An election was held on November 8, 1966, to elect all 38 members of the Michigan Senate for the 74th Michigan Legislature. In the election, the Republicans won a 20–18 majority from what had been a Democratic majority.
The 1963 Michigan Constitution came into effect January 1964. As per the new constitution, the term length for state senators was increased from two years to four years. However, as stipulated by the state constitution, this expanded term length wasn't to take effect until 1966. This made the 1966 election the first to elect state senators for four-year terms in Michigan.
History In the 1964 general election, the Democrats won a 23–15 majority from what had been a Republican majority.
The 1966 state primary election was held on August 2. Four incumbents lost re-election, two Republicans and two Democrats. Dean of the state Senate, Republican Haskell L. Nichols was defeated by James D. Gray. Republican Don Potter was defeated by Harold W. Hungerford. Democrats Terry L. Troutt and Bernard F. O'Brien were defeated by William Faust and Arthur Cartwright, respectively.
The general election was held on November 8. Republicans won a 20–18 majority over the Democrats. Republicans ousted five Democratic incumbents: Edward J. Robinson, Carl W. O'Brien, Jan Vanderploeg, Roger Johnson, and Gerald R. Dunn. Following the election, the two parties re-elected their incumbent leaders. Emil Lockwood, who initially planned to retire as leader, was re-elected Republican leader to served as majority leader. Raymond D. Dzendzel was re-elected Democratic leader to serve as minority leader.
The state Senate was sworn in on January 11, 1967.
Results The following are the official results as printed in the 1967–1968 Michigan Manual. The official results purposefully excluded scattered write-in votes.
Statewide Party Candi-dates Votes Seats No. % No. +/– % Republican Party 38 1,183,523 51.32% 20 5 52.63% Democratic Party 38 1,122,624 48.67% 18 5 47.36%Total 76 2,306,147 100.00% 38 100.00%
By district
References