Though Percy had been originally been expected to have an easy to reelection over Seith, a first-time candidate, the election quickly became competitive.
As of 2023[update], this was the last time the Republicans won the Class 2 Senate seat in Illinois, and also the last time a Republican Senate candidate has carried Cook County.
Though Percy had been expected to coast to re-election over Seith, a first-time candidate, the election quickly became competitive. In the last few days of the campaign, a desperate Percy ran a television advertisement that featured him apologizing and acknowledging that, "I got your message and you're right."[4] Percy's last-ditch effort appeared to have paid off, as he was able to edge out Seith to win what would end up being his third and final term in the Senate.
Results
According to an NBC News exit poll, Percy won 50% of black voters, 54% of voters 35 years old or younger, and 58% of Jewish voters.[5]
United States Senate election in Illinois, 1978[1][6]