2008 United States Senate special election in Wyoming


The 2008 United States Senate special election in Wyoming took place on November 4, 2008, at the same time as the regular election to the United States Senate in Wyoming. The special election occurred to complete the term of Republican incumbent Craig L. Thomas, who won reelection in 2006, but died in June 2007. Despite being a Democrat, Governor Dave Freudenthal was obliged by state law to appoint a Republican, and selected state senator John Barrasso. Barrasso was unopposed in the Republican primary, and went on to win the general election to fill the remainder of the term until January 3, 2013.

Background

Wyoming law dictates that when a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant, the departing senator's state party must create a list of three finalists, with the governor to select one of those candidates to fill the seat. Speculation about potential Republican challengers had included the other finalists to succeed Thomas, Cynthia Lummis and Tom Sansonetti; as well as former state House Speaker Randall Luthi, and former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Republican primary

Candidates

General election

Candidates

Results