America has lost one of its most colorful, principled, and no-nonsense statesmen. Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, a towering figure both in stature and in politics, passed away at the age of 93. A Republican who embodied common sense conservatism, Simpson’s sharp wit and straight talk set him apart in an era before today’s hyper-partisan gridlock.
Simpson’s family confirmed that he died early Friday following complications from a broken hip suffered in December. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where he served on the board for an impressive 56 years, also released a statement in tribute to his legacy.
“He was an uncommonly generous man,” said his brother, Pete Simpson. “And I mean generous in an absolutely unconditional way—giving of his time, giving of his energy. He did it in politics and he did it in the family, forever.”
Born in 1931 in Denver, Simpson was raised in Cody, Wyoming, a place that helped shape his rugged, independent spirit. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Milward Simpson, who served as Wyoming’s governor and U.S. senator. Alan Simpson’s early years were marked by youthful rebellion—run-ins with the law and reckless pranks that could have derailed a lesser man’s future. But Simpson turned himself around, ultimately graduating from the University of Wyoming with a law degree before serving in the U.S. Army.
Simpson was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978 and went on to serve three terms, from 1979 to 1997, a time when the Republican Party was reinvigorated under President Ronald Reagan. As the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, Simpson played a crucial role in advancing conservative principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense. He was never afraid to call out wasteful spending or stand up for law and order, making him a formidable presence in Washington.
Simpson was known for his quick wit and unfiltered honesty—traits that earned him admiration from both sides of the aisle. He famously quipped, “We have two political parties in this country: the Stupid Party and the Evil Party. I belong to the Stupid Party.” He never shied away from calling out government inefficiency or the ridiculousness of Washington bureaucracy.
Though he occasionally held positions that strayed from modern conservative orthodoxy—such as supporting abortion rights—Simpson was unwavering in his belief in personal responsibility, self-reliance, and the dangers of big government dependency. He often had strong words for those who saw government handouts as a way of life, making him a hero to conservatives who believed in work over welfare.
Simpson’s career was marked by his dedication to issues that mattered to the American people. He was a staunch advocate for veterans, a key player in immigration reform, and a fiscal hawk who never backed down from warning about America’s ballooning national debt. In 2010, President Barack Obama asked Simpson to co-chair a debt-reduction commission—a move that demonstrated just how widely respected he was, even among Democrats.
Simpson often described politics as a “contact sport,” and he played it with passion. Yet, despite the brutal nature of Washington, he maintained friendships across party lines. His bond with Norman Mineta, a Democrat and former Secretary of Transportation, was a testament to the kind of old-school camaraderie that is rare in today’s political climate.
At 6-foot-7, Simpson was quite literally a towering figure in the Senate, and his larger-than-life presence made him one of the most recognizable politicians of his time. His ability to cut through Washington nonsense with humor and bluntness was a refreshing contrast to today’s scripted, politically correct rhetoric.
Simpson married Ann Schroll in 1954, and their 70-year marriage was a testament to his commitment to family. Together, they raised three children while he balanced the demands of public service. Even in retirement, Simpson remained engaged, teaching at Harvard and the University of Wyoming, urging younger generations to get involved in politics and stand up for their beliefs.
Despite his long-standing Republican credentials, President Joe Biden awarded Simpson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. While some conservatives viewed the move with skepticism given Biden’s disastrous policies, it was a recognition of Simpson’s decades of service to the country he loved.
Alan Simpson’s death marks the end of an era. He was a Republican who believed in common sense over ideological purity, principles over popularity, and humor over hatred. He despised big government, rejected political correctness, and called out incompetence wherever he saw it.
His legacy should serve as a reminder to today’s conservatives: fighting for American values doesn’t mean toeing the party line blindly—it means standing firm in the belief that government should serve the people, not the other way around.
Alan Simpson leaves behind his wife Ann, brother Pete, sons Colin and William, and daughter Susan. But more importantly, he leaves behind a model of conservative leadership that America desperately needs today. Rest in peace, Senator Simpson—you will not be forgotten.
