The 1938 United States Senate election in California was held on November 2, 1938. Democratic incumbent William Gibbs McAdoo ran for re-election to a second term but was defeated by Sheridan Downey in the Democratic primary. In the general election, Downey defeated Philip Bancroft.

Democratic primary Candidates Sheridan Downey, leader in the End Poverty in California movement and nominee for lieutenant governor in 1934 William Gibbs McAdoo, incumbent U.S. senator since 1933 James W. Mellen John W. Preston, former associate justice of the Supreme Court of California Ray Riley, state controller since 1921 (cross-filing)

Campaign Senator McAdoo had the support of President Franklin Roosevelt and George Creel.

Downey was supported by his 1934 running mate Upton Sinclair and pensioner advocate Francis Townsend.

The primary issue of the Democratic primary was the Ham and Eggs movement, a proposal which advocated for the payment of $30 every week to unemployed Californians aged 50 or older. The movement was supported by Downey and other EPIC allies. McAdoo, on the other hand, opposed it, arguing it was fiscally irresponsible.

Results

Republican primary Candidates Philip Bancroft, founding member of the Bull Moose Party Ray Riley, state controller since 1921 Louise Ward Watkins, community activist from Pasadena

Results Although he did not cross-file to appear on the ballot, Sheridan Downey did receive write-in votes.

Progressive primary Candidates Paul H. Bruns Sheridan Downey, leader in the End Poverty in California movement and Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 1934 (cross-filing) Ray Riley, state controller since 1921 (cross-filing)

Results

Townsend Party primary Candidates Sheridan Downey, leader in the End Poverty in California movement and Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 1934 (cross-filing) Ray Riley, state controller since 1921 (cross-filing)

Results

General election

Candidates

Philip Bancroft, founding member of the Bull Moose Party (Republican) Lilian S. Clemente (Socialist) Sheridan Downey, leader in the End Poverty in California movement and candidate for lieutenant governor in 1934 (Democratic)

Results

See also 1938 United States Senate elections

References