1940 United States Senate special election in Kentucky

1940 United States Senate special election in Kentucky

November 5, 1940

Nominee Happy Chandler Walter B. Smith Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 561,151 401,812 Percentage 58.27% 41.73%

County results Chandler:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Smith:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election Happy Chandler Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Happy Chandler Democratic

The 1940 United States Senate special election in Kentucky took place on November 5, 1940, to complete the unexpired term of M. M. Logan. Interim appointee Happy Chandler was re-elected to complete the term, defeating Republican Walter B. Smith.

Background

Senator M. M. Logan died on October 3, 1939. Governor of Kentucky Happy Chandler, whose term was set to expire in 1940, resigned his office so that Lieutenant Governor (and Democratic nominee for Governor) Keen Johnson could appoint him to the Senate. Johnson appointed Chandler to fill the vacant seat until a successor could be duly elected, and the special election was scheduled for November 5, 1940, concurrent with the general election.

General election

Candidates

• Happy Chandler, Governor of Kentucky and candidate for Senate in 1938 (Democratic)
• Walter B. Smith (Republican)

Results

1940 U.S. Senate election in Kentucky

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Happy Chandler (Incumbent)	561,151	58.27%
	Republican	Walter B. Smith	401,812	41.73%
Total votes			962,963	100.00%
	Democratic hold		Swing

See also

• 1940 United States Senate elections