# 1976 United States Senate elections

The 1976 United States Senate elections was an election for the United States Senate. Held on November 2, the 33 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections. They coincided with Democrat Jimmy Carter's presidential election and the United States Bicentennial celebration. Although almost half of the seats decided in this election changed parties, Carter's narrow victory did not provide coattails for the Democratic Party. Each party flipped seven Senate seats, although, one of the seats flipped by Democrats was previously held by a Conservative.
This was the first election in which the Libertarian Party competed, running candidates in 9 of the 33 contested seats. As of 2024 this is the first and so far only time both party leaders retired from the Senate in the same election cycle since the creation of the positions. This is the last time Democrats or any party won a 60% supermajority via direct elections (although Democrats briefly held one in the summer of 2009).

## Results summary

| 61 | 1 | 38 |
| Democratic | I | Republican |
| Parties | Parties | | | | | Total |
| Parties | Parties | Democratic | Republican | Independent | Other | Total |
| Last elections (1974) Before these elections | Last elections (1974) Before these elections | 61 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 100 |
| Not up | Not up | 40 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 67 |
| Up Class 1 (1970→1976) | Up Class 1 (1970→1976) | 21 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 33 |
| Incumbent retired | Incumbent retired | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| | Held by same party | 2 | 1 | — | — | 3 |
| | Replaced by other party | 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats 2 Democrats replaced by 2 Republicans | 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats 2 Democrats replaced by 2 Republicans | — | — | 5 |
| | Result | 6 | 2 | — | — | 8 |
| Incumbent ran | Incumbent ran | 16 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 25 |
| | Won re-election | 11 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| | Lost re-election | 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats 1 Conservative replaced by 1 Democrat 5 Democrats replaced by 5 Republicans | 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats 1 Conservative replaced by 1 Democrat 5 Democrats replaced by 5 Republicans | 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats 1 Conservative replaced by 1 Democrat 5 Democrats replaced by 5 Republicans | 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats 1 Conservative replaced by 1 Democrat 5 Democrats replaced by 5 Republicans | 9 |
| | Lost renomination, but held by same party | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| | Result | 15 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| Total elected | Total elected | 21 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 33 |
| Net gain/loss | Net gain/loss | | 1 | | 1 | 1 |
| Nationwide vote | Nationwide vote | 31,790,526 | 24,562,431 | 1,173,414 | 1,647,636 | 59,174,007 |
| | Share | 53.72% | 41.51% | 1.98% | 2.78% | 100% |
| Result | Result | 61 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 100 |
Source: "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1976" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved February 25, 2013.

## Gains, losses, and holds
### Retirements

Four Republicans and four Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.
| State | Senator | Replaced by |
| Arizona | Paul Fannin | Dennis DeConcini |
| Hawaii | Hiram Fong | Spark Matsunaga |
| Michigan | Philip Hart | Donald Riegle |
| Missouri | Stuart Symington | John Danforth |
| Montana | Mike Mansfield | John Melcher |
| Nebraska | Roman Hruska | Edward Zorinsky |
| Pennsylvania | Hugh Scott | John Heinz |
| Rhode Island | John Pastore | John Chafee |

### Defeats

Three Republicans, five Democrats, and one Conservative sought re-election but lost in the general election.
| State | Senator | Replaced by |
| California | John V. Tunney | S. I. Hayakawa |
| Indiana | Vance Hartke | Richard Lugar |
| Maryland | J. Glenn Beall Jr. | Paul Sarbanes |
| New Mexico | Joseph Montoya | Harrison Schmitt |
| New York | James L. Buckley | Daniel Patrick Moynihan |
| Ohio | Robert Taft Jr. | Howard Metzenbaum |
| Tennessee | Bill Brock | Jim Sasser |
| Utah | Frank Moss | Orrin Hatch |
| Wyoming | Gale W. McGee | Malcolm Wallop |

### Post-election changes

Five Democrats either resigned or died between at the end of 93rd Congress and during the 94th Congress. All were initially replaced by Democratic appointees.
| State | Senator | Replaced by |
| Alabama (Class 3) | James Allen | Maryon Pittman Allen |
| Arkansas (Class 2) | John L. McClellan | Kaneaster Hodges Jr. |
| Minnesota (Class 1) | Hubert Humphrey | Muriel Humphrey |
| Minnesota (Class 2) | Walter Mondale | Wendell R. Anderson |
| Montana (Class 2) | Lee Metcalf | Paul G. Hatfield |

