Photo-Illustration by Jennifer Albarracin Moya.
There’s a desk located by the Senate chamber’s busiest entrance that, since 1965, has been known as the Candy Desk: Whichever senator it’s assigned to keeps it stocked with sweets. Here’s a look at some of the goodies over the years.
George Murphy
1965–1971
The Candy Desk tradition began when this California senator began filling his desk drawer with lozenges following vocal-cord surgery and shared with others. The idea stuck, and subsequent holders of the desk picked their own treats to offer.
John McCain
1987–1989
The Arizona senator didn’t skimp, providing breath mints, cough drops, and hard candy during his tenure.
Rick Santorum
1997–2007
During the Pennsylvanian’s decade-long candy reign, Hershey sent over about 400 pounds of its products per year.
Mark Kirk
2011–2015
This Illinois senator focused on Chicago sweets like Wrigley’s Gum, Garrett Popcorn, and Tootsie Rolls.
Todd Young
2023–2025
Hoosier confections were on offer from the Indiana politician, including Toxic Waste sour candies and Albanese Confectionery gummies.
Markwayne Mullin
2025–present
The current keeper of the desk is this Oklahoma senator, who’s supplying Sour Patch Kids and Nerds.
This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
Join the conversation!
Share
A Quick History of the Senate’s Candy Desk
What’s the deal with this sweet tradition?
There’s a desk located by the Senate chamber’s busiest entrance that, since 1965, has been known as the Candy Desk: Whichever senator it’s assigned to keeps it stocked with sweets. Here’s a look at some of the goodies over the years.
George Murphy
1965–1971
The Candy Desk tradition began when this California senator began filling his desk drawer with lozenges following vocal-cord surgery and shared with others. The idea stuck, and subsequent holders of the desk picked their own treats to offer.
John McCain
1987–1989
The Arizona senator didn’t skimp, providing breath mints, cough drops, and hard candy during his tenure.
Rick Santorum
1997–2007
During the Pennsylvanian’s decade-long candy reign, Hershey sent over about 400 pounds of its products per year.
Mark Kirk
2011–2015
This Illinois senator focused on Chicago sweets like Wrigley’s Gum, Garrett Popcorn, and Tootsie Rolls.
Todd Young
2023–2025
Hoosier confections were on offer from the Indiana politician, including Toxic Waste sour candies and Albanese Confectionery gummies.
Markwayne Mullin
2025–present
The current keeper of the desk is this Oklahoma senator, who’s supplying Sour Patch Kids and Nerds.
This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
Most Popular in News & Politics
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.
Meet DC’s 2025 Tech Titans
What Happens After We Die? These UVA Researchers Are Investigating It.
GOP Candidate Quits Virginia Race After Losing Federal Contracting Job, Trump Plans Crackdown on Left Following Kirk’s Death, and Theatre Week Starts Thursday
USDA Spent $16,400 on Banners to Honor Trump and Lincoln
Washingtonian Magazine
September Issue: Style Setters
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Why Can You Swim in the Seine but Not the Potomac River?
This DC Woman Might Owe You Money
Why a Lost DC Novel Is Getting New Attention
These Confusing Bands Aren’t Actually From DC
More from News & Politics
How to Pick a Good Title-and-Settlement Company in the DC Area
Weird Press Conference Ends Trump’s Vacation From Offering Medical Advice, Kimmel Goes Back to Work Tonight, and DC Man Arrested for Shining Laser Pointer at Marine One
Why Can You Swim in the Seine but Not the Potomac River?
Nominations Are Now Open for 500 Most Influential People List
Trump and Musk Reunite, Administration Will Claim Link Between Tylenol and Autism, and Foo Fighters Play Surprise Show in DC
This DC Woman Might Owe You Money
A New Exhibition Near the White House Takes a High-Tech Approach to a Fundamental Question: What Is the American Dream?
Want to See What Could Be Ovechkin’s Last Game in DC? It’s Going to Cost You.