1940 United States Senate election in Nebraska

1940 United States Senate election in Nebraska

November 5, 1940

Nominee Hugh A. Butler Robert Leroy Cochran Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 340,250 247,659 Percentage 57.00% 41.49%

County results Butler:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Cochran:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election Edward R. Burke Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Hugh A. Butler Republican

The 1940 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 5, 1940. Hugh A. Butler was elected for the first time, defeating Governor Robert Leroy Cochran. Edward R. Burke, the incumbent Senator, was defeated by Cochran in the primary. Butler performed on par with Wendell Willkie, who won the state with 57.2% in the presidential election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Edward R. Burke, the incumbent Senator
• Robert Leroy Cochran, Governor of Nebraska

Results

Democratic primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Robert Leroy Cochran	84,869	58.42
	Democratic	Edward R. Burke (Incumbent)	60,400	41.58
Total votes			145,269	100

Republican primary

Candidates

• Hugh A. Butler, Republican National committeeman for Nebraska
• Albert W. Jefferis, former Representative for Nebraska's 2nd district
• Adam McMullen, former Governor of Nebraska
• Arthur J. Weaver, former Governor of Nebraska

Results

Republican primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Hugh A. Butler	61,756	37.15
	Republican	Arthur J. Weaver	56,331	33.89
	Republican	John H. Miller	17,016	10.24
	Republican	Adam McMullen	16,359	9.84
	Republican	Albert W. Jefferis	14,765	8.88
Total votes			166,227	100

Results

1940 United States Senate election in Nebraska

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Hugh A. Butler	340,250	57.00	+14.14
	Democratic	Robert Leroy Cochran	247,659	41.49	−13.81
	By Petition	Albert F. Ruthven	8,982	1.50	N/A
Majority			92,591	15.51	+3.07
Turnout			596,891
	Republican gain from Democratic