United States Senate elections, 2010

United States Senate elections, 2010

November 2, 2010

34 of the 100 seats of the U.S. Senate, plus 3 two mid-term vacancies 51 seats needed for a majority   Majority party Minority party   Leader Harry Reid Mitch McConnell Party Democratic Republican Leader's seat Nevada Kentucky Seats before 57 41 Seats after 51 47 Seat change 6 6 Popular vote 29,110,733[1] 32,680,704 Percentage 44.0% 49.4% Swing 7.9% 4.9% Seats up 19 18   Third party   Party Independent Seats before 2[Note 1] Seats after 2[Note 1] Seat change Seats up 0

Democratic hold   Republican gain   Republican hold 1 2 Both Independents caucus with the Democrats.

Majority Leader before election Harry Reid Democratic Elected Majority Leader Harry Reid Democratic

Elections to the United States Senate were held on November 2, 2010 for 37 of the United States Senate's 100 seats. (A special election on January 19, 2010 in Massachusetts was held earlier in the year.) Thirty-four of the elections were for six-year terms to the Senate's "class three", while the other three elections were special elections for shorter terms. Of the 37 elections, 19 featured incumbent Democrats (7 of whom retired or were defeated in the primary) and 18 featured incumbent Republicans (eight of whom retired or were defeated in the primary).

After the previous elections (in 2008), the Senate was composed of 58 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and 2 independents who caucused with the Democrats.

Republicans won four seats held by retiring Democrats and Republicans defeated two incumbent Democrats, for a total gain of six seats. This was the largest number of Republicans gains since the 1994 elections and also the first time since that election that Republicans successfully defended all of their own seats. This was the fourth consecutive election of "class 3" senators where Democrats failed to gain seats and the third consecutive mid-term election held in a president's first term where Republicans picked up seats.

Despite Republican gains, the Democrats retained a majority of the Senate with 51 seats plus 2 independents who caucused with them, compared to a total of 47 Republican-held seats.

Overview

Retiring senators

Twelve incumbents chose not to run for re-election.

Democrats (6)	Republicans (6)
Christopher Dodd Ted Kaufman (special election) Roland Burris (special & general election) Evan Bayh Byron Dorgan Carte Goodwin (special election)	George LeMieux Sam Brownback Jim Bunning Kit Bond Judd Gregg George Voinovich

Incumbents seeking re-election

Twenty-five incumbents sought re-election.

Democrats (13)	Republicans (12)
Arkansas — Blanche Lincoln California — Barbara Boxer Colorado — Michael Bennet (special & general election) Hawaii — Daniel Inouye Maryland — Barbara Mikulski Nevada — Harry Reid New York — Charles Schumer New York — Kirsten Gillibrand (special election) Oregon — Ron Wyden Pennsylvania — Arlen Specter Vermont — Patrick Leahy Washington — Patty Murray Wisconsin — Russ Feingold	Alabama — Richard Shelby Alaska — Lisa Murkowski Arizona — John McCain Georgia — Johnny Isakson Idaho — Mike Crapo Iowa — Chuck Grassley Louisiana — David Vitter North Carolina — Richard Burr Oklahoma — Tom Coburn South Carolina — Jim DeMint South Dakota — John Thune Utah — Bob Bennett

Results summary

Shading indicates party with largest share of that line.

↓

51	2	47
Democratic	I	Republican

Parties									Total
		Democratic	Republican	Independent	Libertarian	Green	Constitution	Others
Before these elections		57	41	2ID	—	—	—	—	100
Not Up	Total	38	23	2ID	—	—	—	—	63
	Class 1 (2006→2012)	22	9	2ID	—	—	—	—	33
	Class 2 (2008→2014)	19A	15	—	—	—	—	—	34
Up	Total	19	18	—	—	—	—	—	37
	Class 1 Appointees	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	2
	Class 2 Appointees	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	1
	Class 3 Appointees	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	2
	Class 3	16	18	—	—	—	—	—	34
Incumbent retired	Total	6	6	—	—	—	—	—	12
	Held by same party	3	6	—	—	—	—	—	9
	Replaced by other party	3 Democrats replaced by 3 Republicans	—	—	—	—	—	6
	Result	3	9	—	—	—	—	—	12
Incumbent ran	Total	13A	12	—	—	—	—	—	25
	Renominated and won re-election	8A	10	—	—	—	—	—	20
	Renominated but lost re-election	2 Democrats replaced by 2 Republicans	—	—	—	—	—	2
	Lost renomination but won re-election	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	1
	Lost renomination but party held	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	1
	Lost renomination and party lost	1 Democrat replaced by 1 Republican	—	—	—	—	—	1
	Result	10A	15	—	—	—	—	—	25
Total held		13A	18	—	—	—	—	—	31
Net gain/loss		6	6	—	—	—	—	—	6
Total elected		13A	24	—	—	—	—	—	37
Nationwide vote	Votes	29,110,733	32,680,704	147,645	755,812	516,517	172,435	2,807,291	66,191,137
	Share	43.98%	49.37%	0.22%	1.14%	0.78%	0.26%	4.24%	100%
Result		51	47	2ID	—	—	—	—	100
End of this Congress		56	42	2ID	—	—	—	—	100

^A Includes two incumbent appointees who won elections to finish their term or to the next full term.

