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| Elections in Kentucky |
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The 1940 United States Senate special election in Kentucky took place on November 5, 1940, to complete the unexpired term of M. M. Logan. Interim appointee Happy Chandler was re-elected to complete the term, defeating Republican Walter B. Smith.
Background
Senator M. M. Logan died on October 3, 1939. Governor of Kentucky Happy Chandler, whose term was set to expire in 1940, resigned his office so that Lieutenant Governor (and Democratic nominee for Governor) Keen Johnson could appoint him to the Senate. Johnson appointed Chandler to fill the vacant seat until a successor could be duly elected, and the special election was scheduled for November 5, 1940, concurrent with the general election.
General election
Candidates
- Happy Chandler, Governor of Kentucky and candidate for Senate in 1938 (Democratic)
- Walter B. Smith (Republican)
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Happy Chandler (Incumbent) | 561,151 | 58.27% | ||
| Republican | Walter B. Smith | 401,812 | 41.73% | ||
| Total votes | 962,963 | 100.00% | |||
| Democratic hold | Swing | ||||
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