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Senate Freshmen Since Direct Election (1914)


This table counts Senate freshmen at the beginning of each Congress. It includes appointments that occurred just before (November or December) or after (within one month) the opening of Congress. It does not include special elections not held in November. Additionally, it does not include those appointed earlier in the election year and then elected in November.
For additional information about new senators by Congress, see New Senators, 2001-present and Senators of the United States 1789-present: A Chronological List.


Election YearFreshmenAppointedSpecial ElectionsPolitical Parties
DemocratsRepublicansOther
2016700520
201413011120
20121220831
201016*033130
2008141401220
20061000811
2004900270
200211*11290
20001110920
1998800440
19961501690
199411020110
19921421950
1990510140
198811*10560
198613001120
1984700520
1982500230
198018002160
197820029110
197618*101080
19741000820
19721300850
197012*11651
196815*105100
1966701250
1964812620
19621223930
19608*31620
195818011530
195611***13740
195414**06770
195216**146100
19501404680
194819**121540
194622**525170
194416**221060
194213**013100
19401422770
193813*02580
1936152131221
193412*011200
193219*321900
193021***261470
192813**221120
192614303860
192415*123120
192219131261
192018115130
191817***006110
191617*02890
191410*01730

* Including one who previously served in the Senate

*** Including three who previously served in the Senate

** Including two who previously served in the Senate

1.  This number includes Al Franken (D-MN), whose contested election was not decided until June 30, 2009. It does not include senators appointed after January 31, 2009.

2.  This number does not include William Smathers (D-NJ), who was elected in November 1936 but did not take office until April 15, 1937.

3.  This number does not include Frank Smith (R-IL) whose election and subsequent appointment were contested and who was never seated.

Source:Congressional Directory