Dick Gephardt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dick Gephardt
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Official portrait, 1997
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| House Minority Leader | |
| In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Whip | David Bonior Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Robert H. Michel |
| Succeeded by | Nancy Pelosi |
| Leader of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Tom Foley |
| Succeeded by | Nancy Pelosi |
| House Majority Leader | |
| In office June 6, 1989 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Speaker | Tom Foley |
| Whip | William H. Gray David Bonior |
| Preceded by | Tom Foley |
| Succeeded by | Dick Armey |
| Chair of the House Democratic Caucus | |
| In office January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1989 |
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| Leader | Tip O'Neill Jim Wright |
| Preceded by | Gillis William Long |
| Succeeded by | William H. Gray |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 3rd district |
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| In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Leonor Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | Russ Carnahan |
| Member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen from the 14th Ward | |
| In office 1971–1976 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Andrew Gephardt
January 31, 1941 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jane Gephardt (m. 1966; died 2024) |
| Children | 3, including Chrissy |
| Education | Northwestern University (BS) University of Michigan (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1965–1971 |
| Unit | Missouri Air National Guard |
Richard Andrew Gephardt (born January 31, 1941) is an American lawyer and politician. He represented Missouri in the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 2005. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Gephardt held important leadership roles in the House of Representatives. He was the House Majority Leader from 1989 to 1995. Then, he became the House Minority Leader from 1995 to 2003. He also ran for President of the United States in 1988 and 2004, but did not win the Democratic nomination.
After leaving politics, Gephardt started working as a lobbyist. This means he works to influence government decisions. He founded a company called Gephardt Government Affairs. He also advises other big companies.
Early Life and Education
Richard Gephardt was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His father was a milkman. Gephardt graduated from Southwest High School in 1958.
He was an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He also received a special award called the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
Gephardt went to Northwestern University and earned his bachelor's degree in 1962. While there, he was president of his freshman class. He then studied law at the University of Michigan Law School. He earned his law degree in 1965.
In 1965, he became a lawyer in Missouri. He also served in the Missouri Air National Guard until 1971.
Gephardt is married to Jane Gephardt. They have three children named Matt, Katie, and Chrissy.
Political Career
Gephardt started his political career in St. Louis. He was a member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen from 1971 to 1976. This is like a city council.
In 1977, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented Missouri's 3rd district. He served in the House for 28 years, until 2005.
In the House, he became a very important leader for the Democratic Party.
- As House Majority Leader, he helped guide laws through Congress when his party had the most members.
- As House Minority Leader, he led the opposition when his party had fewer members. He worked to challenge the other party's plans.
Gephardt also sought the Democratic nomination for President twice. This means he tried to become his party's choice to run for president. He was also considered as a possible Vice President several times.
After Congress
After leaving Congress, Gephardt continued to be involved in public life. He uses his experience to help different groups. He works with companies and organizations to help them understand and work with the government. He also helps lead a group called Issue One. This group works to improve how our government works.
