1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota
November 3, 1942
 
Nominee Harlan J. Bushfield Tom Berry
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 106,704 74,945
Percentage 58.74% 41.26%
County results
Bushfield:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Berry:      50–60%      60–70%
No Vote:      
U.S. senator before election

William J. Bulow
Democratic

 Elected U.S. Senator

Harlan J. Bushfield
Republican

The 1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota took place on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Democratic Senator William J. Bulow ran for re-election to a third term. During the primary, Bulow was attacked for being insufficiently supportive of President Franklin Roosevelt's foreign policy and war preparedness. Former Governor Tom Berry, Bulow's chief opponent, drew a contrast between Bulow's isolationism and his support for Roosevelt's policies.[1] In the end, Berry defeated Bulow in a landslide, and advanced to the general election, where he faced Harlan J. Bushfield, the incumbent Republican Governor of South Dakota. As Republicans gained ground nationwide, Bushfield defeated Berry in a landslide to pick up the seat for the Republican Party. Bushfield did not serve his full term, however; shortly before the 1948 U.S. Senate election, he died.

Democratic primary

Candidates

  • Tom Berry, former Governor of South Dakota
  • William J. Bulow, incumbent U.S. Senator
  • Edward Prchal, former member of the South Dakota Board of Regents[2]

Results

Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tom Berry 25,454 64.60%
Democratic William J. Bulow (inc.) 10,956 27.80%
Democratic Edward Prchal 2,994 7.60%
Total votes 39,404 100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Harlan J. Bushfield, Governor of South Dakota
  • Olive A. Ringsrud, Secretary of State of South Dakota

Results

Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Harlan J. Bushfield 52,342 63.32%
Republican Olive A. Ringsrud 30,325 36.68%
Total votes 82,667 100.00%

General election

Results

1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Harlan J. Bushfield 106,704 58.74% +12.00%
Democratic Tom Berry 74,945 41.26% -7.57%
Majority 31,759 17.48% +15.40%
Turnout 181,649 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic

References

  1. ↑ Mikkelson, Gordon; Milner, Harold S. (May 2, 1942). "Bulow-Berry Isolationism Fight And Four-Way Gubernatorial Tilt Highlight S. D. Political Battle". Evening Huronite. Huron, S.D. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Prchal to Run Against Bulow: Former Board of Regents Member to Seek Democratic Nomination". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, S.D. January 14, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 631.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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