[6] In 52 BCE, Hypsaeus was one of three men – along with Titus Annius Milo and Quintus Metellus Scipio – who campaigned for the consulship.
Their campaign was divisive, involving extensive bribery of the people and the formation of armed gangs loyal to each candidate.
The open hostility was particularly marked between Publius Clodius Pulcher and Titus Annius Milo.
Their open violence culminated in the murder of Clodius and the burning down of both the Curia Julia and the Basilica Porcia in the Forum Romanum.
[7][8][9] In consequence, the elections for the consulship and praetorship could not be completed, and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus was made sole Consul for the year.