Barry Goldwater Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barry Goldwater Jr.
Goldwater in 2017
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California
In office April 29, 1969 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	Edwin Reinecke
Succeeded by	Bobbi Fiedler (Redistricting)
Constituency	27th district (1969–1975) 20th district (1975–1983)
Personal details
Born	Barry Morris Goldwater Jr. (1938-07-15) July 15, 1938 (age 87) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Susan Lee Gherman ​ ​ (m. 1972; div. 1979)​
Children	Barry M. Goldwater III
Parents	Barry Goldwater Margaret Johnson
Alma mater	University of Colorado Boulder Arizona State University (BS)

Barry Morris Goldwater Jr. (born July 15, 1938) is an American politician. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives for California. He served from 1969 to 1983 as a Republican. He is the son of Barry Goldwater, who was a U.S. Senator and ran for president in 1964.

Early Life and Education

Barry Goldwater Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 15, 1938. His parents were Barry Goldwater and Margaret Johnson. He went to Staunton Military Academy in Virginia and graduated in 1957.

He then studied at the University of Colorado and later at Arizona State University, graduating in 1962. Before becoming a politician, he worked in finance, public relations, and international trade.

In 1972, he married Susan Lee Gherman. They had one son, Barry M. Goldwater III. The couple later divorced in 1979.

Political Career

Serving in Congress

In January 1969, a spot opened up in California's 27th congressional district. The previous representative, Edwin Reinecke, had left to become the lieutenant governor of California. This district covered parts of Kern and Los Angeles counties.

Barry Goldwater Jr. ran for this open seat. He won the special election against John Van de Kamp. He served the rest of that term and was re-elected twice. Later, the district boundaries changed, and he was elected to represent California's 20th congressional district four more times.

While in Washington, Goldwater Jr. worked on important committees. These included committees focused on public works, energy, and science and technology. He helped create several laws. One of his most important achievements was the Privacy Act of 1974. This law helps protect private information from being shared by the government and businesses.

Goldwater during his time in Congress

After the 1980 census, California's districts were redrawn. His district was combined with another. Goldwater Jr. decided not to run for the House again. Instead, he ran for the United States Senate in 1982. He lost the primary election to Pete Wilson, who later became the governor of California.

Goldwater speaking during the launch of USS Reid (FFG-30) in 1981

Supporting Other Politicians

Barry Goldwater Jr. has supported many political figures. In the 1980 United States presidential election, he campaigned for Ronald Reagan. Reagan was a family friend and won the election.

In 2003, during the election to recall Governor Gray Davis, Goldwater Jr. supported Arnold Schwarzenegger. He even had a public discussion with Ron Reagan, Ronald Reagan's son, about it.

In 2007, Goldwater Jr. supported Ron Paul for president. He traveled to New Hampshire to campaign for Paul in 2008. In 2008, he was also listed as a vice-presidential candidate for the "Louisiana Taxpayers Party" in Louisiana.

In 2015, Goldwater Jr. became the chairman of a group called TUSK. This group supported solar energy from a Republican viewpoint. They were in favor of "net metering," which allows people with solar panels to get credit for extra electricity they send back to the grid.

Business Career

After leaving politics, Goldwater Jr. went back to Los Angeles. He worked in the financial world, focusing on security law and helping companies raise money. He became a member of the New York Stock Exchange. He also became a partner in a company now known as Wedbush Securities.

Today, Goldwater Jr. lives in Phoenix, Arizona, close to his son. He has served on the board of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. This program helps students who want to study science, math, and engineering. Since October 2018, he has also been on the board of directors for the Goldwater Institute. This group studies public policies that match the conservative ideas his father believed in.

He stays in touch with leaders from both Republican and Democratic parties. He is still active in the conservative political movement.

Awards and Honors

Barry Goldwater Jr. has received several awards for his work. These include:

• The Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
• An award from the President's Commission on Employment of the Handicapped.
• The Distinguished Service Award of the A.C.A.
• The Conscience of the Congress Award from the American Conservative Union.