The1909 South Carolina United States Senate election was held on January 26, 1909.[1] Its outcome was determined by aDemocratic Partyprimary election held on August 25 and September 8, 1908. Interim SenatorFrank B. Gary, who had been elected to complete the unfinished term of the late SenatorAsbury Latimer, did not run for re-election.DemocratEllison D. Smith won the Democratic primary and was elected by the General Assembly for a six-year term.
Ellison D. Smith, an official in the Cotton Association and often called "Cotton Ed", entered the Democratic primary but found himself in early trouble when he promised that cotton would rise to eighteen cents and it did not occur. However, his rhetorical skills allowed him to take command of the stump and attract voters to his campaign.
FormerGovernorJohn Gary Evans was making his fourth straight attempt for the Senate seat and received the private support of SenatorBen Tillman. The tide of Tillmanism had receded in the state and the public endorsement by Tillman would doom a candidate's prospects. Smith and Evans emerged as the top two candidates were to face each other in arunoff election on September 8. Evans once again failed to carry the day and Smith scored a resounding victory.
35.4
