1956 United States Senate election in Idaho

The 1956 United States Senate election in Idaho took place on November 6, 1956. Incumbent Republican Senator Herman Welker was defeated for re-election by Democratic nominee Frank Church.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on August 14, 1956.

Candidates

 * Frank Church, attorney
 * Glen H. Taylor, former U.S. Senator
 * Claude J. Burtenshaw, teacher, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in 1950 special election and unsuccessful candidate for Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 1954
 * Alvin McCormack, farmer, unsuccessful candidate for Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 1954

Candidates

 * Herman Welker, incumbent U.S. Senator
 * William S. Holden, attorney
 * Ray J. Davis, teacher
 * John C. Sanborn, former U.S. Representative
 * Mark L. Streeter, farmer

Campaign
The State Board of Canvassers confirmed Church's narrow victory over Taylor on August 25. Taylor decided to run as a write-in candidate.