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