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The 1970 United States Senate election in Hawaii took place on November 3, 1970. Incumbent Republican Senator Hiram Fong was re-elected to a third term in office, narrowly defeating Democratic businessman Cecil Heftel.
According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Fong's support for the Vietnam War led to his close-call in the 1970 election. As of 2025, this remains the last U.S. Senate election in Hawaii won by a Republican.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Neil Abercrombie, taxi driver, future U.S. Representative and Governor
- Cecil Heftel, owner of Heftel Broadcasting, a radio conglomerate
- Tony Hodges, environmental activist
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Cecil Heftel | 78,934 | 62.44% | |
| Democratic | Tony Hodges | 30,430 | 24.07% | |
| Democratic | Neil Abercrombie | 17,058 | 13.49% | |
| Total votes | 126,422 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Hiram Fong (incumbent) | 124,163 | 51.57% |  1.47
| |
| Democratic | Cecil Heftel | 116,597 | 48.43% |  2.08
| |
| Total votes | 240,760 | 100.00% | |||
See also
References
- Apgar, Sally (August 19, 2004). "Hawaii Icon - The senator's rich life mirrored the ambitions of a brash young state". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
- "Where Have You Gone, Neil Abercrombie?". October 9, 2012.
- "Our Campaigns - HI US Senate - D Primary Race - Oct 03, 1970".
- "Our Campaigns - HI US Senate Race - Nov 03, 1970".
| (1968 ←) 1970 United States elections (→ 1972) | |
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