1978Final resultsSpecial election
1978 special election for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
U.S. Senate · Minnesota
David Durenberger (R) won with 61.5% of the vote, defeating Bob Short (D) by 26.9 points.
David DurenbergerRepublican · winner
61.5%957,908
Bob ShortDemocrat
34.6%538,675
Paul HelmOther party
2.9%45,402
Christine FrankSocialist
0.7%11,397
Fred G. HewittLibertarian
0.3%4,116
1,558,376 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
David Durenberger (R)Bob Short (D)
Also on the ballot: Paul Helm (Other party), 2.9%; Christine Frank (Socialist), 0.7%; Fred G. Hewitt (Libertarian), 0.3%