## Change in composition
### Before the elections

| D$_1$ | D$_2$ | D$_3$ | D$_4$ | D$_5$ | D$_6$ | D$_7$ | D$_8$ | D$_9$ | D$_{10}$ |
| D$_{20}$ | D$_{19}$ | D$_{18}$ | D$_{17}$ | D$_{16}$ | D$_{15}$ | D$_{14}$ | D$_{13}$ | D$_{12}$ | D$_{11}$ |
| D$_{21}$ | D$_{22}$ | D$_{23}$ | D$_{24}$ | D$_{25}$ | D$_{26}$ | D$_{27}$ | D$_{28}$ | D$_{29}$ | D$_{30}$ |
| D$_{40}$ | D$_{39}$ | D$_{38}$ | D$_{37}$ | D$_{36}$ | D$_{35}$ | D$_{34}$ | D$_{33}$ | D$_{32}$ | D$_{31}$ |
| D$_{41}$ Ca. Ran | D$_{42}$ Fla. Ran | D$_{43}$ Ind. Ran | D$_{44}$ Maine Ran | D$_{45}$ Mass. Ran | D$_{46}$ Mich. Retired | D$_{47}$ Minn. Ran | D$_{48}$ Miss. Ran | D$_{49}$ Mo. Retired | D$_{50}$ Mont. Retired |
| Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | D$_{51}$ Nev. Ran |
| D$_{60}$ Wis. Ran | D$_{59}$ W.Va. Ran | D$_{58}$ Wa. Ran | D$_{57}$ Utah Ran | D$_{56}$ Texas Ran | D$_{55}$ R.I. Retired | D$_{54}$ N.D. Ran | D$_{53}$ N.M. Ran | D$_{52}$ N.J. Ran | D$_{51}$ Nev. Ran |
| D$_{61}$ Wy. Ran | I$_1$ Va. Ran | C$_1$ N.Y. Ran | R$_{37}$ Vt. Ran | R$_{36}$ Tenn. Ran | R$_{35}$ Pa. Retired | R$_{34}$ Ohio Ran | R$_{33}$ Neb. Retired | R$_{32}$ Md. Ran | R$_{31}$ Hawaii Retired |
| R$_{21}$ | R$_{22}$ | R$_{23}$ | R$_{24}$ | R$_{25}$ | R$_{26}$ | R$_{27}$ | R$_{28}$ Ariz. Retired | R$_{29}$ Conn. Ran | R$_{30}$ Del. Ran |
| R$_{20}$ | R$_{19}$ | R$_{18}$ | R$_{17}$ | R$_{16}$ | R$_{15}$ | R$_{14}$ | R$_{13}$ | R$_{12}$ | R$_{11}$ |
| R$_1$ | R$_2$ | R$_3$ | R$_4$ | R$_5$ | R$_6$ | R$_7$ | R$_8$ | R$_9$ | R$_{10}$ |

### Elections results

| D$_1$ | D$_2$ | D$_3$ | D$_4$ | D$_5$ | D$_6$ | D$_7$ | D$_8$ | D$_9$ | D$_{10}$ |
| D$_{20}$ | D$_{19}$ | D$_{18}$ | D$_{17}$ | D$_{16}$ | D$_{15}$ | D$_{14}$ | D$_{13}$ | D$_{12}$ | D$_{11}$ |
| D$_{21}$ | D$_{22}$ | D$_{23}$ | D$_{24}$ | D$_{25}$ | D$_{26}$ | D$_{27}$ | D$_{28}$ | D$_{29}$ | D$_{30}$ |
| D$_{40}$ | D$_{39}$ | D$_{38}$ | D$_{37}$ | D$_{36}$ | D$_{35}$ | D$_{34}$ | D$_{33}$ | D$_{32}$ | D$_{31}$ |
| D$_{41}$ Fla. Re-elected | D$_{42}$ Maine Re-elected | D$_{43}$ Mass. Re-elected | D$_{44}$ Mich. Hold | D$_{45}$ Minn. Re-elected | D$_{46}$ Miss. Re-elected | D$_{47}$ Mont. Hold | D$_{48}$ Nev. Re-elected | D$_{49}$ N.J. Re-elected | D$_{50}$ N.D. Re-elected |
| Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | Majority → | D$_{51}$ Texas Re-elected |
| D$_{60}$ Ohio Gain | D$_{59}$ N.Y. Gain | D$_{58}$ Neb. Gain | D$_{57}$ Md. Gain | D$_{56}$ Hawaii Gain | D$_{55}$ Ariz. Gain | D$_{54}$ Wis. Re-elected | D$_{53}$ W.Va. Re-elected | D$_{52}$ Wa. Re-elected | D$_{51}$ Texas Re-elected |
| D$_{61}$ Tenn. Gain | I$_1$ Va. Re-elected | R$_{38}$ Wy. Gain | R$_{37}$ Utah Gain | R$_{36}$ R.I. Gain | R$_{35}$ N.M. Gain | R$_{34}$ Mo. Gain | R$_{33}$ Ind. Gain | R$_{32}$ Ca. Gain | R$_{31}$ Vt. Re-elected |
| R$_{21}$ | R$_{22}$ | R$_{23}$ | R$_{24}$ | R$_{25}$ | R$_{26}$ | R$_{27}$ | R$_{28}$ Conn. Re-elected | R$_{29}$ Del. Re-elected | R$_{30}$ Pa. Hold |
| R$_{20}$ | R$_{19}$ | R$_{18}$ | R$_{17}$ | R$_{16}$ | R$_{15}$ | R$_{14}$ | R$_{13}$ | R$_{12}$ | R$_{11}$ |
| R$_1$ | R$_2$ | R$_3$ | R$_4$ | R$_5$ | R$_6$ | R$_7$ | R$_8$ | R$_9$ | R$_{10}$ |
| Key | C$_#$ Conservative D$_#$ Democratic R$_#$ Republican I$_#$ Independent |

