[2] Of the seats up for election in 2008, 23 were held by Republicans and 12 by Democrats. judge cancels special election to replace Lott", "Barbour's Attorney Appeals Special-Elex Ruling", "Mississippi Supreme Court sets election for November", "Former Rep. Shows running for Lott's seat", "Shows drops out of race to replace Lott", "US Senate Special Election Official Certification", "16th time a charm for veteran candidate", "Green Party's Larrick to enter Senate race", "Official Results of Nebraska Primary Election, May 13, 2008", "Anthony B. Fisher for U.S. Senate in 2008 official website", "Politics1 - Online Guide to New Jersey Politics", "Write In Carl Peter Klapper for United States Senator", "Republican Senator From New Mexico Is Said to Be Retiring", "SurveyUSA Approval Ratings for New Mexico Senators", "Sen. Ensign Says GOP Majority Would Be 'Fairly Miraculous', "Mary Easley has active public life, but she's no Hillary Clinton", Beating a Popular Incumbent | SKDKnickerbocker, "Oklahoma State Election Board - Primary Election 2008", "Oregon Senate: Merkley tops Smith for first time 43% to 41%", "Merkley ready for Senate race victory lap", "Oregon Secretary of State: Official Results May 2008 Primary Election", "Graham beats GOP challenger in SC Senate primary", "US Senate primary recount: Conley to face Graham", "South Carolina Working Families Party Nominates - Ballot Access News", "The Associated Press: Johnson to Run for Senate After Illness", "South Dakota Secretary of State, Shantel Krebs", "Alexander Running Again, Sets Fundraiser". When a seat became open, the first senator to speak for it won the right to it. Two senators from each state are elected to represent their state. CQpolitics.com rated the contest as "safe Democrat.". On November 4, 2008, Coleman received 1,211,590 votes to Franken's 1,211,375 votes, a margin of 215 votes, far less than 0.1%, thereby triggering an automatic recount. Privacy Policy | Johanns won, taking 58% of the vote, with Kleeb taking 40%. Kerry was challenged by defense attorney Edward O'Reilly for the Democratic nomination, winning 69% of the vote to O'Reilly's 31%. Dykstra won the Republican primary on June 3. Durbin won with 68% of the vote. The New Hampshire Senate saw the election of the first-ever female majority. In Nebraska, incumbent Republican Chuck Hagel chose to retire rather than run for a third term. [152], There were three Libertarians, including 2006 LP senate nominee Scott Jameson, running for their party's nomination. Summary of the November 4, 2008, United States Senate election results. senate.gov - Origins wikipedia.org - United States Senate Please enter a name, party, and color for each candidate. Click on the states in the map to toggle them between Democrat, Republican and Tossup. [citation needed]. [115] The potential scandal may have also contributed to his decision to leave the Senate. "The enduring allure of charisma: How Barack Obama won the historic 2008 presidential election. As of 2023, this is the latest round in which a newly-elected U.S. Obama won early votes in Iowa, Nevada, and South Carolina, while Clinton secured primary wins in Florida and Michigan. It was also the first time two sitting senators ran against each other. Thirty-three seats were up for regular elections; the winners were eligible to serve six-year terms from January 3, 2009, to January 3, 2015, as members of Class 2.There were also two special elections, the winners of those seats would finish the terms that ended . PDF Help | The goal of having two senators per state is to have each state equally represented in the senate. [91] Controversy arose when Barbour called for the special election to be held on the same day as the general election. In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 2009; ordered by state. USA 2008 Presidential Election Shortcuts F - hold down to quickly fill in districts CTRL - hold down to decrement the color Enable Simulator District Electoral College The Electoral College is the process in which the United States elects its president. [8][9] Perry was endorsed by Alabama Statesmen,[10] Boston Tea Party,[11] and Christians for Life and Liberty. Historically, the Senate Chamber desks were assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. He selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate to counter arguments that McCains age would be a detriment to presidential service. Each state (Including the District of Columbia) is allocated a number of electors equal to its number of representatives plus two for each of its senators. The goal of having two senators per state is to have each state equally represented in the senate. Johnny Swanson announced his candidacy in March 2006 for the Democratic nomination.