Paul O. Husting First Popularly Elected US Senator from Wisconsin

Paul Oscar Adolph Husting (April 25, 1866 – October 21, 1917) was a distinguished American lawyer and Democratic politician from Mayville, Wisconsin. He holds a significant place in history as the first United States senator from Wisconsin to be elected by a direct popular vote of the people.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 25, 1866, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Husting moved to Mayville in 1876. His early professional life was characterized by a diverse range of roles, serving as a retail clerk, a railway postal clerk, a mailing clerk at the Wisconsin State Prison in Waupun, and an assistant bookkeeper for the Secretary of State of Wisconsin.

Husting pursued his legal education at the University of Wisconsin Law School, passing the state bar examination and entering the legal profession in 1895. He initially practiced law independently in Mayville before forming the firm Husting & Brother with his sibling.

Rise in Public Office

Husting's political ascent began in 1902 when he was elected as the district attorney of Dodge County, a position he held for four years. In 1906, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate, where he became a champion for several progressive causes, including:

• Conservation of natural resources
• The implementation of an income tax
• The "Husting bill," which capped passenger railroad fares at two cents per mile
• The introduction of initiative and referendum
• The direct election of United States senators

He also played a pivotal role in investigating the 1908 Wisconsin primary and election, which led to the creation of the state's Corrupt Practices Act.

United States Senate Career

In the November 1914 election, Husting made history by defeating incumbent Governor Francis E. McGovern by a narrow margin of 967 votes. He succeeded Isaac Stephenson on March 4, 1915. During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Husting served as the chairman of the Committee on Fisheries in 1917 and led a special committee investigating trespasses on Indian lands.

Notably, Husting was the only Democrat to win a state-wide election in Wisconsin between 1892 and 1932, highlighting his unique appeal and political strength during an era of Republican dominance.

Tragic Death and Political Impact

Husting's life was cut short by a tragic hunting accident on Rush Lake near Pickett, Wisconsin. While duck hunting, his brother Gustav accidentally shot him in the back as Paul was rising in a rowboat. Husting fell into a coma and passed away later that day.

His death had significant political ramifications. The New York Times described him as a fierce leader of the "loyalist" forces supporting President Woodrow Wilson's pro-Allied policies. Furthermore, his passing shifted the balance of power in the Senate; had he lived, the Senate might have remained under Democratic control in 1919, rather than shifting toward the Republicans under his successor, Irvine Lenroot.

Family Legacy

Paul Husting was born to John P. Husting, an immigrant from Luxembourg, and Mary M. Juneau. He was the grandson of Solomon Juneau, the co-founder and first mayor of Milwaukee. His brother, Berthold "Bert" Husting, later served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and his brother Charles Ottomar "Otto" Husting served as Paul's private secretary in the Senate.