The 1976 United States Senate election in Rhode Island took place on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator John O. Pastore did not seek re-election. Republican John Chafee won the seat, defeating Democrat Richard P. Lorber. Chafee was the first Republican to win a U.S. Senate race in Rhode Island since 1930. Democratic primary Candidates John E. Caddick Paul E. Goulding John P. Hawkins, Rhode Island Senate Majority Leader Richard P. Lorber, car dealer and decorated World War II veteran Arthur E. Marley Philip W. Noel, Governor of Rhode Island Earl F. Pasbach Ralph J. Perrotta Results Republican primary Candidates John Chafee, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and former Governor Declined Buddy Cianci, Mayor of Providence General election Results See also 1976 United States Senate elections References External links Rhode Island 1976 1976 Rhode Island elections