1968 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware
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  Roth: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% McDowell: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% | |||||||||||||||||
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The 1968 United States House of Representatives election in Delaware took place on November 5, 1968. Incumbent Republican William Roth was challenged by Democrat Harris McDowell whom he had previously unseated in 1966. Roth won re-election by 17 points.
Roth ran for the Republican nomination unopposed, while McDowell saw challenge from Democrats.
McDowell had previously represented Delaware's at-large congressional district from 1959 through 1967[1] before being defeated in 1966 by Roth.[2]
Candidates and primaries
- William Roth (Republican), incumbent representative seeking a second term[3]
- Harris McDowell (Democrat), former representative of the seat
Democratic primary
- Harris McDowell, former representative of the seat[3]
- Sam Shipley, director of the State Development Department, eliminated in primary[4]
- Robert Kelly, declined to run[3]
McDowell's decision to run again was met with push back from his fellow Democrats. Delaware Governor Charles L. Terry Jr. had endorsed Robert Kelly, however Kelly declined to run.[3] Terry later endorsed Sam Shipley. Shipley was seen as a better candidate due to being significantly younger than McDowell, as McDowell's age was considered a factor in his loss against Roth.[4]
