Question

Why did abraham lincoln lose the 1858 senatorial election even though he won the popular vote?

Answer 1

On election day, the voters of Illinois chose members of the state legislature who in turn reelected Douglas to the Senate in January 1859. 
But this situation only benefited lincoln n the future because he gained a massive popularity in the north while Douglass election created a major divide of power in Democratic party.

Answer 2

I think the answer on edge nuity is D. Democrats won a majority in the Illinois legislature.