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 was born on October 16, 1951. He is an American economist, a person who works to influence government decisions (a lobbyist), and a politician. He served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of Missouri. He was a representative from 1983 to 1995.
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Early Life and Education
Alan Wheat's father, James Wheat, was an officer and engineer in the U.S. Air Force. His mother, Emogene (Jean) Wheat, was a teacher. Because his father was in the Air Force, Alan grew up on different air bases. He went to schools in places like Wichita, Kansas, and Seville in Spain.
In 1968, he finished high school at Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana. Alan then went to Grinnell College in Iowa. In 1972, he earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in economics. After college, he worked as an economist for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
From 1973 to 1975, he worked for the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City. In 1975, he became an assistant to Mike White, an executive in Jackson County, Missouri.
Starting in Missouri Politics
In 1976, when he was 25 years old, Alan Wheat was elected to the Missouri General Assembly. This is the state's law-making body. He served there until 1982.
Running for Congress
In 1982, Congressman Richard Bolling decided to retire. Alan Wheat ran to take his place in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won the Democratic primary election by a very small number of votes. A primary election is when people choose which candidate from their party will run in the main election.
After winning the primary, he went on to win the general election. He beat his Republican opponent, John Sharp, with 58% of the votes.
Time in the U.S. House of Representatives
Alan Wheat made history in the United States House of Representatives. He was the youngest person ever to be chosen for the U.S. House Committee on Rules. This committee helps decide which laws get voted on. He was also the first African-American to represent a district where most of the voters were not from a liberal background.
He 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 Race
In 1992, Alan Wheat faced four opponents in the Democratic primary election. Some people thought he might lose because of a situation called the House banking scandal. This was when some House members had made overdrafts, meaning they spent more money than they had in their accounts. However, Wheat won the primary election.
He then won the general election against Edward “Gomer” Moody, a well-known businessman from Missouri. Wheat won 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 to 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 Alan Wheat's place in the House.
After Congress
After his Senate campaign, Alan Wheat became the vice president of Public Policy and Government Relations at CARE. CARE is a big 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, Wheat joined a national law firm and lobbying practice called Polsinelli. He led their Public Policy practice.
In 2021, Alan Wheat helped start a new lobbying firm called Wheat Shroyer Government Relations. This firm focuses on public service. He is currently the Chairman of this firm.
Alan Wheat also continues to serve on the board of directors at CARE.
Personal Life
Alan Wheat has three children.
See also
