The 1968 United States Senate election in Ohio took place on November 5, 1968. Incumbent Senator Frank Lausche ran for re-election to a third term, but lost the Democratic primary to former U.S. Representative John J. Gilligan. Before losing the primary to the more solidly liberal Gilligan, Lausche had one of the most conservative voting record among Senate Democrats, leaving the Democratic Party very disappointed. In the general election, Gilligan lost to Republican Ohio Attorney General William Saxbe in a close race. Saxbe's victory increased the number of Senate Republicans in the 91st Congress. He would serve 5 years in the Senate before being nominated by President Richard Nixon to be U.S Attorney General, he resigned the seat after being confirmed. Gilligan, who in January 1974 was serving as the Governor of Ohio, named Saxbe's successor.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

1968 United States Senate election in Ohio

← 1962 November 5, 1968 1974 →

Nominee William B. Saxbe John J. Gilligan Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,928,964 1,814,152 Percentage 51.53% 48.47%

County results Saxbe:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Gilligan:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election Frank J. Lausche Democratic Elected U.S. Senator William Saxbe Republican

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• 1968 United States Senate elections