The 1912–13 United States Senate elections were held on various dates in various states. They were the last U.S. Senate elections before the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, establishing direct elections for all Senate seats. Senators had been primarily chosen by state legislatures. Senators were elected over a wide range of time throughout 1912 and 1913, and a seat may have been filled months late or remained vacant due to legislative deadlock.[1] Some states elected their senators directly even before passage of Seventeenth Amendment. Oregon pioneered direct election and experimented with different measures over several years until it succeeded in 1907. Soon after, Nebraska followed suit and laid the foundation for other states to adopt measures reflecting the people's will. By 1912, as many as 29 states elected senators either as nominees of their party's primary or in conjunction with a general election.

Quick Facts 32 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate 49 seats needed for a majority, Majority party ...
1912–13 United States Senate elections

 1910 & 1911 January 16, 1912 –
January 29, 1913
1914 

32 of the 96 seats in the United States Senate
49 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
  Thumb Thumb
Leader John W. Kern[a] Jacob H. Gallinger[b]
Party Democratic Republican
Leader since March 4, 1911 March 4, 1911
Leader's seat Indiana New Hampshire
Seats before 43 52
Seats after 47 45
Seat change Increase 4 Decrease 7
Seats up 13 19
Seats won 17 12

Thumb
Results of the elections:
     Democratic gain      Democratic hold
     Republican gain      Republican hold
     No election

Majority conference chairman before election

Shelby Moore Cullom
Republican

Elected Majority conference chairman

John W. Kern
Democratic

Close

In these elections, terms were up for the senators in Class 2. The Democrats gained control of the Senate for the first time in 20 years. Of the 32 seats up for election, 17 were won by Democrats, thereby gaining 4 seats from the Republicans. Two seats were unfilled by state legislators who failed to elect a new senator on time.

These elections coincided with Democrat Woodrow Wilson's victory in the presidential election amid a divide in the Republican Party. In the Senate, Joseph M. Dixon and Miles Poindexter defected from the Republican Party and joined Theodore Roosevelt's new Progressive Party. Dixon, however, lost his seat during this election.

Results summary

The Senate after the elections in 1912
More information Parties, Total Seats ...
Parties Total Seats
Incumbents This election Result +/-
Not up Up Re-
elected
Held Gained Lost
  Democratic 43 30 13 5 5 Increase 7 Decrease 2 47 Increase 4
  Republican 52 33 19 6 4 Increase 2 Decrease 7 45 Decrease 7
Others 0 0 0 0 0 Steady Steady 0 Steady
Vacant 1 1 0 Steady Steady Increase 3 Steady 4 Increase 3
Total 96 64 32 11 9 Increase 12 Decrease 9 96 Decrease 3
Close

Change in composition

Before the elections

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
Ala.
Ran
D28
Ariz.
New seat
D38
S.C.
Ran
D37
Okla.
Ran
D36
N.C.
Ran
D35
Miss.
Ran
D34
Maine (sp)
Maine (reg)
Ran
D33
La.
Ran
D32
Ky.
Retired
D31
Ga.
Ran
D30
Ark.
Retired
D29
Ariz.
New seat
D39
Tex.
Retired
D40
Va. (reg)
Ran
D41
Va. (sp)
Ran
D42
W.Va.
Ran
V1
Colo. (sp)
Died
V2
Ill. (sp)
R52
Wyo.
Ran
R51
Tenn.
Retired
R50
S.D.
Ran
R49
R.I.
Retired
Majority →
R39
Mass.
Retired
R40
Mich.
Ran
R41
Minn.
Ran
R42
Mont.
Ran
R43
Neb.
Ran
R44
N.H.
Retired
R45
N.J.
Ran
R46
N.M. (1st)
New seat
R47
N.M. (1st)
New seat
N.M. (reg)
Ran
R48
Ore.
Ran
R38
Kan.
Ran
R37
Iowa
Ran
R36
Ill.
Ran
R35
Idaho
Ran
R34
Del.
Retired
R33
Colo.
Retired
R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Results of elections before the next Congress

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
Ala.
Re-elected
D28
Ariz.
Gain
D38
Mont.
Gain
D37
Miss.
Hold
D36
La.
Hold
D35
Ky.
Hold
D34
Kan.
Gain
D33
Del.
Gain
D32
Colo. (sp)
Gain
D31
Colo.
Gain
D30
Ark.
Hold
D29
Ariz.
Gain
D39
N.J.
Gain
D40
N.C.
Re-elected
D41
Okla.
Re-elected
D42
Ore.
Gain
D43
S.C.
Re-elected
D44
Tenn.
Gain
D45
Tex.
Hold
D46
Va. (reg)
Re-elected
D47
Va. (sp)
Elected[c]
V1
Ga.
D Loss
Majority ↑
R39
Neb.
Hold
R40
N.M. (1st)
Gain
R41
N.M. (1st)
Gain
N.M. (reg)
Re-elected
R42
R.I.
Hold
R43
S.D.
Hold
R44
W.Va.
Gain
R45
Wyo.
Re-elected
V4
N.H.
R Loss
V3
Ill. (reg)
R Loss
V2
Ill. (sp)
R38
Minn.
Re-elected
R37
Mich.
Re-elected
R36
Mass.
Hold
R35
Maine (sp)
Elected[c]
Maine (reg)
Gain
R34
Iowa
Re-elected
R33
Idaho
Re-elected
R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Beginning of the next Congress, March 4, 1913

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 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39 D40 D41 D42 D43 D44 D45 D46 D47 D48
Majority → D49
Ga.
Appointed
R39 R40 R41 R42 V4
Ill. (reg)
V3
Ill. (sp)
V2
W.Va.
Seated late
P1
Wash.
Changed
V1
N.H.
R38 R37 R36 R35 R34 R33 R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

Beginning of the first session, April 7, 1913

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 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29
D39 D40 D41 D42 D43 D44 D45 D46 D47 D48
Majority → D49
R39 R40 R41 R42 R43
Ill. (reg)
Gain
R44
Ill. (sp)
Gain
R45
W.Va.
Seated late
P1 D50
N.H.
Gain
R38 R37 R36 R35 R34 R33 R32 R31 R30 R29
R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28
R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R10 R9
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8
More information Key ...
Key
D# Democratic
P# Progressive
R# Republican
V# Vacant
Close

Race summaries

Special elections during the 62nd Congress

In these special elections, the winners were seated in the 62nd Congress during 1912 or before March 4, 1913; ordered by election date.

More information State, Incumbent ...
State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Virginia
(Class 1)
Claude A. Swanson Democratic 1910 (appointed) Interim appointee elected January 23, 1912.
New Mexico
(Class 1)
None (new state) First senators elected March 27, 1912.
Republican gain.
New Mexico
(Class 2)
First senators elected March 27, 1912.
Republican gain.
Winner was also subsequently elected to the next term; see below.
Arizona
(Class 1)
None (new state) First senators elected March 26, 1912, ratifying the popular selection made on December 12, 1911, state elections.
Democratic gain.
Arizona
(Class 3)
First senators elected March 26, 1912, ratifying the popular selection made on December 12, 1911, state elections.
Democratic gain.
  • Green tickY Marcus A. Smith (Democratic)
  • Unopposed[2]
    In state elections:
  • Marcus A. Smith (Democratic) 50.35%
  • Hoval A. Smith (Republican) 43.84%
  • E. B. Simonton (Socialist) 5.8%[3]
Maine
(Class 2)
Obadiah Gardner Democratic 1911 (appointed) Interim appointee elected April 2, 1912.[4]
Colorado
(Class 3)
Vacant Charles J. Hughes Jr. (D) died January 11, 1911.
New senator elected January 14, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.
Democratic gain.
Tennessee
(Class 2)
Newell Sanders Republican 1912 (appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected January 24, 1913.
Democratic gain.
Winner did not run for election to the next term; see below.
  • Green tickY William R. Webb (Democratic) 73
  • M. T. Bryan (Democratic) 53
  • J. A. Clements (Democratic) 1
  • C. W. Tyler (Democratic) 1[6]
Texas
(Class 2)
Rienzi Johnston Democratic 1913 (appointed) Interim appointee lost election.
New senator elected January 23, 1913.
Democratic hold.
Winner also elected to the next term; see below.
Idaho
(Class 3)
Kirtland Perky Democratic 1912 (appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected January 24, 1913.
Republican gain.
Others
  • C. A. Beale (Unknown) 1
  • George Fields (Unknown) 1
  • J. F. Maclane (Unknown) 1
  • T. L. Burkland (Unknown) 1
  • W. C. Courtney (Unknown) 1
Arkansas
(Class 2)
John N. Heiskell Democratic 1913 (appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected January 27, 1913.
Democratic hold.
Winner did not run for election to the next term; see below.
Nevada
(Class 1)
William A. Massey Republican 1912 (appointed) Interim appointee lost election to finish the term.
New senator elected[e] January 28, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.
Democratic gain.
  • Green tickY Key Pittman (Democratic) all except 2
  • George Stale (Socialist) 2
    In state elections:
  • Key Pittman (Democratic) 39.78%
  • William A. Massey (Republican) 39.34%
  • George Stale (Socialist) 13.73%
  • S. Summerfield (Progressive) 7.15%[8]
Close

