1978 United States Senate election in Texas

The 1978 United States Senate election in Texas was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator John Tower narrowly won re-election to a fourth term. This is the closest that a Texas Democrat has come to defeating a Republican incumbent U.S. Senator.

Candidates

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

Results
Senator Tower was unopposed for re-nomination.

Candidates

 * Joe Christie, former State Senator from El Paso (1967–1973)
 * Bob Krueger, U.S. Representative from New Braunfels since 1975

Campaign
Krueger and Christie had contrasting styles, and many voters were undecided until late in the campaign.

Campaign
Krueger held a narrow lead in the polls late in the race, although the race was considered to be a 'toss-up.' On the issues, Tower attacked Krueger for voting for a constitutional amendment that would have granted U.S. senators to the District of Columbia, while Krueger attacked Tower for being an ineffective representative and a drunk. As a result of the charge, Tower refused to shake Krueger's hand at a joint appearance.

Results
Republicans celebrated the result in this election year as the 'best in a century' despite the narrow win. One analysis in the New York Times cites the growing urban middle-class voters in Houston who migrated from the Northeast as the reason for Tower being able to pull ahead and win.