The 1976 United States Senate election in California took place on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator John V. Tunney ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Republican S. I. Hayakawa. As of 2024, this is the last time an incumbent Democratic Senator from California lost re-election.
Primary elections were held on June 8. Tunney survived a challenge from anti-war activist Tom Hayden, the husband of Jane Fonda. Hayakawa, a novice campaigner, won a surprise victory over seasoned political figures Robert H. Finch, Alphonzo Bell Jr., and John L. Harmer.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Alphonzo E. Bell Jr., U.S. Representative from Santa Monica
- Hannibal C. Burchette V, doctor and friend of Gerald Ford
- Robert H. Finch, former Lieutenant Governor of California, United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and advisor to President Richard Nixon
- John L. Harmer, former Lieutenant Governor and State Senator
- S. I. Hayakawa, professor of semantics and president emeritus of San Francisco State University
- Henry Hill, Catholic activist
- Michael A. Hirt, lawyer
- Walter Hollywood
- Clyde F. Tracy, commercial artist
- James A. Ware, perennial candidate
Results
General election
Results
See also
References