## Race summaries
### Elections leading to the next Congress

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1977; ordered by state.
All of the elections involved the Class 1 seats.
| State | Incumbent | Incumbent | Incumbent | Result | Candidates |
| State | Senator | Party | Electoral history | Result | Candidates |
| Arizona | Paul Fannin | Republican | 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Democratic gain. | ▌Y Dennis DeConcini (Democratic) 54.0% ▌Sam Steiger (Republican) 43.3% Others ▌Bob Field (Independent) 1.5% ▌Allan Norwitz (Libertarian) 1.0% ▌William Mathews Feighan (Independent) 0.2% |
| California | John V. Tunney | Democratic | 1970 1971 (appointed) | Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. Incumbent resigned January 1, 1977 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed January 2, 1977. | ▌Y S. I. Hayakawa (Republican) 50.2% ▌John V. Tunney (Democratic) 46.9% Others ▌David Wald (Peace and Freedom) 1.4% ▌Jack McCoy (American Independent) 1.1% ▌Omari Musa (Independent) 0.4% |
| Connecticut | Lowell Weicker | Republican | 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Lowell Weicker (Republican) 57.7% ▌Gloria Schaffer (Democratic) 41.2% ▌Robert Barnabei (Wallace) 1.1% |
| Delaware | William Roth | Republican | 1970 1971 (appointed) | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y William Roth (Republican) 55.8% ▌Thomas C. Maloney (Democratic) 43.6% Others ▌Donald G. Gies (American) 0.3% ▌Joseph F. McInerney (Independent) 0.2% ▌John A. Massimilla (Prohibition) 0.0% |
| Florida | Lawton Chiles | Democratic | 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Lawton Chiles (Democratic) 63.0% ▌John Grady (Republican) 37.0% |
| Hawaii | Hiram Fong | Republican | 1959 (new state) 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Democratic gain. | ▌Y Spark Matsunaga (Democratic) 53.7% ▌William F. Quinn (Republican) 40.6% ▌Anthony Hodges (People's) 4.7% Others ▌James Kimmel (Independent) 0.5% ▌Rockne Hart Johnson (Libertarian) 0.5% |
| Indiana | Vance Hartke | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. | ▌Y Richard Lugar (Republican) 58.8% ▌Vance Hartke (Democratic) 40.5% Others ▌Don L. Lee (Independent) 0.7% ▌David Lee Hoagland (US Labor) 0.1% |
| Maine | Edmund Muskie | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Edmund Muskie (Democratic) 60.2% ▌Robert A. G. Monks (Republican) 39.8% |
| Maryland | J. Glenn Beall Jr. | Republican | 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Democratic gain. | ▌Y Paul Sarbanes (Democratic) 56.5% ▌J. Glenn Beall Jr. (Republican) 38.8% ▌Bruce Bradley (Independent) 4.6% |
| Massachusetts | Ted Kennedy | Democratic | 1962 (special) 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Ted Kennedy (Democratic) 69.3% ▌Michael S. Robertson (Republican) 29.0% Others ▌Carol Henderson Evans (Socialist Workers) 1.1% ▌H. Graham Lowry (US Labor) 0.6% |
| Michigan | Philip Hart | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Democratic hold. Incumbent died December 26, 1976. Winner appointed December 30, 1976. | ▌Y Donald Riegle (Democratic) 52.5% ▌Marvin L. Esch (Republican) 46.8% Others ▌Bette Jane Erwin (Libertarian) 0.3% ▌Theodore G. Albert (Human Rights) 0.2% ▌Paula L. Reimers (Socialist Workers) 0.1% ▌Frank Girard (Socialist Labor) 0.1% ▌Peter A. Signorelli (U.S. Labor) 0.1% |
| Minnesota | Hubert Humphrey | DFL | 1948 1954 1960 1964 (resigned) 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Hubert Humphrey (DFL) 67.5% ▌Gerald Brekke (Ind.-Republican) 25.0% ▌Paul Helm (American) 6.6% Others ▌Bill Peterson (Socialist Workers) 0.5% ▌Robin E. Miller (Libertarian) 0.3% ▌Matt Savola (Communist) 0.1% |
| Mississippi | John C. Stennis | Democratic | 1947 (special) 1952 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y John C. Stennis (Democratic) Unopposed |
| Missouri | Stuart Symington | Democratic | 1952 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Republican gain. Incumbent resigned December 27, 1976 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed the same day. | ▌Y John Danforth (Republican) 56.9% ▌Warren E. Hearnes (Democratic) 42.5% ▌Lawrence Petty (Independent) 0.6% |
| Montana | Mike Mansfield | Democratic | 1952 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Democratic hold. | ▌Y John Melcher (Democratic) 64.2% ▌Stanley C. Burger (Republican) 35.8% |
| Nebraska | Roman Hruska | Republican | 1954 (special) 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Democratic gain. Incumbent resigned December 27, 1976 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed December 28, 1976 to finish the term. | ▌Y Edward Zorinsky (Democratic) 52.4% ▌John Y. McCollister (Republican) 47.5% |
| Nevada | Howard Cannon | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Howard Cannon (Democratic) 63.0% ▌David Towell (Republican) 31.4% Others ▌Byron D. Young (Independent American) 1.8% ▌Dan Becan (Libertarian) 1.1% None of These Candidates 2.6% |
| New Jersey | Harrison A. Williams | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Harrison A. Williams (Democratic) 60.7% ▌David A. Norcross (Republican) 38.0% Others ▌Hannibal Cundari (Libertarian) 0.7% ▌Bernardo S. Doganiero (Socialist Labor) 0.3% ▌Leif Johnson (Labor) 0.2% |
| New Mexico | Joseph Montoya | Democratic | 1964 (special) 1964 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. | ▌Y Harrison Schmitt (Republican) 56.8% ▌Joseph Montoya (Democratic) 42.7% Others ▌Ernesto B. Borunda (Raza Unida) 0.3% ▌Matt Dillion (American Independent) 0.2% |
| New York | James L. Buckley | Conservative | 1970 | Incumbent ran as a Republican and lost re-election. Democratic gain. | ▌Y Daniel Patrick Moynihan (Democratic) 54.2% ▌James L. Buckley (Republican) 44.9% Others ▌Herbert Aptheker (Communist) 0.4% ▌Marcia Gallo (Socialist Workers) 0.3% ▌Martin E. Nixon (Libertarian) 0.2% ▌Elijah C. Boyd (U.S. Labor) 0.1% |
| North Dakota | Quentin Burdick | Democratic-NPL | 1960 (special) 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Quentin Burdick (Democratic-NPL) 62.1% ▌Robert Stroup (Republican) 36.6% ▌Clarence Haggard (Independent) 0.4% |
| Ohio | Robert Taft Jr. | Republican | 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Democratic gain. Incumbent resigned December 28, 1976 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed December 29, 1976. | ▌Y Howard Metzenbaum (Democratic) 49.5% ▌Robert Taft Jr. (Republican) 46.5% Others ▌John O'Neill (Independent) 1.4% ▌Donald E. Babcock (American Independent) 0.9% ▌Emma Lila Fundaburk (Independent) 0.9% ▌Melissa Singler (Socialist Workers) 0.8% |
| Pennsylvania | Hugh Scott | Republican | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Republican hold. | ▌Y John Heinz (Republican) 52.4% ▌William J. Green III (Democratic) 46.8% Others ▌Andrew J. Watson (Constitution) 0.6% ▌Frederick W. Stanton (Socialist Workers) 0.1% ▌Bernard Salera (Labor) 0.1% ▌Frank Kinces (Communist) 0.1% |
| Rhode Island | John Pastore | Democratic | 1950 (special) 1952 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent retired. Republican gain Incumbent resigned December 28, 1976 to give successor preferential seniority. Winner appointed December 29, 1976. | ▌Y John Chafee (Republican) 57.7% ▌Richard P. Lorber (Democratic) 42.0% ▌Margaret Cann (Communist) 0.2% |
| Tennessee | Bill Brock | Republican | 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Democratic gain. | ▌Y Jim Sasser (Democratic) 52.5% ▌Bill Brock (Republican) 47.0% Others ▌Mark Clark Bates (Independent) 0.4% ▌Willie C. Jacox (Independent) 0.1% ▌Arnold Joseph Zandie (Independent) 0.1% |
| Texas | Lloyd Bentsen | Democratic | 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Lloyd Bentsen (Democratic) 56.8% ▌Alan Steelman (Republican) 42.2% Others ▌Pedro Vasquez (Socialist Workers) 0.5% ▌Marjorie P. Gallion (American Independent) 0.5% |
| Utah | Frank Moss | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. | ▌Y Orrin Hatch (Republican) 53.7% ▌Frank Moss (Democratic) 44.8% Others ▌George M. Batchelor (Independent American) 0.9% ▌Steve Trotter (Libertarian) 0.6% |
| Vermont | Robert Stafford | Republican | 1971 (appointed) 1972 (special) | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Robert Stafford (Republican) 50.0% ▌Thomas P. Salmon (Democratic) 45.3% ▌Nancy Kaufman (Liberty Union) 4.7% |
| Virginia | Harry F. Byrd Jr. | Independent | 1965 (appointed) 1966 (special) 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Harry F. Byrd Jr. (Independent) 57.2% ▌Elmo Zumwalt (Democratic) 38.3% ▌Martin H. Perper (Independent) 4.5% |
| Washington | Henry M. Jackson | Democratic | 1952 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Henry M. Jackson (Democratic) 71.8% ▌George M. Brown (Republican) 24.2% Others ▌Dave Smith (American Independent) 1.9% ▌Richard K. Kenney (Libertarian) 1.3% ▌Karl Bermann (Socialist Workers) 0.5% ▌William F. Wertz Jr. (U.S. Labor) 0.2% |
| West Virginia | Robert Byrd | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y Robert Byrd (Democratic) 99.9% Unopposed |
| Wisconsin | William Proxmire | Democratic | 1957 (special) 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent re-elected. | ▌Y William Proxmire (Democratic) 72.2% ▌Stanley York (Republican) 27.0% Others ▌William Osborne Hart (Independent) 0.4% ▌Robert Schwartz (Socialist Workers) 0.3% ▌Robert E. Nordlander (Socialist Labor) 0.1% |
| Wyoming | Gale W. McGee | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 | Incumbent lost re-election. Republican gain. | ▌Y Malcolm Wallop (Republican) 54.7% ▌Gale W. McGee (Democratic) 45.4% |

