Bill Gunter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Gunter
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| 21st Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Fire Marshal of Florida | |
| In office November 9, 1976 – January 3, 1989 |
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| Governor | Reubin Askew Bob Graham Wayne Mixson Bob Martinez |
| Preceded by | Philip F. Ashler |
| Succeeded by | Tom Gallagher |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 5th district |
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| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1975 |
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| Preceded by | New Constituency (Redistricting) |
| Succeeded by | Richard Kelly |
| Member of the Florida Senate from the 18th district |
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| In office November 8, 1966 – November 7, 1972 |
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| Preceded by | John E. Mathews Jr. |
| Succeeded by | John T. Ware |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Dawson Gunter Jr.
July 16, 1934 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | April 8, 2024 (aged 89) Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Florida (BSA) |
William Dawson Gunter Jr. (July 16, 1934 – April 8, 2024) was an American politician. He served the state of Florida in several important roles.
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About Bill Gunter's Early Life
Bill Gunter was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1934. He went to public schools in Live Oak. Later, he studied at the University of Florida. In 1956, he earned a degree in agriculture.
While at the University of Florida, he was part of a fraternity called Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After college, Gunter briefly attended the University of Georgia. He also served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1958.
Bill Gunter's Political Journey
Bill Gunter began his political career in 1966. He became a member of the Florida State Senate. This is a group of lawmakers who help make rules for the state.
Serving in Congress
In 1972, Gunter was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a Democrat. He represented Florida's 5th congressional district, which was a new area around Orlando. He served one term in the U.S. House. During this time, his voting record was generally moderate. This means he often took middle-ground positions on issues.
Running for U.S. Senate
Gunter tried to become a U.S. Senator in 1974. He ran in the Democratic primary election but did not win.
In 1976, he was elected Florida State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner. This job involved managing the state's money and overseeing insurance. He held this position until 1988.
He ran for the U.S. Senate again in 1980. He won the Democratic primary, beating the person who was already a Senator. Then, he faced Paula Hawkins, a Republican. Gunter lost this election to Hawkins. This election was part of a bigger change in the Senate. Republicans gained control for the first time in many years.
Gunter made one more attempt to become a U.S. Senator in 1988. He lost the Democratic nomination by a small number of votes.
Life After Politics
After his time in politics, Bill Gunter worked in the insurance business. He was part of an insurance agency in Tallahassee called Rogers, Gunter, Vaughn. He also stayed involved with groups that support the insurance industry.
Bill Gunter passed away at his home in Tallahassee on April 8, 2024. He was 89 years old.
