Sullivan, Michael J., 1939-

Attorney; governor of Wyoming (1987-1995)

Sullivan (1939- ) was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Wyoming's Law School in 1964. He joined a Casper, Wyoming law firm and entered and won the Wyoming governor's race in 1986 as a Democrat. Sullivan was reelected in 1990, and chose to run for Wyoming's U.S. Senate in 1994, but lost to Craig Thomas. Sullivan returned to his legal practice following the election.

Michael J. Sullivan, former governor of Wyoming (1987-1994), was born 22 September 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska to J.B. and Margaret Sullivan. He grew up in Douglas, Wyoming after his father established a legal practice there. In 1956 he graduated as salutatorian from Converse County High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1961. After graduating with honors from the University of Wyoming Law School in 1964, he joined a Casper law firm.

Sullivan had no previous experience in politics when he entered the race for the governor's office in 1986. His victory over Republican Pete Simpson gave the Democrats the governorship for the fourth time in a row. In 1990 Sullivan won reelection over Republican Mary Mead.

In 1994 Sullivan chose not to seek reelection as governor and ran for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Malcolm Wallop. He lost the senate bid to Republican Craig Thomas. He then returned to Casper to practice law.

Sullivan and his wife Jane Metzler Sullivan had three children: Michelle, Patrick, and Theresa.