Races leading to the 63rd Congress

In these regular elections, the winner was seated on March 4, 1913; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats.

More information State, Incumbent ...
State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral
history
Alabama John H. Bankhead Democratic 1907 (appointed)
1907 (special)
Incumbent had already been re-elected early January 17, 1911, for the term beginning March 4, 1913.
Arkansas John N. Heiskell Democratic 1913 (appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected January 29, 1913.
Democratic hold.
Others
  • [FNU] Oldfield (Unknown) 1
  • [FNU] Martin (Unknown) 1
  • [FNU] Reid (Unknown) 1
  • [FNU] Taylor (Unknown) 1[5]
Colorado Simon Guggenheim Republican 1907 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected January 14, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.[e]
Democratic gain.
  • Green tickY John F. Shafroth (Democratic) 86
  • Clyde Dawson (Republican) 11
  • Frank Catlin (Progressive) 1
  • [FNU] Hunter (Democratic) 1[5]
    In state election:
  • John F. Shafroth (Democratic) 47.34%
  • Clyde Dawson (Republican) 26.8%
  • Frank Catlin (Progressive) 23.48%
  • Mary Miller (Prohibition) 2.38%[9]
Delaware Harry A. Richardson Republican 1907 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected January 29, 1913.
Democratic gain.
Others
  • Alexander P. Corbit (Republican) 1
  • Simeon S. Pennewill (Republican) 1
  • Ruby R. Vale (Republican) 1
Georgia Augustus O. Bacon Democratic 1894
1900
1907 (appointed)
1907 (special)
Incumbent ran for re-election but the legislature failed to elect.
Democratic loss.
Incumbent was then appointed to begin the term.[5]
Augustus O. Bacon (Democratic)
Idaho William Borah Republican 1907 Incumbent re-elected January 14, 1913.
Illinois Shelby M. Cullom Republican 1882
1888
1894
1901
1907
Incumbent lost renomination.
Legislature failed to elect.
Republican loss.
A new senator was later elected; see below.
Iowa William S. Kenyon Republican 1911 (special) Incumbent re-elected January 21, 1913.
Kansas Charles Curtis Republican 1907 (special)
1907
Incumbent lost renomination.[e]
New senator elected January 28, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.[e]
Democratic gain.
Kentucky Thomas H. Paynter Democratic 1906 Incumbent retired.
New senator elected January 16, 1912.
Democratic hold.
Louisiana Murphy J. Foster Democratic 1900
1904
Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected May 21, 1912.
Democratic hold.
Maine Obadiah Gardner Democratic 1911 (appointed)
1912 (special)
Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected January 15, 1913.
Republican gain.
Massachusetts Winthrop M. Crane Republican 1904 (appointed)
1905 (special)
1907
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected January 14, 1913.
Republican hold.
Michigan William A. Smith Republican 1911 Incumbent re-elected January 14, 1913.
Minnesota Knute Nelson Republican 1895
1901
1907
Incumbent re-elected January 21, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.[e]
Mississippi LeRoy Percy Democratic 1910 (special) Incumbent lost renomination.
New senator elected January 16, 1912.
Democratic hold.
Montana Joseph M. Dixon Republican 1907 Incumbent lost re-election as a Progressive.[e]
New senator elected January 14, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.
Democratic gain.
Nebraska Norris Brown Republican 1907 Incumbent lost renomination.[15]
New senator elected January 21, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.
Republican hold.
New Hampshire Henry E. Burnham Republican 1901
1907
Incumbent retired.
Legislature failed to elect.
Republican loss.
New senator was elected late; see below.
New Jersey Frank O. Briggs Republican 1907 Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected January 28, 1913.
Democratic gain.
New Mexico Albert B. Fall Republican 1912 (new state) Incumbent re-elected June 6, 1912.
Legislature invalidated the election.
Incumbent then re-elected January 28, 1913.
January 28, 1913, election:
North Carolina F. M. Simmons Democratic 1901
1907
Incumbent re-elected January 21, 1913.
Oklahoma Robert L. Owen Democratic 1907 Incumbent re-elected January 21, 1913.[e]
Oregon Jonathan Bourne Jr. Republican 1907 Incumbent lost renomination and then lost re-election as Popular Government candidate.
New senator elected January 21, 1913, ratifying the popular selection made in 1912 state elections.[e]
Democratic gain.
Rhode Island George P. Wetmore Republican 1894
1900
1907 (no election)
1908 (special)
Incumbent retired.
New senator elected January 21, 1913.[19]
Republican hold.
  • Green tickY LeBaron B. Colt (Republican) 88
  • Addison P. Munroe (Democratic) 42
  • George W. Parks (Progressive) 7[12]
South Carolina Benjamin Tillman Democratic 1894
1901
1907
Incumbent re-elected January 28, 1913.
South Dakota Robert J. Gamble Republican 1901
1907
Incumbent lost renomination.[20]
New senator elected January 22, 1913.
Republican hold.
Tennessee Newell Sanders Republican 1912 (appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected January 23, 1913.
Democratic gain.
Texas Rienzi Johnston Democratic 1913 (appointed) Interim appointee retired.
New senator elected January 28, 1913.
Democratic hold.
Virginia Thomas S. Martin Democratic 1893 (early)
1899 (early)
1906
Incumbent re-elected January 23, 1912.
West Virginia Clarence W. Watson Democratic 1911 (special) Incumbent lost re-election.
New senator elected February 21, 1913.[22]
Republican gain.
Winner took seat late.
Others
Wyoming Francis E. Warren Republican 1890
1893 (lost)
1895
1901
1907
Incumbent re-elected January 28, 1913.
Close

Early election to the following Congress

In this early general election, the winner was seated in the 64th Congress, starting March 4, 1915.

More information State, Incumbent ...
State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
Louisiana
(Class 3)
John Thornton Democratic 1910 (special) Incumbent retired.
New senator elected early May 21, 1912.
Democratic hold.
Close

Elections during the 63rd Congress

In these elections (some special, some merely late), the winners were seated in 1913 after March 4.

Some of those five elections late and some special, some by legislatures before ratification of the amendment and some popularly thereafter:

They are ordered here by election date, then by class.

More information State, Incumbent ...
State Incumbent Results Candidates
Senator Party Electoral history
New Hampshire
(Class 2)
Vacant Legislature had failed to elect in time.
New senator elected late March 13, 1913 on the 43rd ballot.[23]
Democratic gain.
Illinois
(Class 2)
Vacant Legislature had failed to elect in time.
New senator elected late March 26, 1913.
Democratic gain.
Illinois
(Class 3)
Vacant 1909 election of William Lorimer (R) was voided July 13, 1912.
New senator elected March 26, 1913.
Republican gain.
Elected by popular vote after ratification of the 17th Amendment
Georgia
(Class 2)
Augustus O. Bacon Democratic 1894
1900
1907 (appointed)
1907 (special)
1913 (appointed)
Legislature had failed to elect in time, so the incumbent was appointed to begin the term.
Interim appointee re-elected late June 15, 1913.
Maryland
(Class 1)
William P. Jackson Republican 1912 (appointed) Appointee retired when elected successor qualified.
New senator elected November 4, 1913 to finish the term ending March 3, 1917.
Winner did not qualify until January 28, 1914.[25]
Democratic gain.
Close

Alabama

Incumbent Senator John H. Bankhead had already been re-elected early January 17, 1911[26] for the 1913 term.

