Alan Wheat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alan Wheat
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 5th district |
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| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Bolling |
| Succeeded by | Karen McCarthy |
| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from the 26th district |
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| In office January 1977 – January 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Harold Holliday |
| Succeeded by | Chris Kelly |
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| Born | October 16, 1951 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Grinnell College (BA) |
Alan Dupree Wheat, born on October 16, 1951, is an American economist and politician. He served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of Missouri, from 1983 to 1995. After his time in Congress, he became a lobbyist, working to influence government decisions.
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Early Life and Education
Alan Wheat's father, James Wheat, was an officer and engineer in the United States Air Force. His mother, Emogene Wheat, was a teacher. Because his father was in the Air Force, Alan lived in different places. He grew up on air bases and went to schools in Wichita, Kansas, and Seville in Spain.
In 1968, he finished high school at Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana. He then studied economics at Grinnell College in Iowa, earning his degree in 1972.
First Jobs
After college, Wheat started his career as an economist. In 1972, he worked for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 1973 to 1975, he was an economist for the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City. Later, in 1975, he became an assistant to Mike White, an executive in Jackson County, Missouri.
Political Career
Alan Wheat began his political journey in Missouri.
Serving in Missouri
In 1976, at the age of 25, Alan Wheat was elected to the Missouri General Assembly. This is the state's law-making body, similar to a state parliament. He served there for six years, until 1982.
Running for Congress
In 1982, the Congressman for Missouri's 5th district, Richard Bolling, decided to retire. Alan Wheat ran to take his place. He won the Democratic Party's first election, called the primary, by a small number of votes. Then, in the main election, he won against Republican John Sharp with 58% of the votes. This meant he would represent Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Time in the U.S. House of Representatives
Alan Wheat made history during his time in Congress.
He was the youngest person ever to be chosen for the U.S. House Committee on Rules. This committee helps decide which laws are voted on. He was also the first African-American to represent a district where most of the voters were not from a liberal background. Wheat was also a member of the United States House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. This committee focused on issues important to young people and families.
Re-election and Senate Campaign
In 1992, Alan Wheat faced several opponents in the Democratic primary election. Despite some financial issues that had affected many House members, he won the primary. He then defeated Edward “Gomer” Moody in the general election, winning with 59% of the votes.
In 1994, United States Senator John Danforth announced he would not run for re-election. Alan Wheat decided to leave the House of Representatives and run for Danforth's Senate seat. This Senate race was watched closely across the country. Many thought Wheat could win votes from people who usually voted for the other party. However, he lost the election to former governor John Ashcroft. Karen McCarthy was then elected to take Wheat's place in the House.
After Congress
After his Senate campaign, Alan Wheat continued to work in public service and government relations.
He became the vice president of Public Policy and Government Relations at CARE, an organization that helps people around the world. In 1996, he worked for President Bill Clinton's re-election campaign. He was a deputy campaign manager and helped connect with voters.
In 1997, Wheat started his own lobbying group called Wheat Government Relations. In 2013, he joined the law and lobbying firm Polsinelli. He led their Public Policy practice. In 2021, he helped start Wheat Shroyer Government Relations, another lobbying firm, where he is currently the Chairman. Alan Wheat also serves on the board of directors for CARE.
Personal Life
Alan Wheat has three children.
See also