^ID The two Independents joined with the Democrats in their caucus.

Source: The Green Papers 2010 U.S. Senate Popular Vote and FEC Total Receipts by Party

Change in composition

Before the elections

I1	I2	D1	D2	D3	D4	D5	D6	D7	D8
D18	D17	D16	D15	D14	D13	D12	D11	D10	D9
D19	D20	D21	D22	D23	D24	D25	D26	D27	D28
D38	D37	D36	D35	D34	D33	D32	D31	D30	D29
D39	D40	D41	D42	D43	D44	D45	D46	D47	D48
Majority→
R41	D57	D56	D55	D54	D53	D52	D51	D50	D49
R40	R39	R38	R37	R36	R35	R34	R33	R32	R31
R21	R22	R23	R24	R25	R26	R27	R28	R29	R30
R20	R19	R18	R17	R16	R15	R14	R13	R12	R11
R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	R7	R8	R9	R10

After the elections and before the beginning of the 112th Congress

I1 I2 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D18 D17 D16 D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9 D19 D20 D21 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 D27 D28 D38 D37 D36 D35 D34 D33 D32 D31 D30 D29 D39 D40 D41 D42 D43 D44 D45 D46 D47 Re-elected D48 Re-elected Majority→ R41 R42 Gain D56 D55 D54 D53 D52 D51 D50 D49 Hold R40 R39 R38 R37 R36 R35 R34 R33 R32 R31 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28 R29 R30 R20 R19 R18 R17 R16 R15 R14 R13 R12 R11 R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10

Note: Four senators were elected in special elections to serve through the end of the 111th Congress. Two of those four simultaneously ran in general elections, held contemporaneously with their special elections, and both won so they therefore began new terms with the new class of senators at the beginning of the 112th Congress. R42 (Illinois seat): The Democratic appointee retired and a Republican won. The winner was seated November 29, 2010, and began a new term with the following (112th) Congress. D49 (Delaware seat): The Democratic appointee retired and a new Democrat won. The winner was seated November 15, 2010. This term lasted through the end of the following (112th) Congress. D48 (Colorado seat): The Democratic appointee ran and was elected. The incumbent was already seated, and began a new term with the following (112th) Congress. D47 (New York seat): The Democratic appointee ran and was elected. The incumbent was already seated. This term lasted through the end of the following (112th) Congress.

At the beginning of the 112th Congress

I1	I2	D1	D2	D3	D4	D5	D6	D7	D8
D18	D17	D16	D15	D14	D13	D12	D11	D10	D9
D19	D20	D21	D22	D23	D24	D25	D26	D27	D28
D38	D37	D36	D35	D34	D33	D32	D31	D30	D29
D39 Re-elected	D40 Re-elected	D41 Re-elected	D42 Re-elected	D43 Re-elected	D44 Re-elected	D45 Re-elected	D46 Re-elected	D47 Re-elected	D48 Re-elected
Majority→
R41 Hold	R42 Gain	R43 Gain	R44 Gain	R45 Gain	R46 Gain	R47 Gain	D51 Hold	D50 Hold	D49 Hold
R40 Hold	R39 Hold	R38 Hold	R37 Hold	R36 Hold	R35 Hold	R34 Re-elected	R33 Re-elected	R32 Re-elected	R31 Re-elected
R21	R22	R23	R24 Re-elected	R25 Re-elected	R26 Re-elected	R27 Re-elected	R28 Re-elected	R29 Re-elected	R30 Re-elected
R20	R19	R18	R17	R16	R15	R14	R13	R12	R11
R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	R7	R8	R9	R10

Key:	D# =Democratic R# =Republican I# =Independent, caucused with Democrats

Summary of contests

Special elections during the preceding Congress

In these special elections, the winner was seated before the next term began on January 3, 2011; ordered by election date.

