Results of the elections: Democratic gain Democratic hold Republican gain Republican hold No electionRectangular inset (Oregon): both seats up for election
The 1944 United States Senate elections coincided with the re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to his fourth term as president. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and three special elections were held to fill vacancies.
The Democrats retained their large majority, although they lost a net of one seat to the Republicans. Republicans won open seats in Indiana, New Jersey, and Missouri, and defeated an incumbent in Iowa. However, Democrats defeated incumbents in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota. The Democratic majority was further reduced to 56-39-1 throughout mid-term appointments.
Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives[1]
Gains, losses, and holds
Retirements
One Republican retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term, one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term, one Democrat retired instead of seeking election to finish the unexpired term and election to a full term and two Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.
Incumbent retired to become Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals. New senator elected. Democratic hold. Incumbent resigned November 13, 1944, and winner was appointed December 14 to finish the term.
There were 2 elections in Indiana, due to the January 25, 1944, death of Democrat Frederick Van Nuys.
Democrat Samuel D. Jackson was appointed to continue the term, pending a special election. Republican William E. Jenner won the special election to finish the term, and Republican Homer E. Capehart won the general election to the next term.
The Socialist Labor state convention met on April 2 at the Cornish Arms Hotel, the corner of Eighth Avenue and Twenty-eighth Street, in New York City. They nominated Eric Hass for the U.S. Senate.[3] At that time, the party used the name "Industrial Government Party" on the ballot, but was also referred to as the "Industrial Labor Party".
The Liberal Party was organized by a state convention with about 1,100 delegates who met on May 19 and 20 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. They endorsed the incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner for re-election.[4] The party filed a petition to nominate candidates which was allowed by Secretary of State Curran on August 25.[5]
The Republican State Committee met on August 8 at Albany, New York. They nominated Secretary of State Thomas J. Curran for the U.S. Senate.[6]
The Democratic State Committee met on August 8 at the National Democratic Club at 233, Madison Avenue in New York City. They re-nominated the incumbent U.S. Senator Robert F. Wagner.[7]
The American Labor state convention met on August 10. They endorsed the Democratic nominee Wagner.[8]
The Democratic/American Labor/Liberal ticket was elected and incumbent Wagner was re-elected.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Elbert D. Thomas won a third term. As of 2024, this is the last time that a Democrat was elected to Utah's class 3 Senate seat.
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