1978 United States Senate election in Tennessee
The 1978 United States Senate election in Tennessee took place on November 7, as a part of the Senate class 2 election.Situation
Two-term popular incumbent Howard Baker, who had served as United States Senate Minority Leader since 1977, ran for reelection against first-time candidate and Democratic Party activist Jane Eskind.Democratic nomination
Candidates:
In the primary, held on August 3, Eskind won in an open primary against eight other candidates:
- Eskind – 196,156
- Bruce – 170,795
- Lee – 89,939
- Boyd – 48,458
- Bradley – 22,130
- Heinsohn – 17,787
- Foster – 10,671
- Nyabongo – 7,682
- Vick – 4,414
- Write-in – 147
Candidates:
In the primary, held on August 3, Baker easily emerged as the winner:
- Baker – 205,680
- Howard – 21,154
- Boles – 8,899
- Patty – 3,941
- Seiler – 3,831
- Trapp – 2,994
General election
Baker won with a 15-point margin in the general election, held on November 7:
