Dick Gephardt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dick Gephardt
Official portrait, 1997
House Minority Leader
In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2003
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
Preceded by	Tom Foley
Succeeded by	Nancy Pelosi
House Majority Leader
In office June 6, 1989 – January 3, 1995
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
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
In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 2005
Preceded by	Leonor Sullivan
Succeeded by	Russ Carnahan
Member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen from the 14th Ward
In office 1971–1976
Personal details
Born	Richard Andrew Gephardt (1941-01-31) January 31, 1941 (age 84) 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.

See also

In Spanish: Dick Gephardt para niños