Date of Birth: December 7, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: May 30, 2019
Biography
William Thad Cochran was an influential American politician who served as a United States Senator from Mississippi from 1978 to 2018. Born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, Cochran grew up in a family deeply rooted in the values of public service and education. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Cochran’s political career began in the House of Representatives, where he served from 1973 to 1978. He then made the leap to the Senate, where he became known for his work on agricultural policy, defense appropriations, and his ability to work across the aisle. Over his four decades in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee and was instrumental in directing federal funds to Mississippi for disaster relief and infrastructure improvements. Cochran was known as a gentleman of the Senate, respected for his civility and dedication to his constituents. His legislative legacy includes significant contributions to agricultural policy, disaster relief, and education.
5 Interesting Facts about Thad Cochran
1. Thad Cochran was the first Republican to win a statewide election in Mississippi since Reconstruction.
2. He served as the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee on two separate occasions.
3. Cochran was a strong advocate for agricultural interests, reflecting the importance of agriculture to Mississippi’s economy.
4. He played a critical role in securing federal disaster relief funding for Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
5. Cochran was a Navy veteran, having served as an ensign in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thad Cochran
1. “I have expressed my strong support for agricultural research and education, and I will continue to support it.”
2. “We must find a way to balance the budget without sacrificing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”
3. “Mississippi is my home, and it has been an honor to serve its people in the United States Senate.”
4. “Bipartisanship is not just a word; it’s a necessity for effective governance.”
5. “Federal funding is essential for rebuilding our communities after natural disasters.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Thad Cochran’s net worth was estimated to be around $3.3 million.
Children
Thad Cochran had two children, Clayton Cochran and Kate Cochran, with his first wife, Rose Clayton Cochran, who passed away in 2014.
Relevant Links
1. [Thad Cochran – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thad_Cochran
2. [Thad Cochran – U.S. Senate Biography](https://www.senate.gov/senators/120years.htm#cochran
3. [Obituary – Thad Cochran](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/30/obituaries/thad-cochran-dead.html