State	Incumbent			Results	Candidates
	Senator	Party	Electoral history
Massachusetts (Class 1)	Paul Kirk	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee retired. Winner elected January 19, 2010 to finish term ending January 3, 2013. Republican gain.	√ Scott Brown (Republican) 51.9% Martha Coakley (Democratic) 47.1% Joseph L. Kennedy (Libertarian) 1.0%
Colorado (Class 3)	Michael Bennet	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee elected November 2, 2010 to finish term ending January 3, 2011. Winner also elected to next full term, see below.	√ Michael Bennet (Democratic) 47.7% Ken Buck (Republican) 46.8% Bob Kinsey (Green) 2.2% Maclyn Stringer (Libertarian) 1.3%
Delaware (Class 2)	Ted Kaufman	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee retired. Winner elected November 2, 2010 to finish term ending January 3, 2015. Democratic hold.	√ Chris Coons (Democratic) 56.6% Christine O'Donnell (Republican) 40.0% Glenn Miller (Independent) 2.7% James Rash (Libertarian) 0.7%
Illinois (Class 3)	Roland Burris	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee retired. Winner elected November 2, 2010 to finish term ending January 3, 2011. Winner also elected to next term, see below. Republican gain.	√ Mark Kirk (Republican) 48.2% Alexi Giannoulias (Democratic) 46.3% LeAlan Jones (Green) 3.2% Mike Labino (Libertarian) 2.4%
New York (Class 1)	Kirsten Gillibrand	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee elected November 2, 2010 to finish term ending January 3, 2013.	√ Kirsten Gillibrand (Democratic) 62.0% Joseph DioGuardi (Republican) 35.8% Cecile Lawrence (Green) 0.8 Joseph Huff (Independent) 0.5%
West Virginia (Class 1)	Carte Goodwin	Democratic	2010 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee retired. Winner elected November 2, 2010 to finish term ending January 3, 2013. Democratic hold.	√ Joe Manchin (Democratic) 53.5% John Raese (Republican) 43.4% Jesse Johnson (Mountain) 1.9% Jeff Becker (Constitution) 1.2%

