1942 United States Senate election in New Jersey

The United States Senate election of 1942 in New Jersey was held on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Democratic Senator William Smathers ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Republican businessman Albert Hawkes.

As of 2024, this is the last time an incumbent U.S. Senator from New Jersey lost re-election, although in 2002 incumbent Senator Robert Torricelli dropped out in late September while trailing in the polls.

Candidates

 * William Smathers, incumbent Senator

Results
Senator Smathers was unopposed for re-nomination.

Declared

 * George Biehl
 * Joseph A. Bower, banker and treasurer of the Republican State Committee
 * Albert Hawkes, director of the United States Chamber of Commerce
 * Franklin W. Kielb, attorney from North Plainfield
 * George O. Pullen, candidate for Senate in 1938 and 1940
 * Gill Robb Wilson, Presbyterian minister and founder of the Civil Air Patrol

Candidates

 * Elmo L. Bateman (Prohibition)
 * William L. Becker (Socialist)
 * George Breitman (Socialist Workers), activist and editor of The Militant
 * John C. Butterworth (Socialist Labor)
 * Lorenzo Harris (Progressive Independent)
 * Albert W. Hawkes (Republican), director of the United States Chamber of Commerce
 * William H. Smathers (Democrat), incumbent Senator since 1937