12 Facts About Alexander Wiley

Alexander Wiley was an American politician who served four terms in the United States Senate for the state of Wisconsin from 1939 to 1963.

Alexander Wiley received his undergraduate education at Augsburg College in Minnesota and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Alexander Wiley served as the Chippewa County district attorney from 1909 to 1915.

In 1938, Wiley was elected to the US Senate, first defeating Tax Court judge Stephen J McMahon to win the Republican nomination, and then defeating Democratic incumbent F Ryan Duffy to win the seat.

In 1944, Wiley was challenged by United States Marine Corps Captain Joseph R McCarthy in the Republican primary.

Alexander Wiley was re-elected two more times, in 1950 and 1956.

Alexander Wiley was challenged by US Representative Glenn Robert Davis in the 1956 Republican primary, but again prevailed.

Alexander Wiley voted in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960, as well as the 24th Amendment to the US Constitution.

In 1962, Alexander Wiley lost his bid for a fifth term to Governor Gaylord Nelson, a liberal Democrat.

Alexander Wiley was the last Republican to serve as a US Senator from Wisconsin until Nelson lost his bid for a fourth term in 1980, to former 9th district congressman Bob Kasten.

Alexander Wiley had a distinguished Senate career that included the chairmanship of both the Foreign Relations and Judiciary committees.

Alexander Wiley was interred at Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.