[6]. 18, 2008: Official minutes", "Signing Off On A 225 Vote Franken Lead (webcast of Canvassing Board Meeting)", "Finding of Facts, Conclusion of Law, and Order for Judgment", Jesse the Diva Gives Way To Bravado Lite Barkely, Senate race certification set for Monday with Franken up 225 votes, "Coleman: 'I think the law is on our side', "Senator Thad Cochran Announces Intent To Seek Re-Election", "US Senate Election Official Certification", "Lott Officially Resigns, All Eyes Now on Barbour", "Hood Files Suit to Have Special Election Earlier", "Miss. Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon ran for a third term. Senator Lindsey Graham, as a popular Republican incumbent in strongly conservative South Carolina, had been considered unlikely to be vulnerable to a Democratic challenge. Projected Senate: Dem 59 GOP 41 : Main page: Previous report: Next report: Senate polls Web.csv . Current Senate: 47* Democrats | 53 Republicans. [37] Delaware law allowed Biden to run for Vice President and senator at the same time, so he would have kept the Senate seat if the presidential ticket had lost. Each desk was custom made for a particular location within the Chamber. Not on the ballot, but running a write-in campaign, was Darryl W. Perry, the 2004 Libertarian Party nominee for Pennsylvania State Treasurer and 2007 candidate for Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. The economy and other domestic policies were also dominant issues, especially during the last months of the campaign after the onset of the 2008 economic crisis. Pat Roberts currently has an approval rating of 56%.[58]. On November 4, 2008, Chambliss received 49.8% of the vote,[42] with Martin about 3% behind and Buckley receiving 3% of the vote. Tom Udall, the popular Representative from New Mexico's 3rd District, was the Democratic nominee. Today, Democrats traditionally sit on the presiding officer's right, and Republicans on the left. Obama and U.S. Senator to ever lose re-election, defeating Warren Magnuson's 1980 record. Overview and Live Results: Chicago Mayoral Election, Legislative Special Elections, Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin Running for U.S. Senate, Initial 2024 House Ratings from Sabato's Crystal Ball. He had already expressed interest in running and had been building the apparatus necessary to wage a Senate campaign.[65]. President Bush won Montana by more than 20 points in both 2000 and 2004, but Montana also had a popular Democratic governor, Brian Schweitzer, and a newly elected Democratic junior senator, Jon Tester. President Map - Election Results 2008 - The New York Times Election Results 2008 President Map Big Board Map Electoral Explorer Obama: Victory Speech McCain: Concession Speech Exit Polls. Two senators from each state are elected to represent their state. A December 2007 poll showed Coleman's approval rating among Minnesota voters at 53%. Once thought to be secure in his re-election, McConnell's lead had shrunk dramatically thanks to the financial crisis and polling showed the race tightening between him and Lunsford. Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch was the Republican candidate; U.S. Army veteran and former congressman Larry LaRocco was the Democratic candidate. Merkley beat longtime Democratic activist Steve Novick and three other candidates in a hotly contested primary. On Jan. 1, 2008, Gov. Year-end cash on hand was $6.04 million for Coleman and $3.10 million for Franken.[71]. McCain also hoped that Palins youth and relatability to conservative women would buoy his campaign. These voting patterns translated into an Obama victory with inroads into the South and West. [151] Texas House of Representatives member and Afghanistan War veteran Rick Noriega secured his place as Cornyn's Democratic challenger in the March 4 primary, beating out opponents Gene Kelly, Ray McMurrey, and Rhett Smith. [141] According to a November 2006 SurveyUSA poll, Johnson had an approval rating of 70%, with just 26% disapproving of his performance,[142] making him an early favorite despite the state's Republican leaning. [49] Risch and LaRocco ran against each other in the 2006 Lieutenant Governor race, which Risch won by a wide margin. [43] However, Georgia law stated that if no candidate receives a simple majority of the popular vote, then the election will be decided in a run-off. On April 13, 2009, a three-judge panel ruled that Al Franken received the most votes in Minnesota's 2008 Senate race and ruled against Coleman's claims on all