1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

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1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming
Flag of Wyoming.svg
  1960 November 6, 1962 1966  
  Milwardsimpson.jpg John J. Hickey (WY).png
Nominee Milward Simpson John J. Hickey
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote69,04350,329
Percentage57.84%42.16%

1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming results map by county.svg
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

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.

Contents

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic John J. Hickey (inc.) 32,507 100.00%
Total votes32,507 100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Milward Simpson 30,124 59.64%
Republican Kenny Sailors20,38340.36%
Total votes50,507 100.00%

General election

Results

1962 United States Senate election in Wyoming [1]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Republican Milward Simpson 69,043 57.84% +1.47%
Democratic John J. Hickey (inc.)50,32942.16%−1.47%
Majority 18,71415.68%+2.93%
Turnout 119,372
Republican gain from Democratic

References

  1. 1 2 3 Thomson, Thyra (1963). 1963 Wyoming Official Directory and 1962 Election Returns. pp. 56–58.