In 1980, Carter defeated liberal champion [[Edward Kennedy]] to gain renomination but lost to conservative [[Ronald Reagan]] by a landslide. The Democrats lost 12 Senate seats, and for the first time since 1954, the Republicans controlled the Senate. The House, however, remained in Democratic hands. | In 1980, Carter defeated liberal champion [[Edward Kennedy]] to gain renomination but lost to conservative [[Ronald Reagan]] by a landslide. The Democrats lost 12 Senate seats, and for the first time since 1954, the Republicans controlled the Senate. The House, however, remained in Democratic hands. |