Races leading to the next Congress

Source: http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/results/senate

State (Links to individual elections, below)	Incumbent			Results	Candidates
	Senator	Party (Links to state party articles)	Electoral history
Alabama	Richard Shelby	Republican	1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Richard Shelby (Republican) 65.3% William G. Barnes (Democratic) 34.7%
Alaska	Lisa Murkowski	Republican	2002 (Appointed) 2004	Incumbent lost renomination, but re-elected as write-in candidate.	√ Lisa Murkowski (Republican) (Write-in) 39.5% Joe Miller (Republican) 35.5% Scott McAdams (Democratic) 23.5%
Arizona	John McCain	Republican	1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ John McCain (Republican) 59.2% Rodney Glassman (Democratic) 34.7% David Nolan (Libertarian) 4.7% Jerry Joslyn (Green) 1.4%
Arkansas	Blanche Lincoln	Democratic	1998 2004	Incumbent lost re-election Republican gain.	√ John Boozman (Republican) 58.0% Blanche Lincoln (Democratic) 36.9% Trevor Drown (Independent) 3.3% John Gray (Green) 1.9%
California	Barbara Boxer	Democratic	1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Barbara Boxer (Democratic) 52.1% Carly Fiorina (Republican) 42.5% Gail Lightfoot (Libertarian) 1.8% Marsha Feinland (P&F) 1.3% Edward Noonan (AIP) 1.3% Duane Roberts (G) 1.2%
Colorado	Michael Bennet	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee elected to the next term. Winner was also elected to finish the term ending January 3, 2011, see above.	√ Michael Bennet (Democratic) 47.7% Ken Buck (Republican) 46.8% Bob Kinsey (Green) 2.2% Maclyn Stringer (Libertarian) 1.3%
Connecticut	Christopher Dodd	Democratic	1980 1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Democratic hold.	√ Richard Blumenthal (Democratic) 55.1% Linda McMahon (Republican) 43.3% Warren Mosler (Independent) 1.0% John Mertens (CfL) 0.6%
Florida	George LeMieux	Republican	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent retired. Republican hold.	√ Marco Rubio (Republican) 48.9% Charlie Crist (Independent) 29.7% Kendrick Meek (Democratic) 20.1% Alexander Snitker (Libertarian) 0.5%
Georgia	Johnny Isakson	Republican	2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Johnny Isakson (Republican) 58.1% Michael Thurmond (Democratic) 39.2% Chuck Donovan (Libertarian) 2.7%
Hawaii	Daniel Inouye	Democratic	1962 1968 1974 1980 1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Daniel Inouye (Democratic) 74.8% Campbell Cavasso (Republican) 21.6% James Brewer (Green) 2.1% Jeff Mallan (Libertarian) 0.8%
Idaho	Mike Crapo	Republican	1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Mike Crapo (Republican) 71.1% Tom Sullivan (Democratic) 25.0% Randy Bergquist (Constitution) 3.9%
Illinois	Roland Burris	Democratic	2009 (Appointed)	Incumbent appointee retired. Winner also elected to finish term ending January 3, 2011, see above. Republican gain.	√ Mark Kirk (Republican) 48.2% Alexi Giannoulias (Democratic) 46.3% LeAlan Jones (Green) 3.2% Mike Labino (Libertarian) 2.4%
Indiana	Evan Bayh	Democratic	1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican gain.	√ Dan Coats (Republican) 56.4% Brad Ellsworth (Democratic) 38.1% Rebecca Sink-Burris (Libertarian) 5.4%
Iowa	Chuck Grassley	Republican	1980 1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Chuck Grassley (Republican) 64.5% Roxanne Conlin (Democratic) 33.2% John Heiderscheit (Libertarian) 2.3%
Kansas	Sam Brownback	Republican	1996 (Special) 1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican hold.	√ Jerry Moran (Republican) 70.3% Lisa Johnston (Democratic) 26.2% Michael Dann (Libertarian) 2.1% Joe Bellis (Reform) 1.4%
Kentucky	Jim Bunning	Republican	1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican hold.	√ Rand Paul (Republican) 55.8% Jack Conway (Democratic) 44.2%
Louisiana	David Vitter	Republican	2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ David Vitter (Republican) 56.6% Charles Melancon (Democratic) 37.7% Randall Hayes (Libertarian) 1.1% Michael Brown (Independent) 0.8%
Maryland	Barbara Mikulski	Democratic	1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Barbara Mikulski (Democratic) 61.8% Eric Wargotz (Republican) 36.3% Kenniss Henry (Green) 1.1% Richard Shawver (Constitution) 0.8%
Missouri	Kit Bond	Republican	1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican hold.	√ Roy Blunt (Republican) 54.3% Robin Carnahan (Democratic) 40.6% Jonathan Dine (Libertarian) 3.0% Jerry Beck (Constitution) 2.1%
Nevada	Harry Reid	Democratic	1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Harry Reid (Democratic) 50.2% Sharron Angle (Republican) 44.6% None of These Candidates 2.2% Scott Ashjian (Tea) 0.8%
New Hampshire	Judd Gregg	Republican	1992 1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican hold.	√ Kelly Ayotte (Republican) 60.2% Paul Hodes (Democratic) 36.7% Chris Booth (Independent) 2.0% Ken Blevens (Libertarian) 1.0%
New York	Chuck Schumer	Democratic	1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Chuck Schumer (Democratic) 65.4% Jay Townsend (Republican) 33.0% Colia Clark (Green) 1.0% Randy Credico (Libertarian) 0.6%
North Carolina	Richard Burr	Republican	2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Richard Burr (Republican) 55.0% Elaine Marshall (Democratic) 42.9% Mike Beitler (Libertarian) 2.1%
North Dakota	Byron Dorgan	Democratic-NPL	1992 1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican gain.	√ John Hoeven (Republican) 76.2% Tracy Potter (Democratic) 22.2% Keith Hanson (Libertarian) 1.6%
Ohio	George Voinovich	Republican	1998 2004	Incumbent retired. Republican hold.	√ Rob Portman (Republican) 57.3% Lee Fisher (Democratic) 39.0% Eric Deaton (Constitution) 1.7% Michael Pryce (Independent) 1.3%
Oklahoma	Tom Coburn	Republican	2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Tom Coburn (Republican) 70.5% Jim Rogers (Democratic) 26.1% Stephen Wallace (Independent) 2.5% Ronald Dwyer (Independent) 0.9%
Oregon	Ron Wyden	Democratic	1996 (Special) 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Ron Wyden (Democratic) 57.2% Jim Huffman (Republican) 39.4% Bruce Cronk (W.F.) 1.3% Marc Delphine (Libertarian) 1.1% Rick Staggenborg (Progressive) 1.0%
Pennsylvania	Arlen Specter	Democratic	1980 1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent lost renomination Republican gain.	√ Pat Toomey (Republican) 51.01% Joe Sestak (Democratic) 48.99%
South Carolina	Jim DeMint	Republican	2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Jim DeMint (Republican) 62.4% Alvin Greene (Democratic) 28.2% Tom Clements (Green) 9.4%
South Dakota	John Thune	Republican	2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ John Thune (Republican) Unopposed
Utah	Bob Bennett	Republican	1992 1998 2004	Incumbent lost renomination Republican hold.	√ Mike Lee (Republican) 61.6% Sam Granato (Democratic) 32.8% Scott Bradley (Constitution) 5.7%
Vermont	Patrick Leahy	Democratic	1974 1980 1986 1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Patrick Leahy (Democratic) 64.4% Len Britton (Republican) 30.9% Daniel Freilich (Independent) 1.5% Cris Ericson (Independent) 1.1% Stephen Cain (Independent) 1.0%
Washington	Patty Murray	Democratic	1992 1998 2004	Incumbent re-elected.	√ Patty Murray (Democratic) 52.4% Dino Rossi (Republican) 47.6%
Wisconsin	Russ Feingold	Democratic	1992 1998 2004	Incumbent lost re-election Republican gain.	√ Ron Johnson (Republican) 51.9% Russ Feingold (Democratic) 47.0% Rob Taylor (Constitution) 1.1%

Complete list of races

Note: A special election for a 38th seat was held in Massachusetts on January 19, 2010, and is not otherwise covered in this article.

