1974 United States Senate election in Idaho

The 1974 United States Senate election in Idaho took place on Tuesday, November 5. Democratic incumbent Frank Church was re-elected to a fourth term in office, defeating Republican Bob Smith.[1]

1974 United States Senate election in Idaho

November 5, 1974

Nominee Frank Church Bob Smith Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 145,140 109,072 Percentage 56.07% 42.14%

County results Church:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Smith:      50-60%      60-70%

U.S. senator before election Frank Church Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Frank Church Democratic

Church announced his presidential campaign in March 1976,[2][3] off the strength of his victory as well as his high-profile chairmanship of the select Church Commission investigating American intelligence activity.

As of 2021, this is the most recent election in which a Democrat has been elected Senator from Idaho.

Primary elections

The primary was held on Tuesday, August 6.[4]

Candidates

• Frank Church, Boise, incumbent since 1957
• Leon Olson, Boise

Results

Democratic primary results[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Frank Church (incumbent)	53,659	85.77%
	Democratic	Leon Olson	8,904	14.23%
Total votes			62,563	100.00%

Candidates

• Charles Bolstridge, Nampa
• Bob Smith, Nampa, attorney[6][7]
• Donald L. Winder, Boise

Results

Republican primary results[8]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Bob Smith	45,553	71.98%
	Republican	Donald L. Winder	13,406	21.18%
	Republican	Charles Bolstridge	4,331	6.84%
Total votes			63,290	100.00%

General election

Results

1974 United States Senate election in Idaho[9]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Frank Church	145,140	56.07%	4.19
	Republican	Bob Smith	109,072	42.14%	2.40
	American Independent	Jean L. Stoddard	4,635	1.79%	N/A
Total votes			258,847	100.00%
	Democratic hold		Swing

See also

• 1974 United States Senate elections

References

1. "Vote favors Church, Hansen, Symms". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 6, 1974. p. 1.
2. Shelledy, Jay (March 19, 1976). "Church joins race for White House". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). p. 1A.
3. "Sen. Church claims others dodge issues". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. March 18, 1976. p. 1.
4. "Cox(?), Smith, Kidwell, Evans, Ravenscroft in". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. August 7, 1974. p. 1.
5. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=329815
6. "Smith announces race for Church Senate seat". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 9, 1973. p. 5.
7. "Bob Smith for Idaho". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). (advertisement). August 6, 1974. p. 7.
8. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=329814
9. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=6346