1983 United States Senate special election in Washington
The 1983 United States Senate special election in Washington was a special election to fill the seat which had been held by longtime Senator Henry Jackson, who unexpectedly died on September 1.[1] Three-term former governor Dan Evans was appointed by Governor John Spellman on September 8,[2][3] and he won the special election over congressman Mike Lowry on November 8.[4] Jackson had won a sixth term the previous year, so more than five years remained in the term.
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 County results Evans: 50-60% 60-70% Lowry: 50-60% | |||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in Washington |
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The legislature ordered a primary election on October 11;[5] it featured 33 candidates (19 Democrats, 13 Republicans, and one Socialist Labor),[6][7] setting the modern record for number of candidates in a Washington U.S. Senate election.[8] As of 2023, this was the last time King County voted for a Republican U.S. Senate candidate.
Blanket primary
Democratic
- Mike Lowry, U.S. Representative from the 7th congressional district
- Charles Royer, former Mayor of Seattle
- James R.F. Curdy
- Mike Olmer
Republican
- Daniel J. Evans, incumbent U.S. Senator
- Lloyd E. Cooney, former KIRO-TV commentator
- Larry Penberthy
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Daniel J. Evans (incumbent) | 250,046 | 36.68% | |
| Democratic | Mike Lowry | 179,509 | 26.33% | |
| Republican | Lloyd E. Cooney | 133,799 | 19.63% | |
| Democratic | Charles Royer | 103,304 | 15.15% | |
| Republican | Larry Penberthy | 1,642 | 0.24% | |
| Democratic | James R.F. Curdy | 1,206 | 0.18% | |
| Democratic | Mike Olmer | 1,032 | 0.15% | |
| Total votes | 670,538 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Candidates
- Daniel J. Evans (R), incumbent U.S. Senator
- Mike Lowry (D), U.S. Representative from the 7th congressional district
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Daniel J. Evans (incumbent) | 672,326 | 55.41 | |
| Democratic | Mike Lowry | 540,981 | 44.59 | |
| Total votes | 1,213,307 | 100.00% | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
References
- "Sen. Henry Jackson is dead". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. September 2, 1983. p. 1.
- "Daniel Evans will succeed Sen. Jackson". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. September 9, 1983. p. 1.
- Balz, Dan (September 9, 1983). "Spellman picks Evans to fill Senate vacancy". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). (Washington Post). p. 1A.
- Moody, Dick (November 9, 1983). "Evans sweeps to Senate victory". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). p. A1.
- White, John (September 12, 1983). "Senate candidates gear up for primary race". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. p. 6.
- "Today's vote will narrow Senate field". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). staff and wire reports. October 11, 1983. p. 1.
- Moody, Dick (October 12, 1983). "The winners: Evans Lowry". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). p. 1.
- Camden, Jim (May 19, 2018). "U.S. Senate primary: Cantwell and 29 challengers". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
- "Election Search Results - Elections & Voting - WA Secretary of State".