U.S. Senate election, 1950

The U.S. Senate election, 1950 was an election for the United States Senate which
occurred in the middle of Harry Truman's second term as President. With the Democratic administration's popularity declining during the Cold War, the Republican opposition made a net gain of five seats, nearly taking control of the chamber.

The Republicans defeated incumbents Scott W. Lucas (D-IL) (current Majority Leader), Millard E. Tydings (D-MA), Francis J. Myers (D-PA), and Elbert B. Thomas (D-UT), as well as taking open seats in Idaho and California. The Democrats only defeated one incumbent, Forrest C. Donnell (R-MO).

During the interim, Republicans and Democrats would exchange seats in Michigan and Connecticut due to deaths and appointments, but this would not affect party balance.

A notable freshman was future President Richard M. Nixon, who would be elected Vice President two years later.

Senate contests in 1950

¹ special election held due to death of Raymond E. Baldwin (R-CT)

² special election held due to death of Bert H. Miller (D-ID).

³ special election held due to death of Joseph Melville Broughton (D-NC)

⁴ special election held due to death of James H. McGrath (D-RI)