1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska

1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska

← 1972 November 7, 1978 1984 →

Nominee J. James Exon Donald Eugene Shasteen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 334,096 159,708 Percentage 67.66% 32.34%

County results Exon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Shasteen:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election Carl Curtis Republican Elected U.S. Senator J. James Exon Democratic

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The 1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Carl Curtis decided to retire instead of seeking a fifth term. In the elections, Democratic nominee J. James Exon won the open seat. This election was the first time ever that a Democrat won the Class 2 Senate seat in Nebraska.