) 1.5%
Sources & further reading
Illinois — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alan J. Dixon | Democratic | 2565302 | 56.01% | Elected |
| Dave O'Neal | Republican | — | 42.50% | — |
| Bruce Green | Libertarian | 29328 | 0.64% | — |
| Sidney Lens | Independent | 19213 | 0.42% | — |
| Charles F. Wilson | Communist | 11453 | 0.25% | — |
| Michael Soriano | Workers World | 5626 | 0.12% | — |
| Burton L. Artz | Socialist Workers | — | 0.10% | — |
Incumbent retired. Democratic hold. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Alan J. Dixon (Democratic) 56.0%
▌Dave O'Neal (Republican) 42.5%
Others
▌Bruce Green (Libertarian) 0.6%
▌Sidney Lens (Independent) 0.4%
▌Charles F. Wilson (Communist) 0.2%
▌Michael Soriano (Workers World) 0.1%
▌Burton L. Artz (Socialist Workers) 0.1%
Sources & further reading
Indiana — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Quayle | Republican | 1182414 | 53.79% | Elected |
| Birch Bayh | Democratic | 1015962 | 46.21% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Dan Quayle (Republican) 53.8%
▌Birch Bayh (Democratic) 46.2%
Sources & further reading
Iowa — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Grassley | Republican | 683014 | 53.49% | Elected |
| John Culver | Democratic | 581545 | 45.54% | — |
| Garry De Young | Independent | 5858 | 0.46% | — |
| Robert V. Hengerer | Libertarian | 4233 | 0.33% | — |
| John Ingram Henderson | Independent | 2336 | 0.18% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Chuck Grassley (Republican) 53.5%
▌John Culver (Democratic) 45.5%
Others
▌Garry De Young (Independent) 0.5%
▌Robert V. Hengerer (Libertarian) 0.3%
▌John Ingram Henderson (Independent) 0.2%
Sources & further reading
Kansas — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Dole | Republican | 598686 | 63.76% | Elected |
| John Simpson | Democratic | 340271 | 36.24% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Bob Dole (Republican) 63.8%
▌John Simpson (Democratic) 36.2%
Sources & further reading
Kentucky — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wendell Ford | Democratic | — | 65.10% | Elected |
| Mary L. Foust | Republican | — | 34.90% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Wendell Ford (Democratic) 65.1%
▌Mary L. Foust (Republican) 34.9%
Sources & further reading
Louisiana — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell B. Long | Democratic | 484770 | 57.64% | Elected |
| Woody Jenkins | Democratic | — | 38.80% | — |
| Jerry Bardwell | Republican | — | 1.60% | — |
| Robert M. Ross | Republican | — | 1.20% | — |
| Naomi Bracy | No Party | — | 0.80% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Russell B. Long (Democratic) 57.6%
▌Woody Jenkins (Democratic) 38.8%
▌Jerry Bardwell (Republican) 1.6%
Others
▌Robert M. Ross (Republican) 1.2%
▌Naomi Bracy (No Party) 0.8%
Sources & further reading
Maryland — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Mathias | Republican | 850970 | 66.17% | Elected |
| Edward T. Conroy | Democratic | 435118 | 33.83% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Charles Mathias (Republican) 66.2%
▌Edward T. Conroy (Democratic) 33.8%
Sources & further reading
Missouri — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Eagleton | Democratic | 1074859 | 52.00% | Elected |
| Gene McNary | Republican | 985399 | 47.67% | — |
| Martha Pettis | Socialist Workers | 6707 | 0.32% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Thomas Eagleton (Democratic) 52.0%
▌Gene McNary (Republican) 47.7%
▌Martha Pettit (Socialist Workers) 0.3%
Sources & further reading
Nevada — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Laxalt | Republican | 144224 | 58.52% | Elected |
| Mary Gojack | Democratic | 92129 | 37.38% | — |
| Allen Hacker | Libertarian | 6920 | 2.84% | — |
| None of These Candidates | 3163 | 1.28% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Paul Laxalt (Republican) 58.5%
▌Mary Gojack (Democratic) 37.4%
Sources & further reading
New Hampshire — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warren Rudman | Republican | 195559 | 52.14% | Elected |
| John A. Durkin | Democratic | 179455 | 47.85% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Incumbent resigned December 29, 1980 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed December 30, 1980. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Warren Rudman (Republican) 52.1%
