1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

The 1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming was held on November 6, 1962. Following the death of Senator-elect Keith Thomson after his election to the Senate in 1960, Democratic Governor John J. Hickey appointed himself to fill the vacancy. A special election was held to fill the remaining four years of the term in 1962, and Hickey faced a strong challenge from former Republican Governor Milward Simpson in a rematch of the 1958 gubernatorial election. Despite a political environment largely favorable to Democrats nationwide, Democratic candidates faced strong headwinds in Wyoming. Senator Hickey overwhelmingly lost re-election to Simpson as Democratic Governor Jack R. Gage lost re-election by a wide margin, as well. Hickey was the last Democratic Senator from Wyoming to serve after Gale McGee began his tenure, though McGee was the last remaining.

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

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Results

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Democratic primary[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John J. Hickey (inc.) 32,507 100.00%
Total votes 32,507 100.00%

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Results

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Republican primary[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Milward Simpson 30,124 59.64%
Republican Kenny Sailors 20,383 40.36%
Total votes 50,507 100.00%

General election

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Results

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1962 United States Senate election in Wyoming[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Milward Simpson 69,043 57.84% +1.47%
Democratic John J. Hickey (inc.) 50,329 42.16% −1.47%
Majority 18,714 15.68% +2.93%
Turnout 119,372
Republican gain from Democratic

References

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  1. ^ a b c Thomson, Thyra (1963). 1963 Wyoming Official Directory and 1962 Election Returns. pp. 56–58.