counts. Physician Steve Sauerberg of La Grange won the February 5 Republican primary. [130], In a July 16, 2008, poll, Merkley overtook Smith for the first time 43% to 41%. Alexander won the election with 65% of the vote. senate.gov - Origins Former Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party Bob Tuke was the Democratic nominee, defeating Businessman Gary Davis 30% to 23%. RCP Senate Map Race Changes; Senate No Toss Ups Race Changes; RCP House Map; 49: Democrats * McCain won Nebraska but Obama earned an electoral vote by winning the popular vote in the 2nd Congressional District. Pre-election polling indicated that Enzi led Rothfuss by 24%. Six of the 69 Democratic senators sat with the 23 Republican and 4 Independent senators. During the 60th Congress (19071909), 10 Republicans sat on the Democratic side, while during the 75th Congress (19371939), 13 Democrats sat on the Republican side. [51], Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin remained favored in Illinois. On October 4, 2007, senator Craig announced he will not seek re-election, but would remain in office until the end of his term.[48]. Usage Policy | Incumbent Democrat Frank Lautenberg sought re-election in 2008, though he was 84. Craig found almost no support among Republicans in his home state or Washington. This seating plan is updated at the start of each Congress, and as needed if members change desks or seating locations or if a new senator is sworn in. The South Carolina Working Families Party had also nominated Michael Cone. Obama received more votes than any candidate in history. All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats. Gordon Smith formally conceded soon afterward. The 2008 presidential election focused on a national economic crisis that evolved throughout the race. In these special elections, the winner was seated during 2008 or before January 3, 2009, sorted by election date, then state, then class. Barkley, who had briefly been appointed Senator after the death of Paul Wellstone in 2002, ran under the banner of the Independence Party, the largest third party in Minnesota. [134] National Journal has declared that "Reed is probably the safest incumbent of the 2008 cycle". Since 2003 (108th Congress, 1st Session), the Senate has provided interactive seating plans to identify where each of the 100 members sit in the Chamber and which historic desk they use. Green Party Senate Candidate Chris Lugo Urges Inclusion in Debates. Lautenberg won re-election, winning 56%-42%. wikipedia.org - United States Senate. The only desks that are not assigned in the traditional manner are the Daniel Webster Desk, which is always occupied by the senior senator from New Hampshire; the Jefferson Davis Desk, which is given to the senior senator from Mississippi; and the Henry Clay Desk, which is given to the senior senator from Kentucky. Obama received 365 electoral votes, and McCain 173. South Carolina's election law allows for electoral fusion. Is It Realistic to Abolish the Electoral College? All seats in the House were up for election, including seats of the 435 voting representatives from the states and the 6 non-voting delegates from the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The only governorship that changed party hands was in Missouri: Democrat Jay Nixon was elected to replace Blunt, who chose to retire instead of seeking a second term. Roger Wicker, formerly the representative of Mississippi's 1st congressional district, was appointed by Governor Haley Barbour on December 31, 2007, to fill the vacancy caused by the December 18 resignation of Trent Lott. Obama won Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, with Florida and North Carolina representing early evening signs of Democratic success. Controls. Email the Senate Curator, curator@sec.senate.gov. [154], In the end, John Cornyn won re-election, 55%-43%, John Warner announced on August 31, 2007, that he would not seek re-election for another term. Explore the current seating plan below, use the dropdown for access to past interactive seating plans, or browse PDFs of seating configurations from before 2003. [32], Other candidates included Bob Kinsey of Denver as the Green Party nominee,[33] Douglas "Dayhorse" Campbell as the American Constitution Party's nominee,[34] and Independent candidate Buddy Moore, unaffiliated any party.[35]. [96][97] Wicker beat Musgrove 55% to 45%. It is a way to view the relative competitiveness of each state. Baucus was not expected to face a significant challenge from the 85-year-old Republican nominee, Bob Kelleher, who surprised observers by winning the June 3 Republican primary despite supporting a number of positions that put him to the political left of Baucus, such as nationalization of the American oil and gas industry.