The 1978 United States Senate election in Delaware was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democratic senator Joe Biden won re-election to a second term, defeating Republican challenger James H. Baxter Jr. in a landslide victory. This is the first of five elections in which Biden won all counties.
Republican primary The Republican Party primary was held on September 9, 1978. Venema was previously an independent before declaring himself a candidate in March 1978. Candidates Venema and Baxter were described by The Washington Post as being "two think-alike Reagan conservatives" but differed in terms of background and "personal style".
Candidates James H. Baxter Jr., Sussex County Recorder of Deeds James Allyn Venema, cardboard sign manufacturer, anti-desegregation busing activist, president of the Positive Action Committee and the National Association of Neighborhood Schools
Results
General election Candidates James H. Baxter Jr. (R), Sussex County Recorder of Deeds Joe Biden (D), incumbent Delaware Senator running for his first reelection Donald G. Gies (A), officer in the US Air Force Reserve
Results
County results CountyJoseph R. Biden Jr. DemocraticJames H. Baxter Jr. RepublicanDonald G. Gies AmericanTotal votes cast#%#%#%Kent12,86059.95%8,48539.95%1070.5%21,452New Castle66,25658.87%44,83439.84%1,4491.29%112,539Sussex14,81452.75%13,16046.86%1070.38%28,081Total93,93057.96%66,47941.02%1,6631.03%162,072
See also 1978 United States Senate elections
References