1972 United States Senate special election in Vermont

The 1972 United States Senate special election in Vermont took place on January 7, 1972. Incumbent Republican Robert Stafford, appointed in September 1971 to fill the vacancy created by the death of Winston L. Prouty, successfully ran for election to the remainder of Prouty's term in the United States Senate. Stafford defeated Democratic candidate Randolph T. Major. Liberty Union candidate Bernie Sanders received 2% of the vote and was later elected to this seat in 2006 as an independent.

1972 United States Senate special election in Vermont

January 7, 1972 (1972-01-07)

Nominee Robert Stafford Randolph Major Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 45,888 23,842 Percentage 64.36% 33.44%

County results Stafford:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election Robert Stafford Republican Elected U.S. Senator Robert Stafford Republican

General election

Results

United States Senate special election in Vermont, 1972

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Robert Stafford (Incumbent)	45,888	64.36%	+5.48%
	Democratic	Randolph T. Major	23,842	33.44%	−6.76%
	Liberty Union	Bernie Sanders	1,571	2.20%	+1.29%
Total votes			71,301	100.00%

See also

• 1972 United States Senate elections