1958 United States Senate special election in West Virginia
John D. Hoblitzell Jr. Republican Jennings Randolph Democratic The 1958 United States Senate special election in West Virginia was held on November 4, 1958, concurrent with a regular election.Democrats Randolph and Byrd both won their seats, amid a national wave election.While campaigning with Robert C. Byrd, Randolph was involved in a car accident, veering into oncoming traffic and killing another driver.According to the testimony of Byrd, Randolph fell asleep at the wheel and woke up shortly before hitting the other driver.[1] Wetzel County prosecutor Jack Hawkins declined to file charges,[2] and Byrd's insurance company settled with the victim's widow out of court, being forced to pay the full sum of Byrd's liability, $22,500.