1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming

1962 United States Senate special election in Wyoming
	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. 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.

Democratic primary

Candidates

John J. Hickey, incumbent U.S. Senator

Results

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

Republican primary

Candidates

Milward Simpson, former Governor of Wyoming
Kenny Sailors, basketball player, former State Representative

Results

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

Results

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

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

[1963_directory-1] Thomson, Thyra (1963). 1963 Wyoming Official Directory and 1962 Election Returns. pp. 56–58.

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