Senator Herbert Emery Hitchcock

Herbert Emery Hitchcock (August 22, 1867 – February 17, 1958) was a Democratic politician, attorney, and United States senator from South Dakota who served in the Senate from 1936 to 1939. His tenure in Congress took place during the later years of the New Deal era, a significant period in American history marked by economic recovery efforts and expanding federal programs, during which he participated in the legislative process and represented the interests of his South Dakota constituents.

Before entering national office, Hitchcock built a long career in law and public affairs in South Dakota. Trained as an attorney, he established himself in legal practice and became active in Democratic Party politics at a time when the party was in the minority in the state. His professional work as a lawyer helped provide the foundation for his later political influence, and he became known as a committed party organizer and advocate for Democratic principles in a predominantly Republican region.

Hitchcock rose to prominence within the Democratic Party during the early 1930s. In 1932 he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, where he was one of fifty-five individuals who helped draft the party’s national platform in the year Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated for the presidency. That same year he became chairman of the South Dakota Democratic Party, a position he held from 1932 to 1936. In this role he worked to strengthen the party’s organization in the state, align it with national New Deal priorities, and expand Democratic influence during a period of political realignment brought on by the Great Depression.

On December 29, 1936, Hitchcock was appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate from South Dakota to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Peter Norbeck. He served in the Senate from his appointment on December 29, 1936, until January 3, 1939, completing the remainder of Norbeck’s term. During this single term in office, he contributed to the legislative process at the federal level, participating in debates and votes on issues arising from the continuing implementation of New Deal programs and representing South Dakota’s interests in a time of economic and political transition.

In 1938 Hitchcock sought to continue his service in the Senate by running for a full term. Campaigning as the incumbent, he entered the Democratic primary but was defeated by former Governor Tom Berry, who secured the party’s nomination. Berry subsequently lost the general election to Republican candidate Chan Gurney, ending Hitchcock’s brief tenure in the Senate. Although he did not return to the upper chamber, Hitchcock remained engaged in Democratic politics. In 1940 he was selected as one of South Dakota’s Democratic presidential electors, reflecting his continued standing within the party, but the state was carried in that election by Republican nominee Wendell Willkie.

After leaving the Senate, Hitchcock resumed the practice of law, returning to his legal career in South Dakota. He continued to live in Mitchell, South Dakota, where he maintained his professional activities and remained a respected figure in state political and civic circles. He practiced law until his death in Mitchell on February 17, 1958. In keeping with his long-standing interest in public service and community institutions, his will provided for the distribution of $112,000 to various institutions, including colleges and charities. He was interred at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell, closing a life that combined legal practice, party leadership, and service in the United States Senate.