Arkansas

One-term incumbent Senator Jeff Davis died January 3, 1913. Democratic Governor of Arkansas Joseph T. Robinson appointed John N. Heiskell January 6, 1913, to continue the term just until a special election.

Arkansas (special)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Arkansas special election (class 2)

 1909 January 24, 1913
  Thumb
Nominee William Kavanaugh Scattering
Party Democratic
Members' vote 77 58
Percentage 57.0% 43.0%

U.S. senator before election

John N. Heiskell
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

William Kavanaugh
Democratic

Close

John N. Heiskell was not a candidate in the special election. On January 29, 1913, the Arkansas Legislature elected Democratic businessman and former judge William Marmaduke Kavanaugh just to finish the term that would end in March 1913.

Arkansas (regular)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Arkansas general election (class 2)

January 24, 1913 1918 
  Thumb
Nominee Joseph T. Robinson Stephen Brundidge Jr.
Party Democratic Democratic
Members' vote 71 36
Percentage 53.0% 26.9%

U.S. senator before election

John N. Heiskell
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Joseph T. Robinson
Democratic

Close

Neither Heiskell nor Kavanaugh were candidates in the general election. On January 29, 1913, the Arkansas Legislature elected the Democratic Governor Joseph T. Robinson to the next term. This would be the last senate election by a state legislature before the April 8, 1913, adoption of the 17th amendment. Robinson would later become leader of Senate Democrats and Senate majority leader.

Arizona

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Arizona class 1 election

December 12, 1911,
March 26, 1912
1916 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Henry F. Ashurst Ralph H. Cameron
Party Democratic Republican
Electoral vote 54 0
Popular vote 10,872 9,640
Percentage 50.00% 44.33%

U.S. senator before election

none

Elected U.S. Senator

To be formally determined by the Arizona legislature

Close
Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Arizona class 3 election

December 12, 1911,
March 26, 1912
1914 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Marcus A. Smith Hoval A. Smith
Party Democratic Republican
Electoral vote 54 0
Popular vote 10,598 9,228
Percentage 50.35% 43.85%

U.S. senator before election

none

Elected U.S. Senator

To be formally determined by the Arizona legislature

Close

Arizona became a new state February 14, 1912, with senators in classes 1 (ending 1917) and 3 (ending 1915). For the initial senators there was a popular vote held December 12, 1911 — before statehood — and the newly formed state legislature effectively ratified the popular votes March 26, 1912: Democrat Henry F. Ashurst (class 1) and Democrat Marcus A. Smith (class 3).

Henry F. Ashurst was elected to the Territorial House of Representatives in 1897. He was re-elected in 1899, and became the territory's youngest speaker. In 1902, he was elected to the Territorial Senate. In 1911, Ashurst presided over Arizona's constitutional convention.[27] During the convention, he positioned himself for a U.S. Senate seat by avoiding the political fighting over various clauses in the constitution which damaged his rivals.[28]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Arizona general election (Class 1)[29]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry F. Ashurst 10,872 50.00%
Republican Ralph H. Cameron 9,640 44.33%
Socialist E. Johnson 1,234 5.68%
Majority 1,232 5.67%
Turnout 21,746
Close

Marcus A. Smith announced his candidacy for one of Arizona's two senate seats on September 24, 1911.[30] As the campaign began, Smith abandoned his long standing conservative stand and declared himself a "Progressive".[31]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Arizona general election (class 3)[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Marcus A. Smith 10,598 50.35%
Republican Hoval A. Smith 9,228 43.85%
Socialist E. B. Simonton 1,221 5.80%
Majority 1,370 6.50%
Turnout 21,047
Close

With the admission of Arizona as a state in 1912, the Arizona State Legislature confirmed the selection of Smith and Ashurst as the state's first U.S. senators on March 27, 1912,[33] taking office April 2, 1912.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Arizona Senate election, March 23, 1912
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry F. Ashurst 19 100%
Democratic Marcus A. Smith 19 100%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Arizona House of Representatives election, March 26, 1912
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry F. Ashurst 35 100%
Democratic Marcus A. Smith 35 100%
Close

Colorado

On January 14, 1913, the Colorado General Assembly elected both of the state's senators: Governor John F. Shafroth for the class 2 seat (ending 1919) and Democrat Charles S. Thomas for the class 3 seat (ending 1915).

Colorado (regular)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
1912 United States Senate election in Colorado

 1907 November 5, 1912 1918 
  Thumb Thumb Thumb
Nominee John F. Shafroth Clyde Dawson Frank Catlin
Party Democratic Republican Progressive
Popular vote 118,260
47.3%
66,949
26.8%
58,649
23.5%
Legislative vote 86
87.8%
11
11.2%
1
1.0%

Thumb
County results
Shafroth:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Dawson:      30–40%      40–50%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Simon Guggenheim
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John F. Shafroth
Democratic

Close


One-term Republican incumbent Simon Guggenheim chose to retire in the term beginning March 4, 1913.

In the 1912 state elections, Democratic Governor of Colorado John F. Shafroth won the popular vote.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Colorado popular vote, class 2[9]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John F. Shafroth 118,260 47.34%
Republican Clyde Dawson 66,949 26.80%
Progressive Frank Catlin 58,649 23.48%
Prohibition Mary E. Miller 5,948 2.38%
Close

The Colorado General Assembly ratified that decision January 14, 1913, by electing Thomas.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Colorado legislative vote, class 2 (combined votes of both houses)[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John F. Shafroth 86 87.8%
Republican Clyde Dawson 11 11.2%
Progressive Frank Catlin 1 1.0%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Colorado (special)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
1912 United States Senate special election in Colorado

 1909 November 5, 1912 1914 
  Thumb Thumb Thumb
Nominee Charles S. Thomas Charles W. Waterman I.N. Stevens
Party Democratic Republican Progressive
Popular vote 111,633
44.9%
66,627
26.8%
64,405
25.9%
Legislative vote 88
88.9%
9
9.1%
1
1.0%

Thumb
County results
Thomas:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Waterman:      30–40%      40–50%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Vacant

Elected U.S. Senator

Charles S. Thomas
Democratic

Close


Democrat Charles J. Hughes Jr. (D) had died January 11, 1911, and the seat remained vacant for two years because the Colorado General Assembly failed to elect a successor.[5]

In the 1912 state elections, Democrat Charles S. Thomas (former Governor of Colorado) won the popular vote [citation needed].

More information Party, Candidate ...
Colorado popular vote, class 3
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Charles S. Thomas 111,633 44.9%
Republican Charles W. Waterman 66,627 26.8%
Progressive I.N. Stevens 64,405 25.9%
Prohibition Arthur B. Harris 6,318 2.5%
Close

The Colorado General Assembly ratified that decision January 14, 1913, by overwhelmingly voting for Thomas.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Colorado legislative vote, class 3 (combined votes of both houses)[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Charles S. Thomas 88 88.9%
Republican Waterman 9 9.1%
Progressive Vincent 1 1.0%
Progressive Stevens 1 1.0%
Democratic gain from Vacant
Close

Delaware

Thumb
Senator Willard Saulsbury Jr.

Incumbent Republican Harry A. Richardson retired after one term in office.

