1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota
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.
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Elections in South Dakota |
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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
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
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
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
- 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.
- "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.
- Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 631.