William Thad Cochran (1937–2019) was a U.S. Representative and Senator from Mississippi who served in 23 U.S. Congresses. After earning degrees from the University of Mississippi and studying law internationally, Cochran began his political career in the House of Representatives in 1973, serving three terms. He then transitioned to the Senate in 1978, where he served until his resignation in 2018. Cochran chaired significant committees, including Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Appropriations. A Navy veteran, he was known for his advocacy for Mississippi and his leadership in securing federal resources for the state.
