Don Leroy Bonker

Democrat Representative of Washington's 3rd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

March 7, 1937 (86 years old)

Birthday

May 30, 2023

Death

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for 14 years.
Attended public schools, earned an Associate of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Arts, and completed graduate work.
Served in the United States Coast Guard.
Worked as an aide to a United States Senator, was a county auditor, and a delegate to state Democratic conventions.
Ran unsuccessfully for Washington Secretary of State before his tenure in Congress.
Was a moderate Democrat, did not seek reelection to the House in order to run for the U.S. Senate, but lost in the primary.
Held significant positions related to foreign affairs and trade in Congress, authored important trade legislation.
Contributed to environmental conservation efforts in Washington state.
Ran for U.S. Senate and Secretary of State again later in his career but was defeated.
Held leadership roles in various organizations and was involved in U.S.-Russia business cooperation.
Endorsed a Republican candidate in a local election, which was controversial among Democrats.
Authored a book on America’s trade crisis and wrote a monthly column on trade policy.
Was married with two children.
Diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away at the age of 86.