1972 United States Senate election in Texas

The 1972 United States Senate election in Texas was held on November 7, 1972. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator John Tower won re-election to a third term.

Candidates

 * Thomas M. Cartlidge
 * Barefoot Sanders, former state representative and Johnson administration official.
 * Alfonso Veloz, candidate for governor in 1968
 * Hugh Wilson, candidate for Senate in 1957 and 1961
 * Ralph Yarborough, former U.S. Senator (1957–1971)

Results
Although he received over one million votes, Yarborough was 269 short of a majority. He and Sanders advanced to a runoff election held June 3.

Candidates

 * John G. Tower, incumbent U.S. Senator since 1961