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The 1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota took place on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Democratic Senator William J. Bulow ran for re-election to a third term. During the primary, Bulow was attacked for being insufficiently supportive of President Franklin Roosevelt's foreign policy and war preparedness. Former Governor Tom Berry, Bulow's chief opponent, drew a contrast between Bulow's isolationism and his support for Roosevelt's policies.[1] In the end, Berry defeated Bulow in a landslide, and advanced to the general election, where he faced Harlan J. Bushfield, the incumbent Republican Governor of South Dakota. As Republicans gained ground nationwide, Bushfield defeated Berry in a landslide to pick up the seat for the Republican Party. Bushfield did not serve his full term, however; shortly before the 1948 U.S. Senate election, he died.

Democratic primary

Candidates

  • Tom Berry, former Governor of South Dakota
  • William J. Bulow, incumbent U.S. Senator
  • Edward Prchal, former member of the South Dakota Board of Regents[2]

Results

Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tom Berry 25,454 64.60%
Democratic William J. Bulow (inc.) 10,956 27.80%
Democratic Edward Prchal 2,994 7.60%
Total votes 39,404 100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Harlan J. Bushfield, Governor of South Dakota
  • Olive A. Ringsrud, Secretary of State of South Dakota

Results

Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Harlan J. Bushfield 52,342 63.32%
Republican Olive A. Ringsrud 30,325 36.68%
Total votes 82,667 100.00%

General election

Results

1942 United States Senate election in South Dakota[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Harlan J. Bushfield 106,704 58.74% +12.00%
Democratic Tom Berry 74,945 41.26% -7.57%
Majority 31,759 17.48% +15.40%
Turnout 181,649 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic

References

  1. ^ Mikkelson, Gordon; Milner, Harold S. (May 2, 1942). "Bulow-Berry Isolationism Fight And Four-Way Gubernatorial Tilt Highlight S. D. Political Battle". Evening Huronite. Huron, S.D. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  2. ^ "Prchal to Run Against Bulow: Former Board of Regents Member to Seek Democratic Nomination". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, S.D. January 14, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 631.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)