1932 United States Senate election in Indiana

The 1932 United States Senate election in Indiana took place on November 8, 1932. Incumbent Republican Senator and Senate Majority Leader James E. Watson ran for a third term in office, but was defeated by Frederick Van Nuys in a landslide.

1932 United States Senate election in Indiana

← 1926November 8, 19321938 →
 
NomineeFrederick Van NuysJames E. Watson
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote870,053661,750
Percentage55.57%42.26%

County results
Van Nuys:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Watson:      40–50%      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

James E. Watson
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Frederick Van Nuys
Democratic

This marked the first time in history that a Senate leader lost re-election, and the only time they were a Republican.

General election

Candidates

  • Evartt E. Bailey (Socialist Labor)
  • Ralph Green (National)
  • William Townsend (Communist)
  • Frederick Van Nuys, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Indiana and State Senator (Democratic)
  • Forrest Wallace (Socialist)
  • James E. Watson, incumbent Senator since 1916 and Senate Majority Leader (Republican)
  • Alson E. Wrentmore (Prohibition)

Results

1932 United States Senate election in Indiana[1][2]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
DemocraticFrederick Van Nuys 870,053 55.57% 6.62
RepublicanJames E. Watson (incumbent)783,18942.26% 7.78
SocialistForrest Wallace18,7241.20% 0.71
ProhibitionAlson E. Wrentmore9,4060.60% 0.08
CommunistWilliam Townsend2,1230.14%N/A
NationalMiles Blansett1,8690.12%N/A
Socialist LaborEvartt E. Bailey1,8250.12%N/A
Total votes1,687,189 100.00%
Democratic gain from RepublicanSwing

See also

References