Truman campaigned against an "obstructionist" Congress that had blocked many of his initiatives, and additionally, the U.S. economy recovered from the postwar recession of 1946–1947 by election day.

Thus, Truman was rewarded with a Democratic gain of nine seats in the Senate, enough to give them control of the chamber.

After winning the Democratic primary, he faced Tom J. Davis, an attorney and the Republican nominee, in the general election.

Democratic former congressman William B. Umstead was appointed December 18, 1946 to continue Bailey's term, pending a special election.

Since the end of Reconstruction in 1877, the Democratic Party dominated the politics of South Carolina and its statewide candidates were never seriously challenged.

Congressman Lyndon Johnson won the highly contested Democratic primary against former governor Coke Stevenson.

Johnson went on to win the general election against Republican Jack Porter, but by a closer margin than usual for Texas Democrats.