The 1978 United States Senate election in Rhode Island took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell successfully sought re-election, defeating Republican James G. Reynolds. Democratic primary Candidates Claiborne Pell, incumbent U.S. Senator Raymond J. Greiner Francis P. Kelley Results Republican primary Candidates James G. Reynolds General election Results See also 1978 United States Senate elections References Rhode Island 1978 1978 Rhode Island elections