1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska

The 1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska took place on November 2, 1952. Kenneth S. Wherry was elected to the term in 1948. Following his death, State Senator Fred A. Seaton was appointed to the vacancy. Dwight Griswold was elected to complete Wherry's term, defeating William Ritchie. The election was held alongside a regular election. Griswold underperformed Dwight D. Eisenhower, who won the state with 69.15% of the vote in the presidential election.

1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska

November 4, 1952

Nominee Dwight Griswold William Ritchie Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 369,841 211,898 Percentage 63.57% 36.42%

County results Griswold:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election Fred A. Seaton Republican Elected U.S. Senator Dwight Griswold Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• William Ritchie, chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Committee
• Henry L. Fillman, farmer and insurance businessman

Results

Democratic primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	William Ritchie	76,446	78.85
	Democratic	Henry L. Fillman	20,414	21.05
	Democratic	Scattering	97	0.1
Total votes			96,957	100

Republican primary

Candidates

• Dwight Griswold, former Governor of Nebraska

Results

Republican primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Dwight Griswold	162,952	81.31
	Republican	Walter A. Nielsen	31,873	15.91
	Republican	Al Misegadis	5,153	2.56
	Republican	Fred A. Seaton (write-in)	68	0.03
	Republican	Scattering	350	0.17
Total votes			200,396	100

Results

1952 United States Senate special election in Nebraska

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Dwight Griswold	369,841	63.57	+6.87
	Democratic	William Ritchie	211,898	36.42	−6.88
	N/A	Scattering	11	0.00	N/A
Majority			157,943	27.15	+13.75
Turnout			581,750
	Republican hold