1972 United States Senate election in Illinois


The 1972 United States Senate election in Illinois took place on November 7, 1972. Incumbent Republican United States Senator Charles H. Percy sought re-election to the United States Senate. Percy was opposed by Democratic nominee Roman Pucinski, a United States Congressman from Illinois's 11th congressional district, whom he was able to defeat handily to win a second term. As of, this is the last time a Republican was elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois during a presidential election year.

Election information

The primary and general election coincided with those for congress and state elections.

Turnout

Turnout in the primaries was 11.58%, with a total of 646,951 votes cast.
Turnout during the general election was 51.24%, with 3,184,764 votes cast.
Turnout in both the primary and general election was significantly less than those for coinciding statewide races.

Democratic primary

Congressman Roman Pucinski defeated Dakin Williams in the Democratic primary. Williams was a prosecutor who was the younger brother of playwright Tennessee Williams.

Candidates

Republican primary

Incumbent Charles H. Percy was renominated without opposition in the Republican primary.

Candidates

Other nominees