The 2008 United States Senate special election in Wyoming was held on November 4, 2008, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Wyoming, to complete the term of Republican three-term incumbent Craig L. Thomas who died in June 2007. Republican appointee John Barrasso defeated Democratic nominee Nick Carter.

Democratic governor Dave Freudenthal, who was obliged by state law to appoint a Republican, selected Barrasso, a state senator, who was unopposed in the Republican primary and won the general election to fill the remainder of the term ending January 3, 2013. This is the last time that both of Wyoming's U.S. Senate seats were concurrently up for election.

Background Wyoming law dictates that when a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant, the departing senator's state party at the time of the most recent election 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.

Republican primary Candidates Nominee John Barrasso, incumbent U.S. senator (2007–present)

Declined Lynne Cheney, second lady of the United States (2001–2009)

Results

Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Nick Carter, attorney Eliminated in primary Keith Goodenough, Casper city councilman (2006–2014), and former state senator (1995–2005)

Results

General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report October 23, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: Senate CQ Politics October 31, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report November 2, 2008 Real Clear Politics November 4, 2008

Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error JohnBarrasso (R) NickCarter (D) UndecidedResearch 2000 (D)October 14–16, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%57%36%7% Research 2000 (D)September 22–24, 2008500 (LV)± 4.5%58%34%8%

Results

See also 2008 United States elections

Notes

Partisan clients

References

External links Elections from the Wyoming Secretary of State U.S. Congress candidates for Wyoming at Project Vote Smart 2008 Wyoming Senate race from CQ Politics Wyoming U.S. Senate - Class I Class II from OurCampaigns.com Campaign contributions for Wyoming congressional races from OpenSecrets Official campaign websites John Barrasso, Republican incumbent candidate (Class I) Nick Carter Democratic candidate (Class I)