Of the seats with retiring Democrats, three seats were kept by Democrats, and three were won by Republicans.

Of the seats with Democratic incumbents running for re-election, eight Democrats were re-elected, one appointee was elected to finish her term, and one appointee was elected to the next full term. Two lost re-election. One lost renomination and his seat was subsequently won by a Republican.

Of the seats with retiring Republicans, all six were replaced by Republicans.

Of the seats with Republicans incumbents running for re-election, eleven Republicans won re-election. One Republican lost renomination, but the seat was re-elected as a write-in.

Alabama

Four-term incumbent Republican Richard Shelby, a former Democrat who had switched parties in 1994 when Republicans took control of Congress, was re-elected with 68% of the vote in 2004.^[2] The Democratic nominee was William Barnes, a lawyer and Vietnam veteran. Shelby won re-election with 65.2% of the vote.

Alaska

Incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski, who was appointed in 2002 by Governor Frank Murkowski (her father), was elected to a full term in 2004 with 48.6% of the vote,^[3] sought re-election with fundraising aid from former Governor Sarah Palin.^[4] In the 2008 Senate election, Democrat Mark Begich beat incumbent Republican Ted Stevens by a narrow margin, due to an ethics scandal. However, despite earlier fundraising for Murkowski, Palin endorsed and supported Joe Miller instead of Murkowski in the Republican primary. Miller defeated Murkowski in the close primary contest.^[5] Sitka Mayor Scott McAdams was the Democratic nominee. Murkowski then ran a write-in campaign against both Miller and McAdams,^[6] remaining a Republican, not running as an Independent.^[7] Murkowski was re-elected with 39.5% of the votes. These results were contested by Miller; he dropped his suit in December 2010 and Murkowski's victory was certified on December 30, 2010.^[8]

Arizona

2008 Republican presidential nominee and four-term incumbent Republican John McCain had been re-elected with 77% of the vote in 2004.^[9] In the Republican primary, McCain defeated two opponents: former U.S. Representative J.D. Hayworth and U.S. Navy veteran and businessman Jim Deakin. Rodney Glassman, former Vice-Mayor of Tucson took the Democratic nomination.^[10][11] John McCain won re-election with 58.7% of the vote.

Arkansas

Two-term incumbent Democrat Blanche Lincoln had been re-elected with 56% in 2004.^[12] Lincoln sought re-election and received a tough primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter^[13] who raised more than $1 million in his first 48 hours.^[14] In the primary, Lincoln finished with less than a majority and faced a runoff with Halter. On June 8, Lincoln won the runoff by a 52% to 48% margin.^[15] In the GOP primary, Congressman John Boozman of Arkansas's 3rd congressional district based in northwest Arkansas won a majority to become the Republican nominee.^[16] Former Green Beret Trevor Drown, subsequently a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pope and Van Buren counties, ran as a Libertarian,^[17] and Mayor John Gray of Greenland ran for the Green Party.^[18] John Boozman won the general election with 57.9% of the vote.

California

Three-term incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer had been re-elected with 58% in 2004.^[19] The last time California elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate was in 1988, when Pete Wilson won a second term. He resigned in 1991 upon being elected governor, and the state has since had both its Senate seats occupied by Democrats. Boxer won the Democratic Senate primary on June 8 with 80% and Boxer faced a tough challenge in the general election from Republican businesswoman Carly Fiorina,^[20] a former Hewlett-Packard CEO who defeated State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, as well as former Congressman Tom Campbell, for the GOP nomination. Donald J. "Don" Grundmann was nominated by the American Independent Party,^[21] and Jerry L. Carroll ran as an independent.^[22] Barbara Boxer won re-election with 52.2% of the vote to Fiorina's 42.2%.

Colorado

Following the resignation of one-term U.S. Senator Ken Salazar (D) to become U.S. Secretary of the Interior,^[23] Governor Bill Ritter selected Michael Bennet, the former Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to fill Salazar's seat for the remainder of his term.^[24] Both Democrats and Republicans had close fights in their primaries, with Bennet winning the Democratic nomination despite his opponent's receiving prominent support from Bill Clinton.^[25] Andrew Romanoff received the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton while Bennet has been endorsed by President Obama. Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck^[26] won the GOP nomination over former Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton. Michael Bennet won the general election by a plurality, with 48.1% of the vote.

Connecticut

Five-term incumbent Democrat Christopher Dodd was re-elected with 66% of the vote in 2004.^[27] Dodd announced, on January 6, 2010, his intention not to run for re-election.^[28] State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal ran as a Democrat, which was expected to improve the Democrats' chances for keeping the seat in the general election,^[29] until revelations emerged that he had exaggerated his military record. Former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment Linda McMahon won the GOP primary.^[30] Blumenthal won the general election with 55.1% of the vote.