Democrat Willard Saulsbury Jr. had been a member of the Democratic National Committee since 1908 and had run for U.S. senator in 1899, 1901, 1903, 1905, 1907, and 1911, but Republicans controlled the state legislature and he was unsuccessful. In 1913, however, Democrats were in control of the legislature, Saulsbury was the preference of most Democrats, and he obtained the required majority January 29, 1913, after several days of balloting. This election was the first time since 1883 that a Democrat won a full term for this Senate seat in Delaware.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Delaware legislative election[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Willard Saulsbury Jr. 28 53.8%
Republican H. A. Richardson 11 21.2%
Republican John G. Townsend 5 9.6%
Republican Alfred I. du Pont 3 5.8%
Republican Alexander P. Corbit 3 5.8%
Republican Simeon S. Pennewill 1 1.9%
Republican Ruby R. Vale 1 1.9%
Close

Georgia

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Georgia late election

 1911 (special) June 15, 1913 1914 (special) 
  Thumb
Nominee Augustus Octavius Bacon
Party Democratic
Percentage Unopposed

U.S. senator before election

Augustus Octavius Bacon
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Augustus Octavius Bacon
Democratic

Close

The Georgia General Assembly failed to elect a senator, as Democratic incumbent Augustus O. Bacon's term ended. The Governor of Georgia therefore appointed Bacon to begin the term, pending a late election.

On June 15, 1913, Bacon was elected by the general populace without opposition, becoming the first senator elected under the Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Bacon died in early 1914, however, leading to another interim appointment and eventual special election.

Idaho

Idaho (regular)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Idaho general election (class 2)

 1907 January 14, 1913 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee William Borah Kirtland I. Perky
Party Republican Democratic
Members' vote 75 2
Percentage 94.9% 2.5%

U.S. senator before election

William Borah
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William Borah
Republican

Close

First term Republican incumbent William Borah was easily re-elected over two Democratic challengers.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Idaho legislative election, class 2 (January 14, 1913)[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William Borah (incumbent) 75 94.9%
Democratic Kirtland I. Perky 2 2.5%
Democratic George A. Tannahill 2 2.5%
Republican hold
Close

Idaho (special)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Idaho special election (class 3)

 1909 January 24, 1913 1914 
  Thumb
Nominee James H. Brady James F. Ailshie
Party Republican Republican
Members' vote 43 7
Percentage 53.8% 8.8%

  Thumb
Nominee John F. Nugent
Party Democratic Scattering
Members' vote 5 25
Percentage 6.3% 38.7%

U.S. senator before election

James H. Brady
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

James H. Brady
Republican

Close

Two-term incumbent Republican Weldon Heyburn died October 17, 1912. Democratic lawyer and former-Judge Kirtland I. Perky was appointed November 18, 1912, to continue the term pending a special election.

Perky was not a candidate in the special election, which was won by Republican former-Governor James H. Brady. Brady would win re-election in a popular vote in 1914.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Idaho legislative election, class 3 (January 24, 1913)[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James H. Brady (incumbent) 43 53.8%
Republican James F. Ailshie 7 8.8%
Democratic John F. Nugent 5 6.3%
Unknown James E. Babb 5 6.3%
Unknown Robert N. Dunn 4 5.0%
Unknown E. H. Dewey 4 5.0%
Republican J. T. Morrison 3 3.8%
Republican Burton L. French 2 2.5%
Democratic James Hanrahan 2 2.5%
Unknown C. A. Beale 1 1.3%
Unknown George Fields 1 1.3%
Unknown J. F. Maclane 1 1.3%
Unknown T. L. Burkland 1 1.3%
Unknown W. C. Courtney 1 1.3%
Republican gain from Democratic
Close

Illinois

In the November 1912 state elections, the Republicans lost control of the state due to the Republican / Progressive split. But while the Democrats held a plurality of the Illinois General Assembly, they did not have a majority. The General Assembly took up the matter of electing the senators on February 1. The General Assembly therefore failed to elect until after the new congress began.

On March 26, in a compromise arranged by governor Dunne, the General Assembly elected Democrat J. Hamilton Lewis to fill the full-term seat and Republican Lawrence Y. Sherman to fill the two remaining years of a vacancy that had just recently opened.

Illinois (regular)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Illinois general election (class 2)

 1907 March 26, 1913 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee J. Hamilton Lewis Frank H. Funk
Party Democratic Progressive
Members' vote 164 22
Percentage 80.39% 10.78%

U.S. senator before election

Shelby Moore Cullom
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

J. Hamilton Lewis
Democratic

Close

On April 12, 1912, five-term Republican incumbent Shelby Moore Cullom lost renomination to Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Lawrence Y. Sherman in the Republican "advisory" primary, where the voters expressed their preference for senator but the decision was not binding on the General Assembly, which made the actual choice. Cullom had suffered politically over his support for the other Illinois senator, William Lorimer, who was embroiled in a scandal over alleged bribery in his 1909 election to the Senate.

After his defeat, Cullom withdrew his name from consideration by the General Assembly.

The Illinois General Assembly eventually elected the Democratic nominee, Congressman J. Hamilton Lewis March 26, 1913, who had also won the Democratic advisory primary, as the sole candidate on the ballot.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Illinois legislative vote, class 2 (March 26, 1913)[34][5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic J. Hamilton Lewis 164 80.39%
Progressive Frank H. Funk 22 10.78%
Republican Lawrence Y. Sherman 9 4.41%
Independent Abstaining 5 2.45%
Socialist Bernard Berlyn 4 1.96%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Illinois (special)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Illinois special election (class 3)

 1909 March 26, 1913 1914 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Lawrence Y. Sherman[35] Charles Boeschenstein
Party Republican Democratic
Members' vote 143 25
Percentage 70.10% 12.26%

  Thumb
Nominee Frank H. Funk
Party Progressive
Members' vote 22
Percentage 10.78%

U.S. senator before election


Vacant

Elected U.S. senator

Lawrence Y. Sherman
Republican

Close

Three months after the primary in which Sherman defeated Cullom, the U.S. Senate invalidated Lorimer's 1909 election and declared the seat vacant.[36] The Illinois Attorney General, William H. Stead determined that the General Assembly had failed to properly elect Lorimer in 1909 and so the Governor could not appoint a replacement.[37] As a result, the General Assembly had a second Senate seat to fill.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Illinois special legislative vote, class 3 (March 26, 1913)[38][5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Lawrence Y. Sherman 143 70.10
Democratic Charles Boeschenstein 25 12.26
Progressive Frank H. Funk 22 10.78
Independent Abstaining 9 4.41
Socialist McDonald 4 1.96
Democratic John Fitzpatrick 1 0.49
Republican gain from Vacant
Close

Iowa

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Iowa election

 1911 (special) January 21, 1913 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee William S. Kenyon Daniel W. Hamilton
Party Republican Democratic
Members' vote 91 58

U.S. senator before election

William S. Kenyon
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William S. Kenyon
Republican

Close

Incumbent Republican William S. Kenyon, who had just won a 1911 special election to the seat, was easily re-elected by the Iowa General Assembly over Democratic former congressman Daniel W. Hamilton.[5]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Iowa legislative vote (in Iowa Senate)
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William S. Kenyon (incumbent) 29 61.70%
Democratic Daniel W. Hamilton 18 38.30%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Iowa legislative vote (in Iowa House)
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William S. Kenyon (incumbent) 62 60.78%
Democratic Daniel W. Hamilton 40 39.22%
Republican hold
Close

Kansas

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Kansas election

 1907 January 29, 1913 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee William H. Thompson W. R. Stubbs
Party Democratic Republican
Electoral vote 160 3
Popular vote 172,601 151,647
Percentage 49.34% 43.35%

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County results
Thompson:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Stubbs:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election

Charles Curtis
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

William H. Thompson
Democratic

Close

One-term incumbent Republican (and future Vice President) Charles Curtis lost renomination to Governor of Kansas Walter R. Stubbs, who then lost the general election to Democratic Judge William H. Thompson as Democrats took control of the Kansas Legislature in the 1912 state elections.

