1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska

1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska

November 7, 1978

Nominee J. James Exon Donald Eugene Shasteen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 334,096 159,708 Percentage 67.66% 32.34%

County results Exon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Shasteen:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election Carl Curtis Republican Elected U.S. Senator J. James Exon Democratic

The 1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Carl Curtis decided to retire instead of seeking a fifth term. In the elections, the Democratic nominee J. James Exon won the open seat. This election was the first time ever that a Democrat won the Class 2 Senate seat in Nebraska, as the second time ever that a non-Republican won this seat (along with the 1936 election).

Candidates

Democratic

• J. James Exon, Governor of Nebraska

Republican

• Donald Eugene Shasteen, senate aide

Results

General election results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	J. James Exon	334,096	67.66%	+20.82%
	Republican	Donald Eugene Shasteen	159,708	32.34%	−20.82%
Majority			174,390	35.32%	+28.99%
Turnout			493,802
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing

See also

• 1978 United States Senate elections