▌John A. Durkin (Democratic) 47.8%
Sources & further reading
New York — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al D'Amato | Republican | — | 44.90% | Elected |
| Elizabeth Holtzman | Democratic | 2618661 | 43.54% | — |
| Jacob Javits | Liberal | — | 11.00% | — |
| Richard Savadel | Libertarian | 21465 | 0.36% | — |
| William R. Scott | Communist | 4161 | 0.07% | — |
| Thomas Soto | Workers World | 3643 | 0.06% | — |
| Victor A. Nieto | Socialist Workers | 2715 | 0.05% | — |
Incumbent lost renomination, ran as the Liberal nominee, and lost re-election. Republican hold. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Al D'Amato (Republican) 44.9%
▌Elizabeth Holtzman (Democratic) 43.5%
▌Jacob Javits (Liberal) 11.0%
Others
▌Richard Savadel (Libertarian) 0.4%
▌William R. Scott (Communist) 0.1%
▌Thomas Soto (Workers World) 0.1%
▌Victor A. Nieto (Socialist Workers) 0.1%
Sources & further reading
North Carolina — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Porter East | Republican | — | 50.00% | Elected |
| Robert Burren Morgan | Democratic | — | 49.40% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y John Porter East (Republican) 50.0%
▌Robert Burren Morgan (Democratic) 49.4%
Sources & further reading
North Dakota — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Andrews | Republican | 210347 | 70.29% | Elected |
| Kent Johanneson | Democratic | 86658 | 28.96% | — |
| Harley McLain | Independent | 1625 | 0.54% | — |
| Don J. Klingensmith | Independent | 642 | 0.22% | — |
Incumbent retired. Republican hold. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Mark Andrews (Republican) 70.3%
▌Kent Johanneson (Democratic-NPL) 29.0%
Others
▌Harley McLain (Independent) 0.5%
▌Don J. Klingensmith (Independent) 0.2%
Sources & further reading
Ohio — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Glenn | Democratic | 2770786 | 68.80% | Elected |
| Jim Betts | Republican | 1137695 | 28.30% | — |
| John E. Powers | Independent | 76412 | 1.90% | — |
| Rick Nagin | Independent | 42410 | 1.10% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y John Glenn (Democratic) 68.8%
▌Jim Betts (Republican) 28.2%
Others
▌John E. Powers (Independent) 1.9%
▌Rick Nagin (Independent) 1.1%
Sources & further reading
Oklahoma — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Nickles | Republican | 587252 | 53.47% | Elected |
| Andy Coats | Democratic | 478283 | 43.55% | — |
| Charles R. Nesbitt | Independent | 21179 | 1.90% | — |
| Robert T. Murphy | Libertarian | 9757 | 0.90% | — |
| Paul E. Trent | Independent | 1823 | 0.17% | — |
Incumbent retired. Republican hold. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Don Nickles (Republican) 53.5%
▌Andrew Coats (Democratic) 43.5%
Others
▌Charles R. Nesbitt (Independent) 1.9%
▌Robert T. Murphy (Libertarian) 0.9%
▌Paul E. Trent (Independent) 0.2%
Sources & further reading
Oregon — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Packwood | Republican | 594290 | 52.11% | Elected |
| Ted Kulongoski | Democratic | 501963 | 44.01% | — |
| Tonie Nathan | Libertarian | 43686 | 3.83% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Bob Packwood (Republican) 52.1%
▌Ted Kulongoski (Democratic) 44.0%
▌Tonie Nathan (Libertarian) 3.8%
Sources & further reading
Pennsylvania — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlen Specter | Republican | 2230404 | 50.48% | Elected |
| Peter F. Flaherty | Democratic | 2122391 | 48.04% | — |
| Linda Mohrbacher | Socialist Workers | 27229 | 0.62% | — |
| David K. Walter | Libertarian | 18595 | 0.42% | — |
| Lee Frissell | Consumer | 16089 | 0.36% | — |
| Frank Kinces | Communist | 3334 | 0.08% | — |
Incumbent retired. Republican hold. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Arlen Specter (Republican) 50.5%
▌Peter F. Flaherty (Democratic) 48.0%
Sources & further reading
South Carolina — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fritz Hollings | Democratic | — | 70.40% | Elected |
| Marshall T. Mays | Republican | — | 29.60% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Fritz Hollings (Democratic) 70.4%
▌Marshall T. Mays (Republican) 29.6%