More information Party, Candidate ...
1912 Kansas popular election in Kansas[11]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William H. Thompson 172,601 49.34%
Republican W. R. Stubbs 151,647 43.35%
Socialist Allan W. Ricker 25,610 7.32%
Total votes 349,858 100.00%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Kansas Senate election, January 28, 1913[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William H. Thompson 40 100%
Turnout 40 100.0%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Kansas House of Representatives election, January 29, 1912[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William H. Thompson 120 96.8%
Republican W. R. Stubbs 3 2.4%
Progressive Henry J. Allen 1 0.8%
Turnout 124 99.2%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Thompson would only serve one term, losing re-election in 1918. As of 2023, this is the last time the Democrats won the Class 2 Senate seat in Kansas. This represents the longest current winning streak of either party for a single Senate seat.

Curtis' political career, meanwhile, would rebound, as he was elected to Kansas' other US Senate seat, first by defeating Kansas' senior senator Joseph L. Bristow in the Republican primary, and then winning re-election nonconsecutively to the U.S Senate by a very narrow margin over two opponents, becoming the first Kansan to be popularly elected to the U.S Senate in a historic first. Curtis would serve in the Senate for three terms before resigning to become U.S. Vice President in March 1929, the first Native American to serve in that office.

Kentucky

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Kentucky election
 1906 January 16, 1912 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Ollie James Edwin P. Morrow
Party Democratic Republican
Senate ballot 31 (83.8%) 6 (16.2%)
House ballot 74 (76.3%) 23 (23.7%)

Thumb
Thumb
Blue denotes members voting for James and red denotes those voting for Morrow.

[[List of United States senators from {{{country}}}|U.S. senator]] before election

Thomas H. Paynter
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Ollie James
Democratic

Close

One-term Democrat Thomas H. Paynter retired and Democratic Representative Ollie James was easily elected January 16, 1912.[2]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Kentucky legislative vote (in Kentucky Senate), January 9, 1912
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ollie James 31 88.6%
Republican Edwin P. Morrow 4 11.4%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Kentucky legislative vote (in Kentucky House of Representatives), January 9, 1912
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ollie James 74 75.5%
Republican Edwin P. Morrow 24 24.6%
Close

The legislature formally elected James a second time January 16, 1912, to comply with a federal rule requiring an election on the second Tuesday after the meeting of the legislature.[2]

Louisiana

Louisiana senators
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Joseph E. Ransdell
Class 2: starting March 4, 1913
Thumb
Robert F. Broussard
Class 3: starting March 4, 1915

Louisiana held two elections May 21, 1912: an election for the class 2 term that would begin March 4, 1913, and an election for the class 3 term that would begin March 4, 1915.

Louisiana (regular, class 2)

In the class 2 seat, Democrat Murphy J. Foster lost renomination to fellow-Democrat Joseph E. Ransdell, who later was elected unopposed to seat.

Louisiana (regular, class 3)

In the class 3 seat, Democrat John Thornton retired. Fellow-Democrat Robert F. Broussard was elected unopposed, but he would have to wait until term began on March 4, 1915.

Maine

Five-term incumbent Republican William P. Frye had died August 8, 1911, and Democrat Obadiah Gardner was appointed September 23, 1911, to continue the term, pending a special election. In this election cycle, Gardner would first win the election to finish the term and then lose re-election to the next term.

Maine (special)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Maine special election

 1907 April 2, 1912 1913 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Obadiah Gardner Frederick A. Powers
Party Democratic Republican
Members' vote 98 56
Percentage 66.2% 33.8%

U.S. senator before election

Obadiah Gardner
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Obadiah Gardner
Democratic

Close

Democratic interim appointee Obadiah Gardner was elected April 2, 1912, to finish the term ending March 3, 1913.[4][2]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Maine Senate vote (April 2, 1912)
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obadiah Gardner (incumbent) 20 76.9%
Republican Frederick A. Powers 6 23.1%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Maine House of Representatives vote (April 2, 1912)
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Obadiah Gardner (incumbent) 78 60.9%
Republican Frederick A. Powers 50 39.1%
Democratic hold
Close

Maine (regular)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Maine general election

 1912 (special) January 15, 1913 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Edwin C. Burleigh Obadiah Gardner
Party Republican Democratic
Members' vote 91 82
Percentage 50.6% 45.6%

U.S. senator before election

Edwin C. Burleigh
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

Obadiah Gardner
Democratic

Close

Democrat Obadiah Gardner lost re-election January 15, 1913, to Republican Edwin C. Burleigh for the term starting March 4, 1913.

"There was no choice in the separate balloting on January 14. The next day in joint assembly, [Burleigh was elected]."[12]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Maine Legislature vote (January 15, 1913)
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Edwin C. Burleigh (incumbent) 91 50.6%
Democratic Obadiah Gardner 82 45.6%
Progressive E.M. Thompson 7 3.9%
Republican gain from Democratic
Close

Maryland (special)

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Maryland special election

 1910 November 4, 1913 1916 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Blair Lee Thomas Parran Sr.
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 112,485 73,300
Percentage 56.75% 36.98%

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County results
Parran:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Lee:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election

William P. Jackson
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

Blair Lee
Democratic

Close

Democrat Isidor Rayner died November 25, 1912, and Republican William P. Jackson was appointed to continue the term, pending a special election.

Democratic state senator Blair Lee was elected November 4, 1913.

More information Party, Candidate ...
1913 Maryland U.S. Senate special election[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Blair Lee 112,485 56.75%
Republican Thomas Parran Sr. 73,300 36.98%
Progressive George Wellington 7,033 3.55%
Socialist Robert Fields 2,982 1.5%
Prohibition Finley Hendrickson 2,405 1.21%
Turnout 198,205
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Lee presented his credentials to serve as senator on December 5, 1913, but he did not qualify until January 28, 1914, because Jackson claimed that "since [Jackson] had been appointed under the original constitutional provision, [Jackson] was entitled to hold his seat until the regularly scheduled adjournment date of the Maryland state assembly."[25] The Senate considered Jackson's challenge but eventually rejected it and seated Lee.

Lee would only serve this one term, as he lost renomination in 1916.

Massachusetts

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Massachusetts election

 1905 (special) January 14, 1913 1918 
  Thumb
Nominee John W. Weeks Sherman L. Whipple
Party Republican Democratic
Members' vote 160 80
Percentage 58.82% 29.41%

U.S. senator before election

Winthrop M. Crane
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

John W. Weeks
Republican

Close

Republican Winthrop M. Crane, who was first appointed in 1904, retired. Republican congressman from Newton, Massachusetts, John W. Weeks, was elected January 14, 1913, to succeed him. Republican Eben Sumner Draper had been considered a candidate for the seat, but the Republican party, then under the control of its hardline conservative faction (and in control of the legislature), chose Weeks instead.[41]

More information Party, Candidate ...
1913 Republican nominating caucus[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John W. Weeks 97 60.25%
Republican Samuel Walker McCall 57 35.40%
Republican Curtis Guild Jr. 5 3.11%
Republican George P. Lawrence 1 0.62%
Republican Robert Luce 1 0.62%
Total votes 161 100.00%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Massachusetts legislative vote (in Massachusetts Senate)[43][5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John W. Weeks 26 66.67%
Democratic Sherman L. Whipple 11 28.21%
Democratic John A. Keliher 1 2.56%
Democratic Joseph C. Pelletier 1 2.56%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Massachusetts legislative vote (in Massachusetts House of Representatives)[43][5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John W. Weeks 134 57.51%
Democratic Sherman L. Whipple 69 29.61%
Progressive John Graham Brooks 5 2.15%
Democratic John F. Meaney 3 1.29%
Democratic James B. Carroll 3 1.29%
Democratic Charles A. DeCourey 3 1.29%
Democratic Charles Sumner Hamlin 2 0.86%
Democratic John A. Thayer 2 0.86%
Democratic John F. Fitzgerald 2 0.86%
Republican Curtis Guild Jr. 1 0.43%
Republican Robert Luce 1 0.43%
Democratic Philip J. O'Connell 1 0.43%
Unknown Olney 1 0.43%
Democratic Joseph Henry O'Neil 1 0.43%
Unknown Peters 1 0.43%
Unknown Pratt 1 0.43%
Unknown Sawyer 1 0.43%
Unknown Sweeney 1 0.43%
Unknown Williams 1 0.43%
Close

Weeks would only serve for one six-year term. He would lose re-election in 1918 to Democrat David I. Walsh.

