1978Final results

1978 election for U.S. Senate in South Dakota

Name: 1978 election for U.S. Senate in South Dakota
Start: 1978-11-07
Location: South Dakota

U.S. Senate · South Dakota

Larry Pressler (R) won with 66.8% of the vote, defeating Don Barnett (D) by 33.7 points.

Larry PresslerRepublican · winner

66.8%170,832

33.2%84,767

255,599 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

Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET