Clifford Hansen Ex-senator, former governor of Wyoming Date of Birth: 16.10.1912 Country: USA

1. Clifford Peter Hansen: An American Politician
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Career
4. Later Years and Legacy

Clifford Peter Hansen: An American Politician

Clifford Peter Hansen, born on October 16, 1912, was an American politician and a representative of Wyoming. He served as the governor of Wyoming from 1963 to 1978 and as a United States Senator from 1967 to 1978. Before his political career, he was the president of the board of trustees at the University of Wyoming, the only four-year educational institution in the state. Until his death, Hansen was the oldest living former senator in the United States and the third oldest living former governor.

Early Life and Education

Hansen was born in Zenith, a small settlement in Wyoming not even marked on state maps. His parents were ranchers from Idaho, with his father Peter being of Danish descent and his mother Sylvia being English. After attending college, Clifford grew up in Jackson, a resort town in the northwest part of the state. He received his education in public schools and a photograph of young Clifford with his mother can still be found in the local Menor's Cabin Museum, showcasing the hardships faced by the early settlers of Wyoming.

Political Career

Hansen graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1934 with a degree in agriculture. From 1946 to 1966, he served as one of the trustees of his alma mater, and from 1955 to 1962, he was the chairman of the board of trustees. From 1943 to 1951, Hansen was a county judge in Teton County. During this time, he actively opposed the expansion of park lands in Wyoming, which would have required taking land from ranchers. Being the son of ranchers himself, Hansen could not allow this to happen. He also actively participated in various agricultural and livestock organizations.

In 1962, Hansen became the governor of Wyoming after defeating the Democratic incumbent, Jack R. Gage. He secured the Republican nomination with 57% of the votes and won the general election with 54.5% of the votes, defeating Gage. As governor, Hansen focused on expanding highways and reservoirs throughout the state.

When his governorship came to an end, Hansen decided to run for the Senate, filling the seat vacated by retiring Republican Milward Simpson, who was also a former governor of Wyoming. Hansen won the Senate election with 52% of the votes. During his time as a senator, Hansen was known for his conservatism on social and financial issues. He was one of the eight senators who voted against the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1978, Hansen left the Senate and returned to Jackson, where he served as the chairman of several financial and civic organizations. In all subsequent elections, he supported candidates from the Republican Party. In mid-October 2009, Hansen fell seriously ill and was hospitalized due to complications from a hip fracture. He spent a short time in the hospital before returning home to his beloved wife, Martha, his partner for over seventy-five years. Their marriage was the longest-lasting marriage of any United States senator. With a grim prognosis from his doctors, Hansen chose to pass away at home.

Clifford Peter Hansen will be remembered as a dedicated politician who served as a governor, senator, and advocate for Wyoming and its ranching community. His conservative values and commitment to his state left a lasting impact on the political landscape of Wyoming.