ANALYSIS — Appointed senators over the past century have been a constant presence in the chamber. More than 10 percent of current occupants first entered the Senate after being picked to succeed departing members in between elections.
Since 1913, when the 17th Amendment to the Constitution established the direct election of senators and provided a means to fill Senate seats vacated due to resignation, death, expulsion or what have you, 206 individuals have been appointed to the chamber, according to Senate records. That number will grow by two in the near future, when the successors to Vice President-elect JD Vance of Ohio and Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio of Florida are sworn in.
Of that 206, fates diverge almost evenly among those who went on to hold their seats in the following election; those who lost the general election or the primary following their appointment; or those who chose not to seek election.
