Electoral history of Robert Byrd, senior United States senator from West Virginia (1959–2010), president pro tempore of the United States Senate (1989–1995, 2001, 2001–2003 and 2007–2010), Senate majority (1977–1981, 1987–1989) and minority leader (1981–1987). He was also the longest-serving U.S. senator in history, as well as the previous longest-serving member of Congress.