Michigan

Thumb
Senator William A. Smith

Two-term Republican William A. Smith, whose Senate tenure began weeks before his first full-term began, was re-elected January 14, 1913.

He would retire after this term.

Minnesota

Thumb
Senator Knute Nelson
Thumb
Popular state election results by county
Nelson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Lawler:      50–60%      60–70%

Three-term Republican Knute Nelson was overwhelmingly supported in a 1912 popular election.

The Minnesota Legislature unanimously ratified the popular vote January 21, 1913:

Nelson later would be re-elected again in 1918 to a fifth term, before his 1923 death.

Mississippi

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
Mississippi election

 1912 1 August 1911 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee James K. Vardaman C. H. Alexander
Party Democratic Democratic
Popular vote 79,380 31,300
Percentage 60.04% 23.68%

  Thumb
Nominee LeRoy Percy
Party Democratic
Popular vote 21,521
Percentage 16.28%

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County results
Vardaman:     30-40%      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Percy:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

U.S. senator before election

LeRoy Percy
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

James K. Vardaman
Democratic

Close

One-term Democrat LeRoy Percy lost renomination in mid-1911 to white supremacist James K. Vardaman, who was then elected January 16, 1912, to the seat, unopposed.[2]

Percy had won in 1910 (to finish a vacant term) despite Vardaman's support of a plurality of legislators (all white). The fractured remainder sought to thwart his extreme racial policies. A majority united behind Percy to block Vardaman's election. Percy had advocated education for blacks and worked to improve race relations by appealing to the planters' sense of noblesse oblige. Disenfranchisement of blacks made the Democratic primary the deciding competitive race for state and local offices in Mississippi.

In this rematch, Vardaman's campaign was managed by Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi (and future senator) Theodore Bilbo, who emphasized class tensions and racial segregation, attacking Percy as a representative of the aristocracy of the state and for taking a progressive stance on race relations.

Vardaman, however, would only serve one term, losing renomination in 1918, primarily due to his vote against entry into World War I.

More information Candidate, Votes ...
Mississippi Democratic primary
CandidateVotes%
James K. Vardaman79,38060.04
C. H. Alexander31,30023.68
LeRoy Percy21,52116.28
Total132,201100.00
Source: [44]
Close

Montana

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Senator Thomas J. Walsh
Thumb
Popular state election results by county
Walsh:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%
Dixon:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%
Smith:      40–50%
No Vote:      

One-term Republican Joseph M. Dixon ran for re-election as a Progressive, but lost to Democrat Thomas J. Walsh.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Montana popular election (November 5, 1912)[14]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Thomas J. Walsh 28,421 41.17%
Progressive Joseph M. Dixon (Incumbent) 22,161 32.10%
Republican Henry C. Smith 18,450 26.73%
Close

The Montana Legislature then unanimously elected Walsh January 14, 1913.[12]

Walsh would be re-elected four more times and serve for 20 years until his 1933 death. Dixon, meanwhile, would go on to become Governor of Montana from 1921 to 1925.

Nebraska

Thumb
Senator George W. Norris

First-term Republican Norris Brown lost renomination to George W. Norris, who was then elected January 21, 1913.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Nebraska Democratic primary (April 19, 1912)[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ashton C. Shallenberger 27,581 57.61%
Democratic William H. Thompson 11,993 25.05%
Democratic Willis E. Reed 5,244 10.95%
Democratic Robert F. Smith 3,061 6.39%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Nebraska Republican primary (April 19, 1912)[15]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George W. Norris 38,893 53.98%
Republican Norris Brown (Incumbent) 33,156 46.02%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Nebraska popular vote (November 5, 1912)[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican George W. Norris 126,022 52.96%
Democratic Ashton C. Shallenberger 111,946[46] 47.04%
Close

Despite the Democratic majority, the Nebraska legislature elected Republican Norris unanimously, upholding the popular vote.[47]

"The Democratic Legislature will be called upon to elect a Republican for United States Senator. Ninety-five per cent. [sic] of the candidates for the Legislature, in accordance with the Oregon plan, signed "Statement No. 1," which provides that, in the event of election, they will vote for the candidate for United States Senator who obtains the preference vote of the people. Although Congressman Norris, a Progressive Republican, has won the preference vote, returns indicate that a Democratic legislature has been elected."[48]

Norris would serve for thirty years, winning two more elections as a Republican and one as an Independent but losing re-election in 1942.

Nevada (special)

Thumb
Senator Key Pittman
Thumb
Popular state election results by county
Pittman:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%
Massey:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%

Republican senator George S. Nixon died June 5, 1912. Republican former-judge William A. Massey was appointed July 1, 1912, to continue the term that would end in 1917, pending a special election. In November 1912, Massey lost the popular vote for the special election to Democratic attorney Key Pittman was elected by the Nevada Legislature January 28, 1913.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Nevada popular vote (November 5, 1912)[8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Key Pittman 7,942 39.78%
Republican William A. Massey (Incumbent) 7,853 39.34%
Socialist George A. Steele 2,740 13.73%
Progressive Sardis Summerfield 1,428 7.15%
Close

Pittman had a small plurality in the November 1912 popular vote, but the legislature elected him almost unanimously.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Nevada Senate vote (January 28, 1913)[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Key Pittman 20 90.9%
Socialist George A. Steele 2 9.1%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Nevada House of Representatives vote (January 28, 1913)[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Key Pittman 50 98.0%
Socialist George A. Steele 1 2.0%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Massey died the next year, and Pittman would go on to serve for 27 more years and win re-election four times, serving as President pro tempore throughout the New Deal.

New Hampshire

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...
New Hampshire election

 1907 March 26, 1913 (late) 1918 
  Thumb Thumb
Nominee Henry F. Hollis John H. Bartlett
Party Democratic Republican
Members' vote 189 121
Percentage 50.94% 32.62%

U.S. senator before election

Henry E. Burnham
Republican

Elected U.S. senator

Henry F. Hollis
Democratic

Close

Two-term Republican Henry E. Burnham decided to retire. The New Hampshire legislature failed to elect a new senator after 42 votes, so the March 4, 1913, term begin with the seat vacant.

Finally, on March 26, 1913, on the 43rd vote, Democrat Henry F. Hollis was elected with the required majority, albeit slight. Hollis was a former candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (in 1900), and twice for Governor of New Hampshire (in 1902 and 1904).

More information Party, Candidate ...
New Hampshire legislative vote, class 2 (March 13, 1913)[24][12]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Henry F. Hollis 189 50.94%
Republican John H. Bartlett 121 32.62%
Republican Henry B. Quinby 18 4.85%
Republican Edward N. Pearson 14 3.77%
Progressive Robert P. Bass 12 3.24%
Republican Sherman E. Burroughs 5 1.35%
Democratic Gordon Woodbury 3 0.81%
Democratic Clarence E. Carr 2 0.54%
Unknown William D. Swart 2 0.54%
Republican Thomas Chalmers 1 0.27%
Republican William Eaton Chandler 1 0.27%
Republican John Scammon 1 0.27%
Unknown Bertram Ellis 1 0.27%
Unknown Henry C. Wells 1 0.27%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Hollis would retire after a single term and be replaced, in a popular vote, by Republican Henry W. Keyes.

New Jersey

Thumb
Senator William Hughes

One-term incumbent Republican Frank O. Briggs lost re-election to Democratic state judge (and former member of the U.S. House) William Hughes. The New Jersey Legislature elected Hughes January 28, 1913.

More information Party, Candidate ...
New Jersey Senate election, January 28, 1913[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William Hughes 12 57.14%
Republican Frank O. Briggs (Incumbent) 9 42.86%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
New Jersey General Assembly election, January 28, 1913[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William Hughes 51 86.44%
Republican Frank O. Briggs (Incumbent) 8 13.56%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
New Jersey Legislative election, January 28, 1913[51][12]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William Hughes 63 78.75%
Republican Frank O. Briggs (Incumbent) 17 21.25%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

Briggs, died just a few months later on May 8, 1913. Hughes would not serve the complete term, dying January 30, 1918, just before the next scheduled election.

