Charles C. Gossett (June 6 1888 – May 22 1974) was an American politician and businessman from Idaho. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 20th governor of Idaho and briefly as a United States senator.
Early life and education
Gossett was born in Mesa, Idaho Territory. Details of his formal education are not extensively documented; he pursued work in agriculture and local business ventures in his early adulthood.
Political career
| Office | Term | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant Governor of Idaho | 1937 – 1945 | Democratic |
| Governor of Idaho | 2 January 1945 – 30 November 1946 | Democratic |
| United States Senator (appointed) | 30 November 1946 – 3 January 1947 | Democratic |
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Lieutenant Governor: Gossett was elected lieutenant governor in 1936 and re‑elected in 1938 and 1940, serving under Republican governors while maintaining a Democratic affiliation.
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Governor: He ascended to the governorship on 2 January 1945 after the expiration of the preceding administration. During his tenure, Gossett emphasized fiscal responsibility and infrastructure development.
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U.S. Senate appointment: Following the death of Senator John Thomas on 23 November 1945, Governor Gossett resigned on 30 November 1946 and appointed himself to the vacant Senate seat, a move that generated political controversy. He served in the Senate until the end of the term on 3 January 1947.
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1946 special election: Gossett sought election to retain the Senate seat but was defeated in the November 1946 special election by a Republican candidate.
Later life
After leaving public office, Gossett returned to private enterprise, engaging in farming and real‑estate activities in Boise, Idaho. He remained active in local civic affairs until his death on 22 May 1974.
Legacy
Gossett is noted for being one of the few U.S. politicians to appoint himself to a federal office, an action that highlighted debates over gubernatorial appointment powers. His career reflects the shifting partisan dynamics of mid‑20th‑century Idaho politics.