Wendell Richard Anderson

Democrat Senator of Minnesota

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1933 (83 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2016

Death

Served as the 33rd governor of Minnesota from 1971 to 1976.
Resigned as governor to be appointed to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1976 to 1978.
Played a key role in the “Minnesota Miracle of 1971,” a significant reform in public school and local government financing.
Elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1959 to 1963 and the Minnesota State Senate from 1963 to 1971.
Appointed as honorary consul general of Sweden in Minneapolis from 1989 to 2002.
Had a background as a hockey player, winning a silver medal with the U.S. hockey team at the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant.
Featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1973 for his political achievements.
Experienced a significant political defeat in 1978, which he attributed to his decision to appoint himself to the Senate.
Worked as a commentator on Minnesota politics in his later years.