New Mexico

New Mexico (initial)

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Senator Albert B. Fall
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Senator Thomas B. Catron

New Mexico became a new state January 6, 1912, with senators in classes 1 (ending 1917) and 2 (ending 1913). On March 27, 1912, the state elected its initial senators on the eighth ballot:[52] Republican Thomas B. Catron, an early advocate for New Mexico statehood who had marshaled the territorial Republican Party to lobby Republicans at the national level for New Mexico's admission to the Union,[53][54][55] and Republican Albert B. Fall, a powerful attorney, former territorial attorney general, future Secretary of the Interior, and instigator of the Teapot Dome scandal)

Catron made a personal alliance with Fall, ensuring that each of them would be elected. This alliance antagonized New Mexicans of Spanish heritage, who had hoped that one of their own would become a Senator.[56]

New Mexico (regular)

Fall's term would end in March 1913, so he was up for re-election shortly after his initial term began.

The bitterness over Catron and Fall's alliance made Fall a target of the local Republican Party, as they believed Fall had not contributed sufficiently to their efforts to secure New Mexico's statehood, and was not worthy of their nomination. The selection of Catron and Fall also disappointed Hispanics, who had hoped that one of their own would be selected. Fall was also severely disliked by Democrats.

After various votes, the legislature re-elected Fall January 28, 1913. Governor McDonald, on the advice of his Democratic legal advisor, Summers Burkhart, said that the legislature's procedure had been illegal, and failed to sign the credentialing papers in an attempt to oust Fall by forcing a special session of the legislature and a new vote.[57] The attempt failed; Fall won the special legislative election.[58]

North Carolina

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Democratic primary results by county
Simmons:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Kitchin:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Clark:      30–40%      40–50%
No Vote:      
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Senator Furnifold Simmons

Two-term Democrat Furnifold Simmons was easily re-elected January 21, 1913. Simmons was a staunch segregationist, white supremacist and a leading perpetrator of the Wilmington insurrection of 1898.

More information Party, Candidate ...
North Carolina Democratic primary (November 5, 1912[f])[59]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Furnifold Simmons (Incumbent) 84,687 57.18%
Democratic William W. Kitchin (Governor) 47,010 31.74%
Democratic Walter Clark (State judge) 16,418 11.09%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
North Carolina legislative election (January 22, 1913)[60][12]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Furnifold Simmons (Incumbent) 144 88.34%
Republican Cyrus Thompson (N.C. Secretary of State) 19 11.66%
Close

Simmons would be re-elected twice more after this and serve until 1931, when he fell out with the national Democratic Party.

Oklahoma

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Senator Robert L. Owen
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Popular state election results by county
Owen:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Dickerson:      40–50%      50–60%

One term Democrat Robert L. Owen was re-elected over token opposition from Governor of Oklahoma Charles N. Haskell in the Democratic primary and perennial Republican candidate Joseph Dickerson.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Oklahoma Democratic primary (August 6, 1912)[61]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert L. Owen (Incumbent) 80,204 64.32%
Democratic Charles N. Haskell 44,483 35.68%
Turnout 7.52%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Oklahoma popular election (November 5, 1912)[17]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert L. Owen (Incumbent) 126,418 50.43%
Republican Joseph Dickerson 83,429 33.28%
Socialist John Wills 40,860 16.3%
Turnout 15.13%
Close

Owen was formally and unanimously elected by the Oklahoma Legislature January 21, 1913.[62][12]

Owen would run for U.S. president (failing to achieve his party's nomination), and then serve a third and final term as the young state's initial Class 2 senator, retiring in 1925.

Oregon

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Senator Harry Lane
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Popular state election results by county
Lane:      20–30%      30–40%
Selling:      20–30%      30–40%      40–50%
Bourne:      30–40%

One-term Republican Jonathan Bourne Jr. had championed direct-election of senators but lost renomination as a Republican. He then ran in the popular election as a "Popular Government" candidate, but also lost re-election. Democratic Mayor of Portland Harry Lane was elected.

The ballot was cluttered. In addition to the Lane and Ben Selling, candidate of the conservative wing of the Republican Party, progressive Republicans had other electoral alternatives, including the candidate and the incumbent senator Jonathan Bourne Jr., who had failed to win the renomination of the Republican party and ran as the "Popular Government" nominee as a result. Meanwhile, Benjamin F. Ramp stood for the Socialists and yet another candidate was the nominee of the Prohibition Party.[63] Each of these six candidates took more than 5% of the vote — a fact which enabled the Lane to win election with a plurality of the vote in solidly Republican Oregon.[63] Intent on proving himself a man of the people, Harry Lane set what might be a record for campaign frugality in his victorious effort, with his entire race run for $75 plus travel expenses.[64]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Oregon popular vote, class 2 (November 5, 1912)[18]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harry Lane 40,172 30.07%
Republican Ben Selling 38,453 28.79%
Popular Government Jonathan Bourne Jr. (Incumbent) 25,929 19.41%
Socialist Benjamin F. Ramp 11,093 8.31%
Progressive A. E. Clark 11,083 8.30%
Prohibition B. Lee Paget 6,848 5.13%
Democratic gain from Republican
Close

The Oregon Legislature thereupon elected Lane to the seat January 21, 1913,[12] ratifying the popular selection made in the November 1912 elections.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Election by the Oregon Senate, January 21, 1913[65]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harry Lane 28 93.3%
Republican Ben Selling 2 6.7%
Close

Both senators voting for Selling declared that they voted to protest a new system of nomination.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Election by the Oregon House of Representatives election, January 21, 1913[66]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Harry Lane 59 98.3%
Republican Ben Selling 1 1.7%
Close

Lane died in office on May 23, 1917.

Rhode Island

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Senator LeBaron Colt

Three-term Republican George P. Wetmore retired and was replaced by Republican judge LeBaron Colt January 21, 1913.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Election by the Rhode Island Senate, January 21, 1913[67]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican LeBaron Colt 32 82.1%
Democratic Addison P. Munroe 5 12.8%
Progressive George W. Parks 2 5.1%
Turnout 39 100%
Close

Both senators voting for Selling declared that they voted to protest a new system of nomination.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Election by the Rhode Island House of Representatives election, January 21, 1913[67]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican LeBaron Colt 56 56.0%
Democratic Addison P. Munroe 37 37.0%
Progressive George W. Parks 7 7.0%
Turnout 100 100%
Close

The following day, the Joint Assembly formally declared Colt elected. Colt resigned February 7, 1913, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, in which he'd served since 1891.

When asked concerning his ideas on national issues Judge Colt replied that he was still a member of the court, and until his resignation he did not think it would be dignified or courteous to talk upon the subject."[19]

Colt would be re-elected in 1918, and die near the end of that second term on August 18, 1924.

South Carolina

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Senator Benjamin Tillman

The South Carolina race was mostly a Democratic primary election held the previous summer on August 27, 1912. The Democratic Party of South Carolina organized primary elections for the U.S. Senate beginning in 1896 and the General Assembly would confirm the choice of the Democratic voters.

Incumbent Democrat Benjamin Tillman, serving since 1895, drew opposition in the Democratic primary for the first time during his career. He had long avoided any opposition because of his influence in the Democratic Party in the state, but by 1912 he had moderated his positions and lost the radical edge that had allowed him to build up a hard core following of support. The radicals in the state electorate had thrown their support to Coleman Livingston Blease in the gubernatorial election of 1910 and the Bleasites were determined to knock his chief opponent, Tillman, out of office. W. Jasper Talbert emerged as the candidate of the Bleasites and Nathaniel B. Dial entered the race as an alternative to the two. The voters of the state split their support between the Tillmanite and Bleasite factions as both Tillman and Blease won their respective primaries.

Tillman won the Democratic primary.

