1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming

The 1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming was held on November 7, 1972. Incumbent Republican Senator Clifford Hansen ran for re-election to a second term. He was challenged by Democratic nominee Mike Vinich, a former aide to Congressman Teno Roncalio and a bar owner in Hudson. As Hansen ran for re-election, President Richard Nixon was overwhelmingly defeating Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern in Wyoming. Hansen managed to outperform even Nixon, winning his second term in a landslide over Vinich.

1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming

November 7, 1972

Nominee Clifford Hansen Mike Vinich Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 101,314 40,753 Percentage 71.31% 28.69%

County results Hansen:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

U.S. senator before election Clifford Hansen Republican Elected U.S. Senator Clifford Hansen Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Mike Vinich, Hudson bar owner, former Director of the Wyoming Employment Security Commission
• Doyle Henry, handyman
• Patrick E. Shanklin
• William E. Fritchell, maintenance worker

Results

Democratic primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Mike Vinich	16,148	52.54%
	Democratic	Doyle Henry	5,642	18.36%
	Democratic	Patrick E. Shanklin	4,665	15.18%
	Democratic	William E. Fritchell	4,281	13.93%
Total votes			30,736	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Clifford Hansen, incumbent U.S. Senator

Results

Republican primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Clifford Hansen (inc.)	50,774	100.00%
Total votes			50,774	100.00%

General election

Results

1972 United States Senate election in Wyoming

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Clifford Hansen (inc.)	101,314	71.31%	+19.52%
	Democratic	Mike Vinich	40,753	28.69%	−19.52%
Majority			60,561	42.63%	+39.04%
Turnout			142,067
	Republican hold