United States Senate election in Florida, 1968

The Florida United States Senate election of 1968 was marked by election of first Republican to the United States Senate from Florida since Reconstruction.

Democratic three-term incumbent George Smathers decided to not seek re-election in order to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Former popular two-term Governor LeRoy Collins won Democratic nomination, while Representative Edward J. Gurney became Republican candidate.

Gurney was much lesser-know than Collins, but he won by over 11% margin. It is possible that Richard Nixon's victory in the presidential race (including winning Florida) helped Gurney defeat Collins.

Election box candidate with party link
party = Republican Party (US)
candidate = Edward J. Gurney
votes = 1,131,499
percentage = 55.90
change = Election box candidate with party link
party = Democratic Party (US)
candidate = LeRoy Collins
votes = 892,637
percentage = 44.10
change = Election box gain with party link
winner = Republican Party (US)
loser = Democratic Party (US)
swing =

References

[http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7053 OurCampaign article on this race]