More information South Carolina Democratic primary, Candidate ...
South Carolina Democratic primary[68]
Candidate Votes  %
Benjamin Tillman 73,148 52.7
W. Jasper Talbert 37,141 26.8
Nathaniel B. Dial 28,476 20.5
Close

Tillman was then re-elected January 28, 1913, by the General Assembly for another six-year term.

Election by the South Carolina legislature:

South Dakota

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Senator Thomas Sterling

Two-term Republican Robert J. Gamble lost renomination.

More information Party, Candidate ...
South Dakota Republican primary, June 4, 1912[70]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas Sterling 25,896 35.00%
Republican Robert J. Gamble (Incumbent) 25,161 34.01%
Republican Richard Olsen Richards 16,983 22.96%
Republican Melvin Grigsby 5,941 8.03%
Turnout 73,981 12.67%
Close

Republican Thomas Sterling was then elected January 22, 1913, with 97 votes[21]

Tennessee

One-term Democrat Robert Love Taylor died March 31, 1912, and Republican Newell Sanders was appointed in his place, pending a special election. Sanders was not a candidate either election

The Tennessee legislature elected two senators: one to the next term and one to finish the current term.

Tennessee (regular)

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Senator John K. Shields

Chief Justice Of The Tennessee Supreme Court John K. Shields was elected January 23, 1913, to the next term beginning March 4, 1913. He had not been a candidate in the special election.

More information Party, Candidate ...
General election by the Tennessee Legislature, January 23, 1913 (Seventh Ballot)[71]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John K. Shields 69 52.7%
Independent Democratic Charles T. Cates Jr. 61 46.6%
Present but not voting 1 0.8%
Turnout 130 96%
Close

Shields would be re-elected in 1918, but lose renomination in 1924.

Tennessee (special)

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Senator William R. Webb

Democrat William R. Webb, the founder of the Webb School and former Confederate soldier, was elected January 23, 1913, to finish the term ending March 3, 1913. Webb was not a candidate in the general election.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Special election by the Tennessee Legislature, January 24, 1913[72]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William R. Webb 73 57.0%
Democratic M. T. Bryan 53 41.4%
Democratic J. A. Clement 1 0.8%
Democratic C. W. Tyler 1 0.8%
Turnout 128 96%
Close

The election was then made unanimous by motion of the joint convention.[72]

Texas

Quick Facts Needed to win: Majority of votes cast in both houses, Majority party ...
1913 United States Special Senate election in Texas

 1907 January 28, 1913 1918 

Needed to win: Majority of votes cast in both houses[g]
  Majority party Minority party Third party
  Thumb Thumb Thumb
Candidate Morris
Sheppard
Rienzi M.
Johnston
Choice B. Randell
Party Democratic Democratic Democratic
Senate ballot 17 (58.6%) 12 (41.3%)
House ballot 87 (61.2%) 54 (38.0%) 1 (0.70%)

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Senate ballot

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House ballot

U.S. Senator before election

Rienzi M. Johnston
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

Morris Sheppard
Democratic

Close

Two-term Democrat Joseph Weldon Bailey resigned January 3, 1913, and Democrat Rienzi M. Johnston was appointed January 4, 1913, to continue the term, pending a special election. In fact, Texas held would hold two elections January 28, 1913: a special election for the term ending March 3, 1913, and a general election for the next term starting March 4, 1913, both were won by Democratic congressman Morris Sheppard.

Texas (special)

There was a Democratic Primary July 27, 1912. Morris Sheppard, C. B. Randell, Mat Zollner, and Jake Wolters were candidates. Sheppard received a plurality of the vote.[73][74]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Texas Democratic Primary (1912)
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Morris Sheppard 182,907 48.94%
Democratic Jacob F. Wolters 146,214 39.12%
Democratic Choice B. Randell 40,693 10.89%
Democratic Matthew Zollner 3,960 1.06%
Total votes 373,774 100.00%
Close

Appointee Rienzi M. Johnston ran for but lost election to finish the shortened term.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Special election by the Texas Legislature, January 29, 1913[75]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Morris Sheppard 104 60.8%
Democratic Rienzi M. Johnston 66 38.6%
Democratic Choice B. Randell 1 0.6%
Close

Following his brief 25-day Senate term, Johnston returned to Houston and resumed his role as editor of the Houston Post. He retired from the newspaper business in 1919.[76]

Texas (regular)

Perhaps due to the overwhelming support for the special election, Sheppard had no opposition in the subsequent general election.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Special election by the Texas Legislature, January 29, 1913[77]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Morris Sheppard 172 100.0%
Close

Sheppard would win re-election four times, serving until his death in 1941.

Virginia

Virginia held non-binding primaries September 7, 1911, for both the class 2 seat held by Democrat Thomas S. Martin, who was running for re-election, and the class 1 seat held by Democrat Claude Swanson, who had been appointed to fill a vacancy.[78]

Virginia (special)

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Senator Claude A. Swanson

Democrat John W. Daniel died June 29, 1910, and Democrat Claude A. Swanson, a former Governor of Virginia and former Congressman, was appointed August 1, 1910, to finish the term ending March 1911 and again appointed February 28, 1911, to begin the 1911–1917 term, pending a special election.

Swanson won the class 1 Democratic primary for the term ending in 1917 with 67,495 votes over (future senator) Carter Glass's 28,757 votes.[79]

On January 24, 1912, the Virginia General Assembly unanimously elected Swanson.[80][81]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Virginia Senate election, January 23, 1912[82]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claude A. Swanson (incumbent) 34 100%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Virginia House of Delegates election, January 23, 1912[82]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Claude A. Swanson (incumbent) 83 100%
Close

Virginia (regular)

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Senator Thomas S. Martin

Three-term incumbent Democrat Thomas S. Martin won the Democratic primary for the class 2 term ending in 1919, receiving 57,120 votes to 25,005 for William Atkinson Jones.

On January 24, 1912, the Virginia General Assembly unanimously elected Martin.[80][81]

More information Party, Candidate ...
Virginia Senate election, January 23, 1912[82]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Thomas S. Martin (incumbent) 34 100%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Virginia House of Delegates election, January 23, 1912[82]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Thomas S. Martin (incumbent) 85 100%
Close

West Virginia

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Senator Nathan Goff Jr.

Democrat Clarence Watson had been elected in 1911 to finish a vacant term, but he lost re-election February 21, 1913, to Republican federal judge Nathan Goff Jr. after multiple deadlocked ballots.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Election in the joint assembly of the West Virginia Legislature, February 21, 1913[22]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Nathan Goff Jr. 60 56.6%
Democratic Clarence W. Watson (incumbent) 43 40.6%
Democratic Robert W. Dailey 1 0.9%
Democratic John W. Davis 1 0.9%
Democratic John W. Hamilton 1 0.9%
Close

Goff would remain a judge until April 1, 1913, before taking his Senate seat. He would only serve the one term, retiring in 1919 due to ill-health and having barely cast any roll call votes throughout his Senate career. Goff held onto his seat despite being almost entirely absent from his duties in the Senate.

Wyoming

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Senator Francis E. Warren

Four-term Republican Francis E. Warren was re-elected January 28, 1913.

More information Party, Candidate ...
Election in the Wyoming Senate, January 28, 1913 [83]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Francis E. Warren (incumbent) 16 61.5%
Democratic John B. Kendrick 10 38.5%
Close
More information Party, Candidate ...
Election in the Wyoming House of Representatives, January 28, 1913 [84]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Francis E. Warren (incumbent) 29 51.8%
Democratic John B. Kendrick 27 48.2%
Not voting 1
Close

Kendrick would be elected to the other seat in 1916.

Warren would be re-elected two more times, becoming the Dean of the United States Senate, and serve until his death in 1929.

See also

Notes

  1. Appointee elected
  2. [sic], probably "William J. Mills"
  3. Senator was selected by some form of direct voting and then subsequently elected by state legislatures.
  4. Date might be incorrect, as it is the date of the general popular election.
  5. Senate ballot: 29 votes cast, 15 needed for a majority
    House ballot: 142 votes cast, 71 needed for a majority

References

Sources

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