The 1978 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Carl Curtis decided to retire instead of seeking a fifth term. In the elections, Democratic nominee J. James Exon won the open seat. Candidates Democratic J. James Exon, Governor of Nebraska Republican Donald Eugene Shasteen, senate aide Results See also 1978 United States Senate elections References Nebraska 1978 1978 Nebraska elections