The 1938 United States Senate election in Indiana took place on November 8, 1938. Incumbent Democratic Senator Frederick Van Nuys was narrowly re-elected to a second term in office over Raymond E. Willis by a margin of 5,197 votes out of over 1.5 million cast.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

1938 United States Senate election in Indiana

← 1932 November 8, 1938 1944 →

Nominee Frederick Van Nuys Raymond E. Willis Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 788,386 783,189 Percentage 49.85% 49.52%

County results Van Nuys:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Willis:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election Frederick Van Nuys Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Frederick Van Nuys Democratic

Close

On March 13, Willis petitioned the Senate for a review of the election, alleging tampering with tabulation machines and allowing improperly registered persons to vote. Willis also charged that recipients of Works Progress Administration jobs and relief were pressured to vote for the Democrats, and he complained about the infamous Two Per Cent Club, which was said to have violated the corrupt practices acts by collecting and disbursing thousands of dollars for the senatorial election without keeping appropriate records. He made no allegation that Van Nuys was involved or aware of corrupt practices.^[3]

After one month's investigation, the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections returned a report favorable to Van Nuys, and it was carried by a voice vote of the whole Senate.^[3]

Willis was elected to Indiana's other Senate seat in 1940.^[3] Willis and Van Nuys were Senate colleagues for three years until the latter's death in 1944.

• 1938 United States Senate elections