United States Senate election in Florida, 1968

The Florida United States Senate election of 1968 was marked by election of first Republican to the United States Senate from Florida since Reconstruction.

Democratic three-term incumbent George Smathers decided to not seek re-election in order to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Former popular two-term Governor LeRoy Collins won Democratic nomination, while Representative Edward J. Gurney became Republican candidate.

Gurney was much lesser-know than Collins, but he won by over 11% margin. It is possible that Richard Nixon's victory in the presidential race (including winning Florida) helped Gurney defeat Collins.

Florida United States Senate election, 1968
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Edward J. Gurney 1,131,499 55.90
Democratic LeRoy Collins 892,637 44.10
Republican gain from Democratic Swing

References

OurCampaign article on this race