1978 United States Senate election in South Dakota

The 1978 United States Senate election in South Dakota was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator James Abourezk did not run for re-election to a second term, but was succeeded by his political rival,^[1] Republican U.S. Representative Larry Pressler.

1978 United States Senate election in South Dakota

← 1972 November 7, 1978 1984 →

Nominee Larry Pressler Don Barnett Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 170,832 84,767 Percentage 66.84% 33.16%

County results Pressler:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80–90% Barnett:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

U.S. senator before election James Abourezk Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Larry Pressler Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Don Barnett, former Mayor of Rapid City^[2]
• Kenneth D. Stofferahn, farmer and former Republican State Representative from Humboldt^[2]

Results

1978 Democratic Senate primary^[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Don Barnett	37,319	55.12%
	Democratic	Kenneth D. Stofferahn	30,384	44.88%
Total votes			67,703	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Larry Pressler, U.S. Representative from Humboldt
• Ron Williamson, businessman from Sioux Falls

Results

1978 Republican primary results^[4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Larry Pressler	66,893	73.88%
	Republican	Ron Williamson	23,646	26.12%
Total votes			90,539	100.00%

General election

Results

1978 U.S. Senate election results^[5][6]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Larry Pressler	170,832	66.84%
	Democratic	Don Barnett	84,767	33.16%
Total votes			255,599	100.00%
	Republican gain from Democratic

See also

• 1978 United States Senate elections