The United States Senate election of 1942 in New Jersey was held on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Democratic Senator William Smathers ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Republican businessman Albert Hawkes.
As of 2026, this is the last time an incumbent U.S. Senator from New Jersey lost re-election, although in 2002 incumbent Senator Robert Torricelli dropped out in late September while trailing in the polls.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- William Smathers, incumbent Senator
Results
Senator Smathers was unopposed for re-nomination.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- George Biehl
- Joseph A. Bower, banker and treasurer of the Republican State Committee
- Albert Hawkes, director of the United States Chamber of Commerce
- Franklin W. Kielb, attorney from North Plainfield
- George O. Pullen, candidate for Senate in 1938 and 1940
- Gill Robb Wilson, Presbyterian minister and founder of the Civil Air Patrol
General election
Candidates
- Elmo L. Bateman (Prohibition)
- William L. Becker (Socialist)
- George Breitman (Socialist Workers), activist and editor of The Militant
- John C. Butterworth (Socialist Labor)
- Lorenzo Harris (Progressive Independent)
- Albert W. Hawkes (Republican), director of the United States Chamber of Commerce
- William H. Smathers (Democrat), incumbent Senator since 1937