1983 United States Senate special election in Washington

1983 United States Senate special election in Washington

November 8, 1983
 
Nominee Daniel J. Evans Mike Lowry
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 672,326 540,981
Percentage 55.41% 44.59%

County results
Evans:      50–60%      60–70%
Lowry:      50–60%

U.S. senator before election

Daniel J. Evans
Republican

Elected U.S. Senator

Daniel J. Evans
Republican

The 1983 United States Senate special election in Washington was a special election held to fill the seat which had been held by longtime Senator Henry Jackson, who unexpectedly died on September 1. Three-term former Governor Dan Evans was appointed by Governor John Spellman on September 8, and he won the special election over congressman Mike Lowry on November 8. Jackson had won a sixth term the previous year, so more than five years remained in the term.

The legislature ordered a primary election on October 11; it featured 33 candidates (19 Democrats, 13 Republicans, and one Socialist Labor), setting the modern record for number of candidates in a Washington U.S. Senate election.

As of 2025, this was the last time King County voted for a Republican U.S. Senate candidate. This was the first time since 1923 that Republicans held both Senate seats in the state.