Brian Schweitzer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Schweitzer
23rd Governor of Montana
In office January 3, 2005 – January 7, 2013
Lieutenant	John Bohlinger
Preceded by	Judy Martz
Succeeded by	Steve Bullock
Personal details
Born	Brian David Schweitzer (1955-09-04) September 4, 1955 (age 69) Havre, Montana, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Nancy Hupp ​ (m. 1981)​
Children	3
Education	Colorado State University (BS) Montana State University (MS)
Occupation	Farmer, rancher, politician

Brian David Schweitzer (born September 4, 1955) is an American farmer and politician. He served as the 23rd Governor of Montana from 2005 to 2013. A governor is the leader of a state government.

Schweitzer also led important groups like the Western Governors Association and the Democratic Governors Association. He was also the President of the Council of State Governments.

Brian Schweitzer's Early Life and Education

Brian Schweitzer was born in Havre, Montana. He was the fourth of six children in his family. His grandparents came from different parts of Europe.

After high school, Brian went to college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international agronomy from Colorado State University in 1978. Agronomy is the science of soil management and crop production. Later, he earned a Master of Science degree in soil science from Montana State University in 1980. Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource.

Working Around the World

After finishing his studies, Schweitzer worked on projects to help with irrigation. Irrigation is a way to supply water to land or crops. He worked in places like Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. He spent several years working in countries like Libya and Saudi Arabia. He even learned to speak Arabic.

In 1986, he returned to Montana and settled in Whitefish. In 1993, he was chosen to work for the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency in Montana. He worked there for seven years, helping farmers.

Running for U.S. Senate in 2000

Schweitzer speaking about natural resources.

In 2000, Brian Schweitzer decided to run for the United States Senate. He challenged the person already holding the job, Conrad Burns, who was a Republican.

During the election, Schweitzer focused on the cost of prescription drugs. He even helped groups of older people travel to Canada and Mexico to buy cheaper medicine. He lost the election by a small amount, even though his opponent spent much more money.

Serving as Governor of Montana (2005–2013)

Governor Brian Schweitzer campaigning in Billings, Montana in 2006.

When the governor at the time, Judy Martz, decided not to run again in 2004, Brian Schweitzer announced he would run for governor. He chose John Bohlinger, a Republican state senator, to run with him as his lieutenant governor.

Schweitzer won the election and became the Governor of Montana in 2005. He was re-elected for a second term in 2008 by a large number of votes. He served as governor until 2013.

After Being Governor

After his time as governor ended in 2013, Brian Schweitzer joined the board of directors for the Stillwater Mining Company. A board of directors is a group of people who guide a company. He was later chosen to be the non-executive chairman of the board.

Possible Future Political Roles

While he was governor, some people thought Brian Schweitzer might become a running mate for Barack Obama in the 2008 United States presidential election. A running mate is a candidate for vice president. Schweitzer spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which is a big meeting for the Democratic Party. He talked about how America could get its own energy.

After leaving office, some people wondered if Schweitzer would run for president in 2016. He thought about it but later said he had "no plans" to run. In 2015, he supported Martin O'Malley's campaign for president.

Brian Schweitzer's Personal Life

Brian Schweitzer married Nancy Hupp in 1981. They have three children named Ben, Khai, and Katrina.

Election Results

See also

In Spanish: Brian Schweitzer para niños