The 1976 United States Senate election in California took place on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator John V. Tunney ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Republican S. I. Hayakawa. As of 2024, this is the last time an incumbent Democratic Senator from California lost re-election.
Primary elections were held on June 8. Tunney survived a challenge from anti-war activist Tom Hayden, the husband of Jane Fonda. Hayakawa, a novice campaigner, won a surprise victory over seasoned political figures Robert H. Finch, Alphonzo Bell Jr., and John L. Harmer.
Democratic primary Candidates Lois T. Bodle Leslie W. "Les" Craven, nominee for U.S. Representative in California's 25th congressional district in 1970 and 1972 Howard L. Gifford, candidate for U.S. Senate in 1974 Tom Hayden, anti-war activist and husband of Jane Fonda Millard F. Slover Frank L. Thomas John V. Tunney, incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Wallach Ronald L. Williams
Results
Republican primary Candidates Alphonzo E. Bell Jr., U.S. Representative from Santa Monica Hannibal C. Burchette V, doctor and friend of Gerald Ford Robert H. Finch, former Lieutenant Governor of California, United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and advisor to President Richard Nixon John L. Harmer, State Senator S. I. Hayakawa, professor of semantics and president emeritus of San Francisco State University Henry Hill, Catholic activist Michael A. Hirt, lawyer Walter Hollywood Clyde F. Tracy, commercial artist James A. Ware, perennial candidate
Results
General election Results
See also 1976 United States Senate elections
References