The 19th Oregon Legislative Assembly was scheduled to convene January 11, 1897. The Senate organized, but the House failed to do so. In the House, two factions formed, neither of which had enough members to constitute a quorum. The legislature held a special session in 1898, from September 26 to October 15. During that session, Simon was chosen as U.S. Senator, filling a seat that had been vacant for nearly two years. E. V. Carter served as House speaker during the special session.