The1960 United States Senate election in Nebraska took place on November 8, 1960. Incumbent Republican SenatorCarl Curtis ran for re-election to a second term. He was initially set to face GovernorRalph G. Brooks, the Democratic nominee, but two months before the election, Brooks died and was replaced on the ballot by Robert B. Conrad, Brooks's administrative assistant.[1] Curtis defeated Conrad in a landslide, but by a reduced margin from1954, and slightly underperformed Republican presidential nomineeRichard Nixon, who won Nebraska by 24% in thepresidential election.
The winner of the Democratic primary,Ralph G. Brooks, died on September 9, 1960. Brooks's health prompted rumors earlier in the year that he would withdraw from the Senate race, but he proceeded with his campaign.[3] In late August, Brooks was hospitalized with congestive heart failure, but affirmed that he would continue the campaign.[6] Brooks was ultimately replaced on the ballot by Robert B. Conrad, his administrative assistant as Governor.[1]