Sources & further reading
South Dakota — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Abdnor | Republican | 190594 | 58.20% | Elected |
| George McGovern | Democratic | 129018 | 39.40% | — |
| Wayne Peterson | Independent | 7866 | 2.40% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y James Abdnor (Republican) 58.2%
▌George McGovern (Democratic) 39.4%
▌Wayne Peterson (Independent) 2.4%
Sources & further reading
Utah — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Garn | Republican | 437675 | 73.65% | Elected |
| Dan Berman | Democratic | 151454 | 25.48% | — |
| Bruce Bangerter | Independent | 3186 | 0.54% | — |
| George M. Batchelor | American | 1983 | 0.33% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Jake Garn (Republican) 73.6%
▌Dan Berman (Democratic) 25.5%
Sources & further reading
Vermont — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Leahy | Democratic | 104089 | 49.80% | Elected |
| Stewart M. Ledbetter | Republican | 101421 | 48.50% | — |
| Anthony N. Doria | Independent | 1776 | 0.85% | — |
| Earl S. Gardner | Liberty Union | 1578 | 0.80% | — |
| Other | N/A | 110 | 0.00% | — |
Incumbent re-elected. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Patrick Leahy (Democratic) 49.8%
▌Stewart M. Ledbetter (Republican) 48.5%
Sources & further reading
Washington — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slade Gorton | Republican | 936317 | 54.17% | Elected |
| Warren Magnuson | Democratic | 792052 | 45.80% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Slade Gorton (Republican) 54.2%
▌Warren Magnuson (Democratic) 45.8%
Sources & further reading
Wisconsin — Senate — General
Popular election. Popular votes in this state contest
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Kasten | Republican | — | 50.20% | Elected |
| Gaylord Nelson | Democratic | — | 48.30% | — |
Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Source candidate / selection detail: ▌Y Bob Kasten (Republican) 50.2%
▌Gaylord Nelson (Democratic) 48.3%
Sources & further reading
Results: final · partial coverage · Elected candidates in regular races; continuing senators are not included
| Party / candidate | Votes | Vote share | Seats | Electoral votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Denton · Alabama | — | — | 1 | — |
| Frank Murkowski · Alaska | — | — | 1 | — |
| Barry Goldwater · Arizona | — | — | 1 | — |
| Dale Bumpers · Arkansas | — | — | 1 | — |
| Alan Cranston · California | — | — | 1 | — |
| Gary Hart · Colorado | — | — | 1 | — |
| Chris Dodd · Connecticut | — | — | 1 | — |
| Paula Hawkins · Florida | — | — | 1 | — |
| Mack Mattingly · Georgia | — | — | 1 | — |
| Daniel Inouye · Hawaii | — | — | 1 | — |
| Steve Symms · Idaho | — | — | 1 | — |
| Alan J. Dixon · Illinois | — | — | 1 | — |
| Dan Quayle · Indiana | — | — | 1 | — |
| Chuck Grassley · Iowa | — | — | 1 | — |
| Bob Dole · Kansas | — | — | 1 | — |
| Wendell Ford · Kentucky | — | — | 1 | — |
| Russell B. Long · Louisiana | — | — | 1 | — |
| Charles Mathias · Maryland | — | — | 1 | — |
| Thomas Eagleton · Missouri | — | — | 1 | — |
| Paul Laxalt · Nevada | — | — | 1 | — |
| Warren Rudman · New Hampshire | — | — | 1 | — |
| Al D'Amato · New York | — | — | 1 | — |
| John Porter East · North Carolina | — | — | 1 | — |
| Mark Andrews · North Dakota | — | — | 1 | — |
| John Glenn · Ohio | — | — | 1 | — |
| Don Nickles · Oklahoma | — | — | 1 | — |
| Bob Packwood · Oregon | — | — | 1 | — |
| Arlen Specter · Pennsylvania | — | — | 1 | — |
| Fritz Hollings · South Carolina | — | — | 1 | — |
| James Abdnor · South Dakota | — | — | 1 | — |
| Jake Garn · Utah | — | — | 1 | — |
| Patrick Leahy · Vermont | — | — | 1 | — |
| Slade Gorton · Washington | — | — | 1 | — |
| Bob Kasten · Wisconsin | — | — | 1 | — |
The seat diagram shows only regular seats contested in this cycle, not the full Senate. Special races remain available in the state selector. Early cycles span two years and use legislative selection; missing or non-comparable vote totals are left blank. Candidate ideology is used where sourced; otherwise the broad election-era party tradition is used. Unassessed candidates are not assigned an ideology.
Sources & further reading
U.S. Senate historical party divisions