The 1974 United States Senate elections were held on November 4, with the 34 seats of Class 3 contested in regular elections. They occurred in the wake of the Watergate scandal, Richard M. Nixon's resignation from the presidency, and Gerald Ford's subsequent pardon of Nixon. Economic issues, specifically inflation and stagnation, were also a factor that contributed to Republican losses. As an immediate result of the November 1974 elections, Democrats made a net gain of three seats from the Republicans, as they defeated Republican incumbents in Colorado and Kentucky and picked up open seats in Florida and Vermont, while Republicans won the open seat in Nevada. Following the elections, at the beginning of the 94th U.S. Congress, the Democratic caucus controlled 61 seats (including one independent), and the Republican caucus controlled 38 seats (including one Conservative). Democrats gained an additional seat, bringing the net pick-up to four seats, in 1975, when Democrat John A. Durkin won a disputed election in New Hampshire that was unintentionally held after the 1974 election resulted in two recounts and an extended dispute in the Senate. Durkin's Senate term began in September 1975 following his victory in that election. , this is the most recent election in which a Democrat has been elected Senator from Idaho. Several other Republican incumbents won very close races; Milton Young of North Dakota won reelection against Democrat William L. Guy by only 186 votes and Henry Bellmon of Oklahoma won reelection against Democrat Ed Edmondson by half a percent of the vote. Bob Dole of Kansas survived the closest election of his career against Democratic Rep. William Roy, a race undoubtedly made close due to Dole's close association with Nixon as chairman of the Republican National Committee. It was the closest the Democrats have come to winning a Senate election in Kansas since George McGill won re-election in 1932. Results summary Source: Office of the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives Gains, losses, and holds Retirements Four Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election. Defeats Two Republicans and two Democrats sought re-election but lost in the primary or general election. Change in composition Before the elections After the January 4, 1974 appointment in Ohio. After the general elections Race summary Elections leading to the next Congress In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1975; ordered by state. All