## Closest races

9 races had a margin of victory under 10%:
| State | Party of winner | Margin |
| Ohio | Democratic (flip) | 2.99% |
| California | Republican (flip) | 3.2% |
| Vermont | Republican | 4.6% |
| Tennessee | Democratic (flip) | 5.45% |
| Michigan | Democratic | 5.6% |
| Pennsylvania | Republican | 5.6% |
| Nebraska | Democratic (flip) | 5.82% |
| Utah | Republican (flip) | 8.9% |
| New York | Democratic (flip) | 9.2% |
Nevada was the tipping point state with a margin of 31.6%.

## Arizona

Incumbent Republican Paul Fannin retired instead of seeking a third term. Democratic attorney and businessman Dennis DeConcini won the open seat over Sam Steiger, U.S. Congressman of Arizona's 3rd congressional district.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Dennis DeConcini | 400,334 | 54.01 |
| | Republican | Sam Steiger | 321,236 | 43.34 |
| | Independent | Bob Field | 10,765 | 1.45 |
| | Libertarian | Allan Norwitz | 7,310 | 0.99 |
| | Independent | Wm. Mathews Feighan | 1,565 | 0.21 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 79,098 | 8.68 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 741,210 | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

## California

Incumbent Democrat John Tunney ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Republican Sam Hayakawa, President emeritus of San Francisco State University.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | S. I. Hayakawa | 3,748,973 | 50.12 |
| | Democratic | John V. Tunney (Incumbent) | 3,502,862 | 46.89 |
| | Peace and Freedom | David Wald | 104,383 | 1.40 |
| | American Independent | Jack McCoy | 82,739 | 1.11 |
| | Independent | Omari Musa | 31,629 | 0.42 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 246,111 | 3.23 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 7,470,586 | |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

## Connecticut

Incumbent Republican Lowell Weicker won re-election to a second term over Gloria Schaffer, Connecticut Secretary of State
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Lowell Weicker (Incumbent) | 785,683 | 57.70 |
| | Democratic | Gloria Schaffer | 561,018 | 41.20 |
| | George Wallace | Robert Barnabei | 14,407 | 1.06 |
| | | Others | 558 | 0.0 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 224,665 | 16.50 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,361,666 | |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

## Delaware

Incumbent Republican William Roth won reelection to a second term over Thomas Maloney, Mayor of Wilmington
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William Roth (Incumbent) | 125,454 | 55.81 |
| | Democratic | Thomas Maloney | 98,042 | 43.61 |
| | American | Donald G. Gies | 646 | 0.29 |
| | Non-Partisan | Joseph F. McInerney | 437 | 0.19 |
| | Prohibition | John A. Massimilla | 216 | 0.0 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 27,412 | 12.20 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 224,795 | |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

