1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

The 1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming was held on November 6, 1962. This election was prompted by the death of Senator-elect Keith Thomson, who had been elected to the Senate in 1960. After his death Democratic Governor John J. Hickey appointed himself to fill the vacancy. A special election was then held to complete the remaining four years of the term in 1962. Hickey faced a strong challenge from former Republican Governor Milward Simpson in a rematch of the 1958 gubernatorial election. Despite a nationwide political environment that was largely favorable to Democrats, Democratic candidates faced strong opposition in Wyoming. Ultimately, Senator Hickey overwhelmingly lost his bid for re-election to Simpson, while Democratic Governor Jack R. Gage also lost re-election by a wide margin. Hickey was the last Democratic Senator from Wyoming until Gale McGee began his tenure, although McGee was the last remaining Democrat to serve in that role.

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...

1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

← 1960 November 6, 1962 1966 →

Nominee Milward Simpson John J. Hickey Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 69,043 50,329 Percentage 57.84% 42.16%

County results Simpson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Hickey:      50–60%      60–70%

U.S. senator before election John J. Hickey Democratic Elected U.S. Senator Milward Simpson Republican

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