1946 United States Senate special election in Idaho
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The 1946 United States Senate special election in Idaho took place on November 5, 1946. After John Thomas died, governor Charles Gossett resigned to have his lieutenant governor, Arnold Williams, appoint him to the seat. However, Gossett lost the Democratic primary to George E. Donart, who then lost the general election to Henry Dworshak, the US representative from Idaho's 2nd congressional district.
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November 5, 1946
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 County results Dworshak: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Donart: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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Many people, including elected officials in Idaho, didn't like Charles Gossett's decision to basically appoint himself to the Senate, and didn't want him to be the nominee for the special election. Glen H. Taylor, Idaho's other Senator at the time, endorsed George E. Donart as a primary challenge against Gossett.[1]
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on June 11, 1946.[2][3]
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Charles Gossett, appointed incumbent U.S. Senator and former Governor of Idaho
- George E. Donart, member of the Idaho State Senate
- Paul L. Geddes
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George E. Donart | 19,629 | 49.49 | |
| Democratic | Charles Gossett (incumbent) | 17,102 | 43.11 | |
| Democratic | Paul L. Geddes | 2,934 | 7.40 | |
| Total votes | 39,665 | |||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Henry Dworshak, U.S. Representative for Idaho's 2nd congressional district (1939-1946)
- Richard H. Wells
- Orrin E. Lee
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Henry Dworshak | 26,953 | 72.41 | |
| Republican | Richard H. Wells | 7,699 | 20.69 | |
| Republican | Orrin E. Lee | 2,569 | 6.90 | |
| Total votes | 37,221 | |||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Henry Dworshak | 105,523 | 58.57 | |
| Democratic | George E. Donart | 74,629 | 41.43 | |
| Majority | 30,894 | 17.14 | ||
| Turnout | 180,152 | |||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||