Delaware

Ted Kaufman was appointed to continue Joe Biden's term. In 2008, Biden had been simultaneously re-elected and elected Vice President. Biden began his seventh term on January 3, 2009,^[31] and he resigned January 15, 2009. Democrat Ted Kaufman, Biden's former chief of staff, was appointed to replace Biden. A special election for the remainder of Biden's term, which expires on January 3, 2015, was held in 2010. Kaufman announced that he would not be a candidate in the special election.^[32] The seat will be up for election again in 2014 for a full six-year term. Biden's 2008 opponent, Republican Christine O'Donnell, won an upset primary victory on September 14, 2010 against Representative Mike Castle by 6%.^[33] Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden, the incumbent Delaware Attorney General who returned in 2009 from serving in Iraq with the Delaware National Guard, declined to run for the Democratic nomination,^[34] New Castle County Executive Chris Coons won the Democratic nomination. Libertarian Jim Rash also ran.^[35] The race had been leaning Republican until O'Donnell upset Castle in the Republican primary election.^[36] Chris Coons won the special election with 56.6% of the vote.

Florida

Republican Senator Mel Martinez resigned from this seat on September 9, 2009. Governor Charlie Crist appointed George LeMieux to finish Martinez's term.^[37] LeMieux did not seek election to the full term in 2010.^[38] Crist ran against former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio for the Republican nomination, but Crist later decided to run as an independent.^[39][40] The initial polls taken after Crist's announcement showed him leading both Rubio and either Democratic candidate. Later polling showed Rubio taking a lead of more than 50%. Rubio beat nine other Republicans for the nomination. Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek of Florida's 17th congressional district won the Democratic nomination beating several other Democrats including real estate executive Jeff Greene.^[41] Marco Rubio won the general election with a 48.9% plurality.

Georgia

One-term incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson was elected with 58% of the vote in 2004.^[42] Isakson won renomination unopposed.^[43] Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond was the Democratic nominee. Isakson won re-election with 58.1% of the vote.

Hawaii

Eight-term incumbent Democrat Daniel Inouye had been re-elected with 76% in 2004^[44] and announced he would seek re-election.^[45] Daniel Inouye won re-election with 75% of the vote.

Idaho

Two-term incumbent Republican Mike Crapo was reelected against only token write-in opposition in 2004.^[46] The Democratic nominee in 2010 was Tom Sullivan and the Constitution Party nominee was Randy Lynn Bergquist. Crapo won re-election with 71.1% of the vote.

Illinois

Roland Burris was appointed to continue Barack Obama's term, and he did not seek re-election in 2010. The election featured both a special election to finish the term ending January 3, 2011, and a general election to begin that day. Candidates included Democratic State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Republican congressman Mark Kirk, Green party journalist LeAlan Jones and Libertarian Michael Labno.^[47] Also running as a write-in candidate was Independent Conservative Robert L. "Bob" Zadek. Mark Kirk won the general election with 48.4% of the vote.

Indiana

Evan Bayh, two-term incumbent Democratic senator and former two-term Governor of Indiana, announced that he wouldn't seek re-election.^[48] U.S. Representative Brad Ellsworth of Indiana's 8th congressional district was the Democratic nominee.^[49] Lobbyist and former U.S. Senator Dan Coats was the Republican nominee.^[50] Running under the Libertarian Party was Rebecca Sink-Burris, a former teacher from Bloomington, Indiana. Two independents attempted to make the ballot for the general election: Don Harris^[51] and Timothy Frye.^[52] Dan Coats won the general election with 54.6% of the vote.

Iowa

Five-term incumbent Republican Chuck Grassley was re-elected with 70% in 2004. Grassley ran for re-election and was renominated. Former U.S. Attorney Roxanne Conlin^[53] won the Democratic nomination.^[54] Grassley won re-election with 64.4% of the vote.

Kansas

Two-term incumbent Republican Sam Brownback retired and ran for Governor of Kansas.^[55] Republican Jerry Moran of Kansas's 1st congressional district^[56] narrowly won the GOP primary against Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Kansas's 4th congressional district.^[57] Baker University Assistant Dean Lisa Johnston was the Democratic nominee and Joe Bellis^[58] ran as the Reform Party candidate. Jerry Moran won the general election with 70.3% of the vote.

Kentucky

Two-term incumbent Republican Jim Bunning had been narrowly re-elected (51-49%) in 2004 against his Democratic opponent, then-State Senator Daniel Mongiardo.^[59] Bunning had intended to run for re-election, but state Republican leaders were not supportive.^[60] On July 27, 2009, Bunning announced that he would retire.^[61] In the primary elections, Republican physician Rand Paul, son of libertarian-leaning U.S. Representative and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-Texas), defeated Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson despite Grayson's support by Kentucky's Senior Senator and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.^[62][63] Democratic Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway was nominated in his primary over Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo. Rand Paul won the general election with 55.7% of the vote.

