The 1956 United States Senate election in South Dakota took place on November 6, 1956. Incumbent Republican Senator Francis H. Case ran for re-election to a second term. In the general election, Case was opposed by former State Representative Kenneth Holum, who was the 1954 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. Owing in part to anger among the state's farmers,[1] the race between Case and Holum was quite close,[2] with Holum leading Case on election night and only falling behind the next day. Case ended up narrowly winning re-election,[3] defeating Holum by just 4,620 votes.
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 County results Case: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Holum: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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Democratic primary
editCandidates
edit- Kenneth Holum, former State Representative, 1954 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate[4]
- Merton B. Time, Mitchell municipal judge, attorney[5]
Results
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Kenneth Holum | 23,464 | 60.85% | |
| Democratic | Merton B. Tice | 15,099 | 39.15% | |
| Total votes | 38,563 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
editIncumbent U.S. Senator Francis H. Case was the only Republican candidate to file for the U.S. Senate, removing the race from the primary ballot.[7]
General election
editResults
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Francis H. Case (inc.) | 147,621 | 50.79% | −13.12% | |
| Democratic | Kenneth Holum | 143,001 | 49.21% | +13.12% | |
| Majority | 4,620 | 1.59% | −26.25% | ||
| Turnout | 290,622 | ||||
| Republican hold | |||||
References
edit- ^ "The People Spoke Wisely". Rapid City Journal. Rapid City, S.D. November 7, 1956. p. 17. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- ^ "South Dakota Poll... Lovre-McGovern Race Shapes Up As Closest". Rapid City Journal. Rapid City, S.D. November 4, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- ^ "Democrats Keep Control of Congress: Bible, Morse Wins Decide Senate Issue". Lead Daily Call. Lead, S.D. November 7, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- ^ "Kennth Holum". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- ^ "Tice Seeks Democratic Nomination To Senate". Rapid City Journal. Rapid City, S.D. February 13, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- ^ a b Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 628.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ "S. D. State Primary Has Three Tests". Daily Plainsman. Huron, S.D. May 6, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.