Sunday, September 13, 2026

Question: Who is the only sitting U.S. senator to die following a duel?

Answer: David Broderick. The antislavery California Democrat was challenged by California Chief Justice David Terry after insulting him during a bitter political feud. The two met near San Francisco on Sept. 13, 1859. Broderick’s pistol discharged prematurely, and Terry shot him in the chest. Broderick died three days later.