Thad Cochran's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Thad Cochran. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

William Thad Cochran was an American attorney and politician who represented Mississippi in the U.S. Senate from 1978 to 2018. As a Republican, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives before his Senate tenure, from 1973 to 1978. He was a prominent figure in Mississippi politics for over four decades.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1972: Elected to Congress

In 1972, Thad Cochran was elected to Congress as a Republican, representing Mississippi's 4th congressional district. He defeated Democratic state senator Ellis B. Bodron.

1972: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1972, Thad Cochran was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Jackson and portions of southwest Mississippi.

1973: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1973, Thad Cochran was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Mississippi.

1974: Won Re-election to Congress

In the 1974 elections, Thad Cochran won in a landslide victory with 70.2 percent of the vote, winning every county besides black-majority Claiborne and Jefferson.

1976: Won Reelection to Congress

In 1976, Thad Cochran won reelection to Congress with 76% of the vote.

1978: Elected as Senator for Mississippi

In 1978, Thad Cochran was elected as a United States Senator for Mississippi, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

1978: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1978, Thad Cochran was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Republican to win a statewide election in Mississippi in a century. He defeated Democrat Maurice Dantin and Independent Charles Evers.

1978: Won U.S. Senate Election

In 1978, Thad Cochran won a three-way race for U.S. Senate, becoming the first Republican to win a U.S. Senate election in Mississippi since Reconstruction.

1984: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1984, Thad Cochran was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic governor William Winter by a significant margin.

1990: Re-elected to the Senate Unopposed

In 1990, Thad Cochran was re-elected to the Senate completely unopposed, demonstrating his strong support in Mississippi.

1996: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1996, Thad Cochran was re-elected to the Senate, garnering 71 percent of the vote against Democratic nominee Bootie Hunt.

2002: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2002, Thad Cochran was re-elected to the Senate, facing only Reform Party candidate Shawn O'Hara.

April 2006: Named One of "America's 10 Best Senators"

In April 2006, Thad Cochran was selected by Time as one of "America's 10 Best Senators" and was dubbed "The Quiet Persuader" for his role in securing money for the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

2008: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2008, Thad Cochran was re-elected to the Senate, defeating State Representative Erik R. Fleming amidst widespread Democratic gains.

March 23, 2018: Consolidated Appropriations Act Named Courthouse After Cochran

On March 23, 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, which was signed into law, named the federal courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi, after Thad Cochran.

May 12, 2018: Received Mississippi Humanitarian Award

On May 12, 2018, Thad Cochran received the Mississippi Humanitarian Award from the University of Mississippi, which is given to exceptional figures who have shaped the state.

August 9, 2018: Ceremony Held to Recognize Naming of Thad Cochran United States Courthouse

On August 9, 2018, a ceremony was held to recognize the naming of the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse in Jackson, Mississippi.

2019: USS Thad Cochran (DDG-135) Named in Honor

In 2019, the US Navy posthumously named the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Thad Cochran (DDG-135) after him, in recognition of Cochran's military and civil service.