United States Senate election in Montana, 1976

United States Senate election in Montana, 1976

November 2, 1976

Nominee John Melcher Stanley Burger Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 206,232 115,213 Percentage 64.16% 35.84%

U.S. Senator before election Mike Mansfield Democratic Elected U.S. Senator John Melcher Democratic

Elections in Montana
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State government Gubernatorial elections 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016
Ballot measures 2004 Initiative 96

The 1976 United States Senate election in Montana took place on November 2, 1976. Rather than seek a fifth term, incumbent United States Senator Mike Mansfield, a Democrat, opted to retire, creating an open seat. United States Congressman John Melcher, who had represented Montana's 2nd congressional district from 1969 to 1977, won the Democratic nomination and defeated Stanley C. Burger, the Republican nominee, by a wide margin in the general election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• John Melcher, United States Congressman from Montana's 2nd congressional district
• Ray Gulick, farmer

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

• Stanley C. Burger, former Executive Officer of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation
• Dave Drum
• Jack Tierney
• Larry L. Gilbert

Results

General election

Results

References