Louisiana

One-term incumbent Republican David Vitter was elected with 51% in 2004,^[64] overcoming Louisiana's jungle primary system. Vitter sought re-election in 2010,^[65] despite being involved in a prostitution scandal.^[66] Congressman Charles Melancon of Louisiana's 3rd congressional district was the Democratic nominee. Vitter won re-election with 56.6% of the vote.

Maryland

Four-term incumbent Democrat Barbara Mikulski had been re-elected with 65% in 2004.^[67] Mikulski faced nominal competition in her primary and was easily renominated. Eleven Republicans dueled for the nomination including Eric Wargotz, president of the Queen Anne's County Commission,.^[68] Wargotz won the GOP nomination, joining Richard Shawver (Constitution) and Kenniss Henry (Green). Barbara Mikulski won re-election with 62.2%.

Missouri

Four-term incumbent Republican Kit Bond was re-elected with 56% in 2004, and this time he did not seek re-election.^[69] Congressman Roy Blunt, the former House Majority Whip from Missouri's 7th congressional district, won the Republican nomination beating 10 other Republicans. Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan beat two other candidates for her party's nomination. Midge Potts^[70] was the nominee of the Progressive Party of Missouri. The Constitution Party of Missouri had three candidates, and it nominated Jerry Beck.^[71] The Libertarian Party had two candidates, and it nominated Jonathan Dine.^[72] Glenn Miller sought election as a write-in candidate.^[73] Roy Blunt won the general election with 54.3% of the vote.

Nevada

Four-term incumbent and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was re-elected with 61% in 2004.^[44] As Reid began his re-election bid,^[74] he was considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the 2010 election cycle. He faced a tough challenge in the general election from former State Assemblywoman Sharron Angle, who received much support and enthusiasm from the Tea Party and who defeated Nevada Republican Party chairperson Sue Lowden for the GOP nomination. Harry Reid won re-election, 50.3% to Angle's 44.5%.

New Hampshire

Three-term incumbent Republican Judd Gregg was re-elected in 2004 with 66%.^[75] Gregg did not seek re-election in 2010.^[76] The only Democratic candidate was Congressman Paul Hodes of New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district.^[77] Republican State Attorney General Kelly Ayotte won the Republican nomination narrowly beating Ovide Lamontagne^[78] Self-employed realtor and perennial candidate Kenneth Blevens ran as the Libertarian.^[79] Kelly Ayotte won the general election with 60.2% of the vote.

New York

Two-term incumbent Democrat Chuck Schumer had been re-elected with 71% in 2004.^[80][81] Chuck Schumer won re-election with 66% of the vote.

New York

Incumbent Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand had been appointed on January 23, 2009 by the Governor, after then-Senator Hillary Clinton resigned to become U.S. Secretary of State.^[82] The appointment lasted until this special election, the winner of which will serve to the end of the term in January 2013.^[83] Gillibrand won the primary against attorney Gail Goode by a margin of three-to-one. In the Republican primary, former Congressman Joe DioGuardi ^[84] beat two strong challengers for the GOP nomination. Kirsten Gillibrand won the special election with 62.0%.

North Carolina

One-term incumbent Republican Richard Burr was elected with 52% in 2004.^[85] Burr sought re-election and won his party's nomination.^[86] Secretary of State Elaine Marshall secured the Democratic nomination. Michael Beitler ran as the Libertarian candidate.^[87] Burr won re-election with 54.8% of the vote.

North Dakota

Incumbent Democrat Byron Dorgan announced on January 5, 2010 that he would not seek re-election in 2010.^[88][89] In 2004, he won with 68%. Independent Ralph Nader received 1.32% in North Dakota. State Senator Tracy Potter was the only Democrat to run for the nomination,^[90] and he won the Democratic primary election with no competition. Republican former Governor John Hoeven ran^[91] and won the Republican nomination at the state primary convention on March 22. Keith Hanson ran as a Libertarian.^[92] John Hoeven won the general election with 76.2% of the vote.

Ohio

Two-term incumbent Republican George Voinovich was re-elected with 64% in 2004. Voinovich did not seek re-election in 2010.^[93][94] Republicans nominated Rob Portman, former Congressman, U.S. Trade Representative, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director and the Democrats nominated Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher. Eric Deaton, a field service engineer with General Electric, ran as the Constitution Party candidate and Dan La Botz was nominated by the Socialist Party of Ohio, a state-affiliate of the Socialist Party USA.^[95] Rob Portman won the general election with 57.3%.

