The 1954 United States Senate special election in California was held on November 2, 1954 to elect a United States Senator to complete the unexpired term of Richard Nixon, who had resigned on becoming vice president of the United States in 1952 presidential election. Republican interim appointee Thomas Kuchel, won the election over Democratic U.S. representative Sam Yorty.
Primary elections were held on June 8, 1954.
Background Republican incumbent Richard Nixon was elected vice president of the United States in the 1952 presidential election. He resigned from his seat in the Senate on January 1, 1953, prior to his inauguration as vice president. California governor Earl Warren appointed state controller Thomas Kuchel to the vacant seat until a successor could be duly elected, and a special election to complete the remainder of the term was scheduled for November 2, 1954, concurrent with the 1954 California elections.
Republican primary Candidates Isobel M. Cerney, teacher and writer (cross-filing) William T. Hooley, fireman Thomas Kuchel, interim U.S. senator Sam Yorty, U.S. representative from Los Angeles (cross-filing)
Results
Democratic primary Candidates Isobel M. Cerney, teacher and writer (cross-filing) Adam C. Derkum, accountant and unsuccessful candidate for Senate in 1946 Leo Gallagher, lawyer and perennial candidate Thomas Kuchel, interim U.S. senator (cross-filing) Sam Yorty, U.S. representative from Los Angeles
Results
Independent–Progressive primary Candidates Isobel M. Cerney, teacher and writer
Results
General election
Results
See also 1954 United States Senate elections
References
Bibliography