alternatehistory.com

November 7, 1966

I know I’m losing you: Democrats brace for big losses [1]

As voters head to the polls across the nation, their love for the Democrats is fading. Vietnam, race riots, and inflation are major issues cited by voters, all of which are hurting President Johnson’s poll numbers. A recent poll shows that his approval now stands at a mere 43% [2]. Republicans anticipate that the unpopularity of President Johnson will translate into huge gains for their members in the House and Senate. Despite these gains, the Democrats are still expected to keep majorities in both houses.

In the House, all 295 Democrats and 140 Republicans come up for re-election, with the exception of 22 retiring Congressmen. Thirty Senators will face re-election; in three elections, however, two new candidates will compete due to retirements. Currently, the Democrats have an overwhelming majority of 67 seats in the Senate; Republicans control only 33.

Governors are coming up for election in 35 states. Currently, 33 Democrats and 17 Republicans hold the governorships. One common theme in these races is the “white backlash” phenomenon. In Alabama, current governor George Wallace’s wife Lurleen is running to keep her husband’s seat Democratic. In Georgia, Democratic candidate and staunch segregationist Lester Maddox is running neck-and-neck with Republican Howard Callaway. And in California, actor Ronald Reagan is running a law-and-order campaign against incumbent Democratic governor Pat Brown. [3]