Oklahoma

One-term incumbent Republican Tom Coburn was elected with 53% in 2004.^[96] Coburn announced that he would be running for a second and final term.^[97] Former Republican Party activist Stephen Wallace challenged Coburn as an independent, and the mysterious Jim Rogers won the Democratic nomination without actually campaigning. Coburn won re-election with 70.64%.

Oregon

Two-term incumbent Democrat Ron Wyden had been re-elected with 64% in 2004. Wyden easily won the Democratic primary nomination, and faced law professor Republican Jim Huffman, in the general election.^[98] Ron Wyden won re-election with 57.3% of the vote.

Pennsylvania

Five-term incumbent Democrat Arlen Specter had been re-elected in 2004 as a Republican by a 53% to 42% margin.^[99] On April 28, 2009, Specter announced that he would leave the Republican Party and seek a sixth term in 2010 as a Democrat.^[100] Based on polling, the 2004 primary results and a smaller, more conservative Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate, Specter judged that he would lose the Republican primary, and since Pennsylvania law would bar him from running as an independent under such circumstances, he switched parties in 2009 in anticipation of this election. He lost the Democratic primary, however, to retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and then-U.S. Representative Joe Sestak of Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district, despite Specter's support from the Democratic establishment.^[101] On the Republican side, former U.S. Representative and former President of the Club for Growth Pat Toomey, who came within 1.7% of defeating Specter in the 2004 GOP primary, easily won the GOP nomination. Pat Toomey won the general election with 51.0% of the vote.

South Carolina

Incumbent Republican Jim DeMint was elected with 54% in 2004.^[102] DeMint raised $2.2 million for his intended reelection bid.^[103] DeMint was easily renominated. He stated in July 2009 that the defeat of health care reform would be Obama's Waterloo. In a surprise, unemployed military veteran Alvin Greene won the Democratic primary. Greene reported no fundraising by mid-October and made few campaign appearances. Tom Clements ran as the candidate of the Green Party. DeMint won re-election with 61.48%.

South Dakota

One-term incumbent Republican John Thune was elected with 51% in 2004, ousting former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.^[104] Thune ran unopposed and was re-elected.

Utah

Three-term incumbent Republican Bob Bennett was re-elected with 69% in 2004.^[105] Bennett lost renomination, and the GOP nominated Mike Lee, who faced Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Chairman, Democrat Sam Granato, in the general election.^[106][107] Lee won the general election with 61.6% of the vote.

Vermont

Six-term incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy was re-elected with 71% in 2004.^[108] Leahy easily fended off a primary challenge and went on to the general election against Republican Len Britton. Leahy won re-election with 64.4% of the vote.

Washington

Three-term incumbent Democrat Patty Murray was re-elected with 55% in 2004.^[109] Republican Dino Rossi, who narrowly lost the 2004 and 2008 gubernatorial elections, ran as a Republican. Murray and Rossi advanced to the general election, taking the top two spots in the blanket primary. Patty Murray won re-election with 52.4% of the vote.

West Virginia

Senator Robert Byrd (D) died on June 28, 2010. Democratic Governor Joe Manchin appointed Carte Goodwin to serve until the special election. Goodwin announced that he would not run in the special election. Both parties held their primaries on August 28. Manchin ran^[110] against 95-year-old former representative and former Secretary of State Ken Hechler^[111] and 2008 Senate candidate Sheirl Fletcher.^[112] Manchin won the primary nomination with over 70% of the Democratic vote. 2006 Republican nominee against Robert Byrd, John Raese ran in the GOP primary.^[113] State Senator Clark Barnes was another potential candidate. Representative Shelley Moore Capito announced that she would not seek the seat. Raese won the Republican nomination with over 70% of that vote. Jesse Johnson ran as the Mountain Party's nominee. Joe Manchin won the special election with 53.5% of the vote.

Wisconsin

Three-term incumbent Democrat Russ Feingold had been re-elected with 55% in 2004.^[114] Ron Johnson, a Fox Valley millionaire businessman and political novice, was the Republican nominee. Rob Taylor ran as the Constitution Party nominee.^[115] Ron Johnson won the general election with 51.9% of the vote.

See also

• United States elections, 2010
  • United States House of Representatives elections, 2010
• 111th United States Congress
• 112th United States Congress

References

External links

• Party in Power - Shows which party controlled the Senate (as well as the House and Presidency) going back to 1945.
• Senate pickups - Contains a graph of how many Senate seats each party gained during each election from 1946–2008
• Candidates for U.S. Congress at Project Vote Smart
• U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com
• Congressional Races in 2010 from Open Secrets (campaign contributions)
• 2010 National Congressional Ballot from Pollster.com
• Senate Race Forecast in 2010 from Pollstered.com
• Election 2010: Senate Elections from Rasmussen Reports
• Florida Senate District 22
• Battle for the Senate from Real Clear Politics
• Senate Races in 2010 from CQ Politics