1926 United States Senate election in South Dakota

The 1920 United States Senate election in South Dakota took place on November 2, 1926. Incumbent Republican Senator Peter Norbeck ran for re-election to a second term. In the Republican primary, he faced former State Senator George J. Danforth, who had the support of Governor Carl Gunderson in an intra-party split between Norbeck and Gunderson.^[1] Norbeck defeated Danforth by a wide margin, and then faced former State Representative Charles J. Gunderson in the general election. Norbeck defeated Gunderson in a landslide to win re-election.

1926 United States Senate election in South Dakota

← 1920 November 2, 1926 1932 →

Nominee Peter Norbeck Charles J. Gunderson Howard Platt Party Republican Democratic Farmer–Labor Popular vote 105,756 59,128 12,797 Percentage 59.52 33.28% 7.20%

County results Norbeck:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Gunderson:      40–50% No Vote:

U.S. senator before election Peter Norbeck Republican Elected U.S. Senator Peter Norbeck Republican

Democratic primary

Former State Representative Charles J. Gunderson^[2] won the Democratic nomination unopposed.^[3]

Republican primary

Candidates

• Peter Norbeck, incumbent U.S. Senator
• George J. Danforth, former State Senator^[4]

Results

Republican primary^[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Peter Norbeck (inc.)	52,937	68.56%
	Republican	George J. Danforth	24,271	31.44%
Total votes			77,208	100.00%

General election

Results

1920 United States Senate election in South Dakota^[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Peter Norbeck (inc.)	105,756	59.52%	+9.42%
	Democratic	Carl J. Gunderson	59,128	33.28%	+13.28%
	Farmer–Labor	Howard Platt	12,797	7.20%	—
Majority			46,628	26.24%	+0.20%
Turnout			177,681
	Republican hold

References

1. "Governor Continues at Wheel After Year of Stormy Driving". Lead Daily Call. Lead, S.D. January 2, 1926. pp. 1, 3. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
2. "Charles J. Gunderson". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
3. "Incomplete Returns Show Four Gundersons Running for Offices". Lead Daily Call. Lead, S.D. December 26, 1925. p. 1. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
4. "George Johnathan Danforth". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
5. Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 626.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)