On August 30, 1975, Schmitt resigned from NASA to seek election as a Republican to the United States Senate representing New Mexico in the 1976 election.
Schmitt campaigned for fourteen months, and his campaign focused on the future.

In the Republican primary, held on June 1, 1976, Schmitt defeated Eugene Peirce.
In the election, Schmitt opposed two-term Democratic incumbent Joseph Montoya.
He defeated Montoya 57% to 42%.
On August 30, 1975, Schmitt resigned from NASA to seek election as a Republican to the United States Senate representing New Mexico in the 1976 election. Schmitt campaigned for fourteen months, and his campaign focused on the future.
In the Republican primary, held on June 1, 1976, Schmitt defeated Eugene Peirce. In the election, Schmitt opposed two-term Democratic incumbent Joseph Montoya. He defeated Montoya 57% to 42%.
Harrison Schmitt