1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

November 6, 1962
 
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

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.