Though Frelinghuysen was opposed in the primary by George Record, who had made several unsuccessful campaigns for office, Frelinghuysen was assured of strong political backing and considered a heavy favorite for renomination.

[1] Record criticized Frelinghuysen's vote to acquit Truman Handy Newberry and declared that he was out to break up the "Millionaires' Club" in the Senate.

He was informally endorsed by many union officials, whom he had counseled as a private attorney.

[3] The first candidate to announce for the Democratic nomination was State Senator Alexander Simpson.

Senator Simpson, who claimed he had not entered the race until Edwards had pledged not to run, demurred.