[99]. Democrats picked up net gains of eight Senate seats and 21 seats in the House of Representatives on the back of Obama's coattail effect. Risch won the election with approximately 58% of the vote. Senate Big Board - Election Results 2008 - The New York Times State Results Alaska Ariz. Calif. Colo. Conn. D.C. Hawaii Idaho Md. In one of the first senate races called on election day, Warner won, taking 65% of the vote, with Gilmore winning 34%. [88] Cochran, who has not faced serious opposition since he was re-elected in 1984, faced Democratic state Representative Erik R. Fleming, whom he defeated with 61% of the vote. Select a state to learn about its history in the United States Senate In addition, two freshmen were appointed to fill vacancies created by Barack Obama's and Joe Biden's resignations to become president and vice president. [5] Seven territorial chambers in four territories and the District of Columbia were up. There were also two special elections, the winners of those seats would finish the terms that ended January 3, 2013. [92] Initially, a Mississippi Circuit Court judge sided with Hood, ruling that the election take place on or before March 19, 2008. Palins selection initially bumped McCains popularity, though gaffes on the campaign trail offset this boost. States shown here did not allocate all their available electoral votes to one candidate. President George W. Bush (R) was unable to seek re-election due to term limits, leaving open nominating processes for both major parties. The states are not interactive on the map unless the split is . In addition, this was the largest Democratic Senate gain since 1986, where they also won eight seats. Congress. Such seating became known as the Cherokee Strip, a reference to the region in Oklahoma with land that at the time belonged neither to the Indian Territory nor the United States. Independent. [126] Inhofe's opponent was State senator Andrew Rice. Pryor is the son of longtime U.S. senator and former Arkansas Governor David Pryor. Eleven of the fifty United States governors were up for re-election, as were the governorships of two U.S. territories. . [114] Domenici normally would have been expected to win re-election easily, having won his current term with the support of two out of three New Mexico voters; however, he was to be investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee for his role in firing U.S. Attorney David Iglesias. Other Republicans included Charles Lyonel Gonyo and Sam Kephart. The 2008 electoral map is above. Inhofe was re-elected, 57% to 39%. Obama received more votes than any candidate in history. Another Democrat, former Congressman Ronnie Shows, also filed to run, but he withdrew in February 2008 and endorsed Musgrove. The FBI investigated the remodeling of Stevens home by Veco Corp., which is part of a broader corruption investigation involving Stevens's son, former State Senate President Ben Stevens. [87] On June 30, 2009, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Al Franken received the most votes, and Norm Coleman conceded defeat after the ruling, allowing Al Franken to be Senator-elect of Minnesota. [132], In Rhode Island, Democratic senator Jack Reed had an approval rating of 66% in November 2006. He sought to be re-elected in a state that has steadily become more Democratic since 1992. By the 1930s, it had become the practice for senior senators to take front-row, center-aisle seats; junior majority party members who filled the Cherokee Strip were assigned either rear-row or end seats on the minority party side. Begich announced his candidacy for the Senate seat on April 22, 2008. During the 89th Congress (19651967), four senators were placed in an unusual fifth row behind the Democratic senators. Contact | The United States Senate is the upper legislature of the bicameral legislative branch. Outgoing Republican President George W. Bush's policies and actions and the American public's desire for change were key issues throughout the campaign. The 2008 United States elections were held on November 4. McCains victory in South Carolina, Florida, and in key states on Super Tuesday created an clear path to the nomination. Stevens's conviction on seven felony counts of corruption put his re-election bid in serious jeopardy, coming just over a week before the election, though Stevens appealed the conviction. ", Jacobson, Gary C. "The 2008 Presidential and Congressional Elections: AntiBush Referendum and Prospects for the Democratic Majority.