The 1978 United States Senate elections were held on November 7, in the middle of Democratic President Jimmy Carter's term. The 33 seats of Class 2 were contested in regular elections. Special elections were also held to fill vacancies. Thirteen seats changed hands between parties, resulting in a net gain of three seats for the Republicans. Democrats nevertheless retained a 58–41 majority. Results summary Source: Clerk of the United States House of Representatives Gains, losses, and holds Retirements Five Republicans and five Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election. Defeats Three Republicans and seven Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election. Change in composition Before the elections After the elections Race summary Special elections during the 95th Congress In these special elections, the winner was seated during 1978 or before January 3, 1979; ordered by election date, then state. Elections leading to the next Congress In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1979; ordered by state. All of the elections involved the Class 2 seats. Closest races 9 races had a margin of victory under 10%: Oklahoma was the tipping point state with a margin of 32.6%. Alabama There were two elections in Alabama, due to the death of senator Jim Allen. Alabama (regular) Democrat John Sparkman retired and was succeeded by Howell Heflin, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama. Heflin, the Democratic candidate, faced no Republican opponent in the general election, defeating Prohibition Party nominee Jerome B. Couch. Alabama (special) Following the death of senator Jim Allen, his widow Maryon was appointed by governor George Wallace to fill the vacancy until a special election could be held. In this election, Democratic state senator Donald W. Stewart defeated former Republican Congressman James D. Martin to serve the remaining two years of the term. Alaska Republican Ted Stevens won reelection to a second full (his third total) term, defeating Democrat Donald Hobbs. Arkansas Following the death of senator John L. McClellan, then Kaneaster Hodges Jr. was appointed by governor David Pryor to fill the vacancy until a special election could be held. In this election, Democratic state governor David Pryor defeated former Republican challenger Thomas Kelly Jr. to serve the six years term. Colorado Democrat Floyd Haskell decided to run for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by William L. Armstrong, the Republican nominee and