1950 United States Senate elections
elections to the United States Senate held on November 7, 1950
The 1950 United States Senate elections occurred in the middle of Harry S. Truman's second term as president. The 32 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections, and four special elections were held to fill vacancies. As with most 20th-century second-term midterms, the party not holding the presidency made significant gains. The Republican opposition made a net gain of five seats, taking advantage of the Democratic administration's declining popularity during the Cold War and the aftermath of the Recession of 1949. The Democrats held a narrow 49-to-47-seat majority after the election. This was the first time since 1932 that the Senate majority leader lost his seat, and as of 2026 the only instance in the chamber's history where the majority leader lost his seat while his party simultaneously retained the majority.
Results summary
Colored shading indicates party with largest share of that row.
Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
Gains, losses, and holds
Retirements
One Republican and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.
Defeats
Two Republicans and eight Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election.
Post-election changes
Change in composition
Before the elections
Results of the elections
Race summaries
Special elections during the 81st Congress
In these special elections, the winners were seated during 1950 or before January 3, 1951; ordered by election date.
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