1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska

The 1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican Senator Carl Curtis declined to seek re-election to a fifth term. Governor J. James Exon won the Democratic nomination uncontested and then faced Republican Donald Shasteen, an aide to Senator Curtis, in the general election. Despite nationwide Republican gains, Exon defeated Shasteen in a landslide, picking up the seat. Exon's victory made him the first Democrat to ever win the Class II Senate seat, and the first non-Republican to do so since George W. Norris's victory as an independent in 1936.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska

← 1972 November 7, 1978 1984 →

Nominee J. James Exon Donald Shasteen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 334,276 159,806 Percentage 67.62% 32.33%

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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