## Florida

Incumbent Democrat Lawton Chiles won re-election to a second term over John Grady, Mayor of Belle Glade
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Lawton Chiles (Incumbent) | 1,799,518 | 63.0 |
| | Republican | John Grady | 1,057,886 | 37.0 |
| | Write-In | Ed Ice | 123 | 0.0 |
| | Write-In | Tim Adams | 7 | 0.0 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 741,632 | 26.0 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 2,857,534 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Hawaii

Incumbent Republican Hiram Fong retired instead of seeking re-election to a fourth term. Democrat Spark Matsunaga won the open seat over Republican William Quinn, Former Governor of Hawaii.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Spark Matsunaga | 162,305 | 53.7 |
| | Republican | William Quinn | 122,724 | 40.6 |
| | People's | Anthony Hodges | 14,226 | 4.7 |
| | Nonpartisan | James Kimmel | 1,433 | 0.5 |
| | Libertarian | Rockne Hart Johnson | 1,404 | 0.5 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 39,581 | 13.1 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 302,092 | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

## Indiana

Incumbent Democrat Vance Hartke ran for re-election to a fourth term, but was defeated by Republican challenger Richard Lugar, Mayor of Indianapolis.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Richard Lugar | 1,275,833 | 59.03 |
| | Democratic | Vance Hartke (Incumbent) | 868,522 | 40.19 |
| | | Don L. Lee | 14,321 | 0.66 |
| | U.S. Labor | David Lee Hoagland | 2,511 | 0.12 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 407,311 | 18.85 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 2,161,187 | |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

## Maine

Incumbent Democrat Edmund Muskie won re-election to a fourth term over Republican Robert A. G. Monks, shareholder activist.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edmund Muskie (Incumbent) | 292,704 | 60.20 |
| | Republican | Robert A. G. Monks | 193,489 | 39.80 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 99,215 | 20.41 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 486,193 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Maryland

Incumbent Republican J. Glenn Beall Jr. ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Democratic challenger Paul Sarbanes, member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Paul Sarbanes | 772,101 | 56.55 |
| | Republican | J. Glenn Beall Jr. (Incumbent) | 530,439 | 38.85 |
| | Independent | Bruce Bradley | 62,750 | 4.60 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 241,662 | 17.70 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,365,290 | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

## Massachusetts

Incumbent Democrat Ted Kennedy won re-election to his fourth (his third full) term over Republican businessman, Michael Robertson.
General election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | Edward M. Kennedy (Incumbent) | 1,726,657 | 69.31 | +7.15% |
| | Republican | Michael S. Robertson | 722,641 | 29.01 | −7.99% |
| | Socialist Workers | Carol Henderson Evans | 26,283 | 1.06 | +0.52% |
| | U.S. Labor | H. Graham Lowry | 15,517 | 0.62 | |
| | | All others | 157 | 0.01 | |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 2,491,255 | 85.55 | |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 1,004,016 | 40.30 | 15.14% |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Swing | | |

## Michigan

Incumbent Democrat Philip Hart retired instead of seeking a fourth term. Democrat Donald Riegle, member of the U.S. House of Representatives, won the open seat over fellow congressman Republican Marvin Esch.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Donald Riegle | 1,831,031 | 52.46 |
| | Republican | Marvin L. Esch | 1,635,087 | 46.85 |
| | Libertarian | Bette Jane Erwin | 8,842 | <1 |
| | Human Rights | Theodore G. Albert | 7,281 | <1 |
| | Socialist Workers | Paula L. Reimers | 3,399 | <1 |
| | Socialist Labor | Frank Girard | 2,554 | <1 |
| | U.S. Labor | Peter A. Signorelli | 2,218 | <1 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 195,944 | 5.61 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 3,490,412 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Minnesota

Incumbent Democrat Hubert Humphrey won re-election to a fifth term over Republican Gerald Brekke, college professor
Democratic primary election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic (DFL) | Hubert H. Humphrey (Incumbent) | 317,632 | 91.3 |
| | Democratic (DFL) | Dick Bullock | 30,262 | 8.7 |
Republican primary election :
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| Ind.-Republican | Gerald W. Brekke | 76,183 | 54.5 |
| Ind.-Republican | Richard "Dick" Franson | 32,115 | 23.0 |
| Ind.-Republican | John H. Glover | 13,014 | 9.3 |
| Ind.-Republican | Roland "Butch" Riemers | 9,307 | 6.7 |
| Ind.-Republican | Bea Mooney | 9,150 | 6.5 |
General election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic (DFL) | Hubert H. Humphrey (Incumbent) | 1,290,736 | 67.51 |
| | Ind.-Republican | Gerald W. Brekke | 478,602 | 25.03 |
| | American | Paul Helm | 125,612 | 6.57 |
| | Socialist Workers | Bill Peterson | 9,380 | 0.49 |
| | Libertarian | Robin E. Miller | 5,476 | 0.29 |
| | Communist | Matt Savola | 2,214 | 0.12 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 812,134 | 42.48 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,912,020 | |
| | Democratic (DFL) hold | Democratic (DFL) hold | Democratic (DFL) hold | Democratic (DFL) hold |

## Mississippi

Incumbent Democrat John C. Stennis won re-election to his sixth term.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John Stennis (Incumbent) | 554,433 | 100.0 |

## Missouri

Incumbent Democrat Stuart Symington retired, instead of seeking a fifth term. Republican John Danforth, Attorney General of Missouri, won the open seat, defeating Democrat Warren Hearnes, former Governor of Missouri. (Jerry Litton had won the Democratic nomination earlier, but was killed in a plane crash, and Hearnes was chosen by the party committee.)
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Danforth | 1,090,067 | 56.94 |
| | Democratic | Warren E. Hearnes | 813,571 | 42.50 |
| | Independent | Lawrence "Red" Petty | 10,822 | 0.57 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 276,496 | 14.44 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,914,460 | |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

