Alan Simpson, a former U.S. Senator known for his quick wit and ability to bridge partisan divides, has passed away at the age of 93 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Simpson died early on Friday morning after facing challenges recovering from a hip fracture he suffered in December, as stated by his family and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where he had served as a board member for over half a century.
His brother, Pete Simpson, expressed the immense generosity that defined Alan Simpson’s life, whether in politics or with family. Former President George W. Bush commemorated Simpson as an exemplary public servant with a distinct sense of humor and enduring friendship.
Among the key figures from Wyoming, Simpson stood alongside former Vice President Dick Cheney as a prominent Republican, though he was particularly known for his humor. His witty remark that the U.S. has two political parties, “the Stupid Party and the Evil Party,” exemplified his sharp, humorous style.
During his Senate tenure from 1979 to 1997, Simpson was seen as a political moderate. He played a significant role in rallying Republican senators during the party’s revival under President Ronald Reagan. Nonetheless, Simpson’s independent stance on several issues such as supporting abortion rights marked his gradual departure from the GOP mainstream.
Simpson, who had a number of friendships across political lines, including ties with Democratic figures like Robert Reich and Norman Mineta, co-promoted public awareness about the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II — an experience Mineta personally endured.
His son Colin and brother Pete emphasized Simpson’s ability to cross party lines, work towards bipartisan consensus, and unite their extended family with love and humor.
In 2010, under President Barack Obama, Simpson co-chaired a commission aimed at reducing national debt. Although their plan to save $4 trillion through spending cuts and tax hikes was advanced, it did not gain traction in Congress.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Simpson was once the tallest member of the Senate, fittingly becoming a larger-than-life political figure, succeeding his father Milward Simpson’s legacy. His early life in Cody, Wyoming, was marked by youthful indiscretions, but his passion for law and politics took precedence as he graduated and served in the military before starting his political career.
Simpson enjoyed a celebrated family life with Ann Schroll, whom he married in 1954. The couple commemorated their 70th wedding anniversary with an ice cream social attended by family and friends. He pursued a law degree, practiced with his father, and transitioned into politics by serving in the Wyoming House and the U.S. Senate.
Known for treating politics as a “contact sport,” Simpson was vocal and candid, a trait that endeared him to voters. He took strong stances in numerous areas, including immigration and veterans’ issues, and advocated for revisiting tough sentences for rehabilitated prisoners.
He chose to retire from the Senate in 1995, citing a lack of the drive to continue for another term. His family’s political involvement continued with Pete and Colin Simpson also pursuing government roles.
Post-Senate, Simpson contributed to academia by teaching courses on politics and the media at Harvard University and the University of Wyoming and inspired students to actively engage in politics. His lifetime achievements were recognized by President Joe Biden in 2022 when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Alan Simpson is survived by his wife, Ann, his brother Pete, his sons Colin and William, and his daughter Susan.
