1978Final resultsSpecial election
1978 special election for U.S. Senate in Alabama
U.S. Senate · Alabama
Donald W. Stewart (D) won with 55.1% of the vote, defeating James D. Martin (R) by 11.7 points.
Donald W. StewartDemocrat · winner
55.1%401,852
James D. MartinRepublican
43.3%316,170
Michael R.a. ErdeyLibertarian
0.8%6,006
A. J. KillinsworthOther party
0.8%5,814
729,842 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1978
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
Donald W. Stewart (D)James D. Martin (R)
Also on the ballot: Michael R.a. Erdey (Libertarian), 0.8%; A. J. Killinsworth (Other party), 0.8%