## Montana

Rather than seek a fifth term, Democratic incumbent Mike Mansfield opted to retire, creating an open seat. United States Congressman John Melcher, who had represented Montana's 2nd congressional district from 1969 to 1977, won the Democratic nomination and defeated Stanley C. Burger, the Republican nominee and former executive officer of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, by a wide margin in the general election.
Democratic Party primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jack Melcher | 89,413 | 88.52 |
| | Democratic | Ray E. Gulick | 11,593 | 11.48 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 101,006 | 100.00 |
Republican Primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Stanley C. Burger | 32,313 | 40.41 |
| | Republican | Dave Drum | 27,257 | 34.09 |
| | Republican | Jack Tierney | 15,129 | 18.92 |
| | Republican | Larry L. Gilbert | 5,258 | 6.58 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 79,957 | 100.00 |
1976 United States Senate election in Montana :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | John Melcher | 206,232 | 64.16 | +3.62% |
| | Republican | Stanley C. Burger | 115,213 | 35.84 | −3.62% |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 91,019 | 28.32 | +7.24% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 321,445 | | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Swing | | |

## Nebraska

Incumbent Republican Roman Hruska retired instead of seeking another term. Democrat Edward Zorinsky, Mayor of Omaha, won the open seat over Republican John Y. McCollister, U.S. Congressman of Nebraska's 2nd congressional district.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Edward Zorinsky | 313,805 | 52.89 |
| | Republican | John Y. McCollister | 279,284 | 47.07 |
| | Write-in candidate | Lenore Etchison | 58 | 0.01 |
| | N/A | Others | 163 | 0.03 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 34,521 | 5.82 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 593,310 | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

## Nevada

Incumbent Democrat Howard Cannon won re-election to a fourth term over Republican David Towell, U.S. Representative from Nevada's At-large congressional district.
In the Senate, Cannon was known as a moderate in the Democratic Party. He served as chairman of several committees, including the rules committee and the inaugural arrangements committee. Cannon was nearly defeated for re-election in 1964 by Republican Lieutenant Governor Paul Laxalt in one of the closest election in history. However, he became more popular over the next few years and won re-election in 1970 with nearly 58% of the vote. In 1976, he faced U.S. Representative David Towell, who served just one term in the U.S. House of Representatives before running for the U.S. Senate. Cannon won re-election with 63% of the vote, one of his best election performances of his career. He won every county in the state, except for Eureka County, which Towell won with just 51% of the vote.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | Howard Cannon (Incumbent) | 127,214 | 63.01 | +5.36% |
| | Republican | David Towell | 63,471 | 31.44 | −9.73% |
| | None of These Candidates | None of These Candidates | 5,288 | 2.62 | |
| | Independent American | Byron D. Young | 3,619 | 1.79 | |
| | Libertarian | Dan Becan | 2,307 | 1.14 | |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 63,743 | 31.57 | +15.09% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 201,899 | | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Swing | | |

## New Jersey

Harrison A. Williams, the incumbent originally elected in 1958, elected to run for a fourth term. He defeated anti-abortion activist Stephen J. Foley handily in the Democratic primary with 85% of the vote. David A. Norcross won the Republican primary with the endorsement of the New Jersey Republican Party with 68% of the vote.
In the general election, Williams soundly won re-election to a fourth term over Norcross. He won 60% of the vote, winning every county in the state. This would be Williams' last election to the U.S. Senate, as he would resign in 1981 following his involvement in the Abscam scandal.
1976 United States Senate election in New Jersey Results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Harrison A. Williams (Incumbent) | 1,681,140 | 60.66 |
| | Republican | David A. Norcross | 1,054,508 | 38.05 |
| | Libertarian | Hannibal Cundari | 19,907 | 0.72 |
| | Socialist Labor | Bernardo S. Doganiero | 9,185 | 0.33 |
| | Labor Party | Leif Johnson | 6,650 | 0.24 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 626,632 | 22.61 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 2,771,390 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## New Mexico

Incumbent Democrat Joseph Montoya ran for re-election to a third term, but was defeated by Republican former Astronaut Harrison Schmitt.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Republican | Harrison Schmitt | 234,681 | 56.82 | +9.69% |
| | Democratic | Joseph Montoya (Incumbent) | 176,382 | 42.70 | −10.17% |
| | Raza Unida | Ernesto B. Borunda | 1,087 | 0.26 | |
| | American Independent | Matt Dillion | 906 | 0.22 | |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 58,299 | 14.11 | +8.36% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 413,056 | | |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Swing | | |

## New York

Incumbent Conservative James Buckley ran for re-election to a second term as a Republican, but was defeated by Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Democratic Party Convention results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | % |
| | Democratic | Paul O'Dwyer | 32.50 |
| | Democratic | Daniel Patrick Moynihan | 31.10 |
| | Democratic | Bella Abzug | 28.70 |
| | Democratic | Ramsey Clark | 7.00 |
| | Democratic | Abraham Hirschfeld | 0.70 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 100.00 |
Democratic Party Primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Daniel Patrick Moynihan | 333,697 | 36.41 |
| | Democratic | Bella Abzug | 323,705 | 35.32 |
| | Democratic | Ramsey Clark | 94,191 | 10.28 |
| | Democratic | Paul O'Dwyer | 82,689 | 9.02 |
| | Democratic | Abraham Hirschfeld | 82,331 | 8.98 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 916,613 | 100.00 |
Republican Party Primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James Buckley (Incumbent) | 242,257 | 70.45 |
| | Republican | Peter Peyser | 101,629 | 29.55 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 343,886 | 100.00 |
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | Daniel Patrick Moynihan | 3,238,511 | | |
| | Liberal | Daniel Patrick Moynihan | 184,083 | | |
| | total | Daniel Patrick Moynihan | 3,422,594 | 54.17 | + 17.21 |
| | Republican | James Buckley (Incumbent) | 2,525,139 | | |
| | Conservative | James Buckley | 311,494 | | |
| | total | James Buckley | 2,836,633 | 44.90 | + 5.95 |
| | Communist | Herbert Aptheker | 25,141 | 0.40 | + 0.37 |
| | Socialist Workers | Marcia Gallo | 16,350 | 0.26 | + 0.20 |
| | Libertarian | Martin E. Nixon | 10,943 | 0.17 | + 0.17 |
| | U.S. Labor | Elijah C. Boyd | 6,716 | 0.11 | + 0.11 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 675,961 | 9.27 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 6,408,377 | | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | | |

