The 1974 United States Senate election in California was held on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democrat Alan Cranston defeated Republican nominee H. L. Richardson with 60.52% of the vote.
Primary elections were held on June 4, 1974. In the general election, only Inyo County voted Republican. As of 2025, this was the last time Orange County voted Democratic in a Senate election contested by both political parties.
Democratic primary Candidates Alan Cranston, incumbent United States Senator Howard L. Gifford Frank Kacsinta
Results
Republican primary Candidates H. L. Richardson, State Senator from Pasadena Earl Brian, California Secretary of Health and Welfare James E. Johnson William H. Reinholz Thomas A. Malatesta
Results
General election Candidates Alan Cranston, incumbent United States Senator (Democratic) Gayle M. Justice (Peace and Freedom) Jack McCoy (American Independent) H. L. Richardson, State Senator from Pasadena (Republican)
Results
Notes
References