## North Dakota

Incumbent North Dakota Democratic NPL Party Democrat Quentin Burdick, sought and received re-election to his fourth term to the United States Senate, defeating Republican candidate Robert Stroup. Only Burdick filed as a Dem-NPLer, and the endorsed Republican candidate was Robert Stroup, as state senator from Hazen, North Dakota. Burdick and Stroup won the primary elections for their respective parties. One independent candidate, Clarence Haggard, also filed before the deadline under the American Party.
North Dakota U.S. Senate election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Quentin Burdick (Incumbent) | 175,772 | 62.10 |
| | Republican | Robert Stroup | 103,466 | 36.55 |
| | Independent | Clarence Haggard | 3,824 | 1.35 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 283,062 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Ohio

Incumbent Republican Robert Taft Jr. ran for re-election to second term, but was defeated by Democratic former senator Howard Metzenbaum.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Howard Metzenbaum | 1,941,113 | 49.51 |
| | Republican | Robert Taft Jr. (Incumbent) | 1,823,774 | 46.52 |
| | Independent | John O'Neill | 53,657 | 1.37 |
| | American Independent | Donald E. Babcock | 36,979 | 0.94 |
| | Independent | Emma Lila Fundaburk | 33,285 | 0.85 |
| | Socialist Workers | Melissa Singler | 31,805 | 0.81 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 117,339 | 2.99 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 3,920,613 | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |

## Pennsylvania

Incumbent Republican and Minority Leader Hugh Scott retired. Republican John Heinz won the open seat over Democrat Bill Green, United States Representative
In December 1975, U.S. senator Hugh Scott announced that he would not seek re-election in 1976 at the age of 75 after serving in Congress for 33 years. Scott listed personal reasons and several "well-qualified potential candidates" for the seat among the reasons of his decision to retire. Other reasons, including his support for Richard Nixon and accusations that he had illegally obtained contributions from Gulf Oil were alleged to have contributed to the decision.
Democratic primary results :
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| Democratic | William J. Green III | 762,733 | 68.71 |
| Democratic | Jeanette Reibman | 345,264 | 31.10 |
| Democratic | Others | 2,058 | 0.19 |
Republican primary results :
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| Republican | John Heinz | 358,715 | 37.73 |
| Republican | Arlen Specter | 332,513 | 34.98 |
| Republican | George Packard | 160,379 | 16.87 |
| Republican | Others | 99,074 | 10.43 |
Heinz was the victor in all but nine counties, defeating opponent William Green, who had a 300,000 vote advantage in his native Philadelphia area. Heinz and Green spend $2.5 million and $900,000, respectively, during the ten-month campaign. Much of the money Heinz spent on his campaign was his own, leading to accusations from Green that he was "buying the seat". Heinz replied to this by claiming that the spending was necessary to overcome the Democratic voter registration advantage.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Republican | John Heinz | 2,381,891 | 52.39 | +0.96% |
| | Democratic | William J. Green III | 2,126,977 | 46.79 | +1.41% |
| | Constitution | Andrew J. Watson | 26,028 | 0.57 | −1.79% |
| | Socialist Workers | Frederick W. Stanton | 5,484 | 0.12 | +0.01% |
| | Labor Party | Bernard Salera | 3,637 | 0.08 | +0.08% |
| | Communist Party | Frank Kinces | 2,097 | 0.05 | +0.05% |
| | N/A | Other | 239 | 0.00 | N/A |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 4,546,353 | | {{{change}}} |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 254,914 | 6.60 | {{{change}}} |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Swing | | |

## Rhode Island

Incumbent Democrat John O. Pastore did not seek re-election. Republican John Chafee won the seat, defeating Democrat Richard P. Lorber.
Democratic primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Richard P. Lorber | 60,118 | 37.78 |
| | Democratic | Philip W. Noel | 60,018 | 37.71 |
| | Democratic | John P. Hawkins | 25,456 | 16.00 |
| | Democratic | Paul E. Goulding | 5,500 | 3.46 |
| | Democratic | Ralph J. Perrotta | 4,481 | 2.82 |
| | Democratic | John E. Caddick | 2,160 | 1.36 |
| | Democratic | Earl F. Pasbach | 962 | 0.60 |
| | Democratic | Arthur E. Marley | 447 | 0.28 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 100 | 0.06 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 159,142 | 100.00 |
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Chafee | 230,329 | 57.74 |
| | Democratic | Richard P. Lorber | 167,665 | 42.03 |
| | Communist | Margaret Cann | 912 | 0.23 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 62,664 | 15.71 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 398,906 | 100.00 |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

## Tennessee

Incumbent Republican Bill Brock ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Democratic challenger James Sasser.
General election Results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | James Sasser | 751,180 | 52.46 | |
| | Republican | Bill Brock (Incumbent) | 673,231 | 47.01 | −5.44% |
| | Independent | Mark Clark Bates | 5,137 | 0.36 | |
| | Independent | Willie C. Jacox | 1,406 | 0.10 | |
| | Independent | Arnold Joseph Zandie | 1,061 | 0.07 | |
| | None | Write-Ins | 31 | 0.00 | |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 77,949 | 5.45 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,432,046 | | |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | | |

## Texas

Incumbent Democrat Lloyd Bentsen won re-election to a second term over Republican Alan Steelman, U.S. Representative from Texas's 5th district.
General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Lloyd Bentsen (Incumbent) | 2,199,956 | 56.8 |
| | Republican | Alan Steelman | 1,636,370 | 42.2 |
| | Socialist Workers Party | Pedro Vasquez | 20,549 | 0.5 |
| | American Independent | Marjorie P. Gallion | 17,355 | 0.5 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 563,586 | 14.6 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 3,874,230 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Utah

Incumbent Democrat Frank Moss ran for re-election to a fourth term but was defeated by his Republican opponent Orrin Hatch.
1976 United States Senate election in Utah :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Orrin Hatch | 290,221 | 53.73% |
| | Democratic | Frank Moss (incumbent) | 241,948 | 44.80% |
| | Independent American | George M. Batchelor | 4,913 | 0.91% |
| | Libertarian | Steve Trotter | 3,026 | 0.56% |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 48,273 | 8.93% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 540,108 | |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Swing | |

## Vermont

Incumbent Republican Robert Stafford successfully ran for re-election to another term in the United States Senate, defeating Democratic candidate Governor Thomas P. Salmon.
Republican primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Robert Stafford (Incumbent) | 24,338 | 68.7 |
| | Republican | John J. Welch | 10,911 | 30.8 |
| | Republican | Other | 178 | 0.5 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 35,427 | 100 |
Democratic primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Thomas P. Salmon | 21,674 | 52.7 |
| | Democratic | Scott Skinner | 19,238 | 46.8 |
| | Democratic | Other | 178 | 0.4 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 41,090 | 100 |
1976 United States Senate election in Vermont :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Robert Stafford (Incumbent) | 94,481 | 50.0 |
| | Democratic | Thomas P. Salmon | 82,174 | 43.5 |
| | Independent Vermonters | Thomas P. Salmon | 3,508 | 1.9 |
| | Total | Thomas P. Salmon | 85,682 | 45.4 |
| | Liberty Union | Nancy Kaufman | 8,801 | 4.7 |
| | N/A | Other | 96 | 0.1 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 189,060 | 100 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 12,307 | 6.5 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

## Virginia

Incumbent Independent Harry F. Byrd Jr. was re-elected to a second term over retired Admiral Elmo Zumwalt and state legislator Martin H. Perper.
1976 United States Senate election in Virginia :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Independent | Harry F. Byrd Jr. (Incumbent) | 890,778 | 57.19 | +3.65% |
| | Democratic | Elmo Zumwalt | 596,009 | 38.27 | +7.12% |
| | Independent | Martin H. Perper | 70,559 | 4.53 | |
| | Write-ins | | 154 | 0.01 | |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 294,769 | 18.93 | −3.45% |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,557,500 | | |
| | Independent hold | Independent hold | Independent hold | Independent hold |

## Washington

1976 United States Senate election in Washington Results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Henry M. Jackson (Incumbent) | 1,071,219 | 71.84 |
| | Republican | George M. Brown | 361,546 | 24.25 |
| | American Independent | Dave Smith | 28,182 | 1.89 |
| | Libertarian | Richard K. Kenney | 19,973 | 1.30 |
| | Socialist Workers | Karl Bermann | 7,402 | 0.50 |
| | U.S. Labor | William F. Wertz Jr. | 3,389 | 0.23 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 709,673 | 47.59 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,491,111 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## West Virginia

For most of the state's history, West Virginia has been a solidly Democratic state. Often, winning the Democratic primary was tantamount to winning the general election in the state. Despite West Virginia occasionally electing a Republican governor (Arch A. Moore Jr. and Cecil H. Underwood both served as governor) and voting for Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, West Virginia has only elected Democratic Senators since 1958. Byrd had faced Republican opposition every term since he defeated Chapman Revercomb in 1958, but the Republicans chose not to mount a nominee in 1976. Freshman Congressman Cleve Benedict would serve as the Republican nominee in 1982.
1976 United States Senate election in West Virginia Results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Robert Byrd (Incumbent) | 566,359 | 100.00 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Wisconsin

Originally elected in 1957 to fill the seat of Joseph McCarthy, William Proxmire had won re-election three times prior to 1976. He only faced significant Republican opposition twice during his re-election years, winning 70% of the vote and every county in 1970. Clergyman Stanley York was the Republican nominee. Proxmire ultimately defeated York and increased his margin of victory by 4%. Proxmire would serve two more terms, ultimately retiring in 1989.
1976 United States Senate election in Wisconsin Results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William Proxmire (Incumbent) | 1,396,970 | 72.19 |
| | Republican | Stanley York | 521,902 | 26.97 |
| | Democratic Socialist | William Osborne Hart | 7,354 | 0.38 |
| | Socialist Workers | Robert Schwarz | 4,876 | 0.25 |
| | Labor Party | Michael A. MacLaurin | 2,148 | 0.11 |
| | Socialist Labor | Robert E. Nordlander | 1,731 | 0.09 |
| | None | Write-Ins | 202 | 0.01 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 875,068 | 45.22 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 1,935,183 | |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

## Wyoming

Gale W. McGee, the incumbent senator and former professor at the University of Wyoming, was originally elected in 1958 over Frank A. Barrett. He subsequently won two more elections to the senate over John S. Wold. McGee, who managed to become re-elected several times in a heavily Republican-leaning state, faced headwinds from Gerald Ford's popularity in the state. State senator Malcolm Wallop was the Republican nominee.
In the general election, Wallop comfortably defeated McGee, who won just four counties in the state. To date, McGee is the last Democratic senator from the state of Wyoming.
1976 United States Senate election in Wyoming Results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Malcolm Wallop | 84,810 | 54.59 |
| | Democratic | Gale McGee (Incumbent) | 70,558 | 45.41 |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 14,252 | 9.12 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 155,368 | |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |