Don Sundquist facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Sundquist
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| 47th Governor of Tennessee | |
| In office January 21, 1995 – January 18, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant | John Wilder |
| Preceded by | Ned McWherter |
| Succeeded by | Phil Bredesen |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 7th district |
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| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Robin Beard (Redistricting) |
| Succeeded by | Ed Bryant |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Kenneth Sundquist
March 15, 1936 Moline, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | August 27, 2023 (aged 87) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Martha Swanson
(m. 1959) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Augustana College (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1957–1963 |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Donald Kenneth Sundquist (born March 15, 1936 – died August 27, 2023) was an American businessman and politician. He served as the 47th Governor of Tennessee from 1995 to 2003. Before becoming governor, he represented Tennessee's 7th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Career
Donald Sundquist was born in Moline, Illinois. His father was of Swedish background, and his mother was of German background.
After finishing Moline High School in 1953, he went to Augustana College. He earned a degree in Business Administration in 1957. He also served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1963.
In 1961, Sundquist started working for Jostens, a company known for making yearbooks and class rings. He moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee, in 1962 and became a plant manager. Later, in 1972, he moved to Memphis and started his own advertising and printing business.
While in Memphis, Sundquist became very involved in the Republican Party. He helped organize the Barry Goldwater 1964 presidential campaign. He also led the national Young Republicans from 1971 to 1973. He was a delegate at national Republican conventions in 1976 and 1980.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1982, Sundquist decided to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district he ran for was the 7th Congressional District of Tennessee. He won a close election against Bob Clement. After that, he was reelected several times without much difficulty.
During his time in Congress, Sundquist was known for his conservative views. He was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. This committee handles important issues like taxes and trade.
Governor of Tennessee
First Term as Governor
In 1994, Don Sundquist ran for governor of Tennessee. The current governor, Ned McWherter, could not run again. Sundquist easily won the Republican nomination. He then faced Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen in the general election. Sundquist won the election with more votes.
During his first term, Governor Sundquist worked on making government more efficient. He also focused on welfare reform. In 1996, he signed a law called "Families First." This law helped reduce the number of families needing welfare support. He also signed new laws to make sentences tougher for crimes. In 1996, he replaced the state's Public Service Commission with the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. That same year, he created the Department of Children's Services.
Second Term as Governor
In 1998, Sundquist was reelected as governor. He easily won against his opponent, John Jay Hooker. Soon after his reelection, he started the ConnectTen program. This program helped connect Tennessee's schools and libraries to the Internet. Tennessee was the first state to do this.
During his second term, Governor Sundquist wanted to raise more money for the state. Tennessee traditionally had low taxes. He believed the state's main tax, the sales tax, was not stable enough. He thought more money was needed for education and roads. He proposed a state income tax. This idea was very unpopular with many people and even some of his political friends. There were protests in Nashville against the income tax.
After Being Governor
After leaving office, Don Sundquist continued to be active. In 2005, he was chosen to lead a national group. This group worked on improving Medicaid, a health program.
He also worked as a lobbyist. A lobbyist tries to influence government decisions. He co-founded a firm called Sundquist Anthony.
His official papers and records are kept at the University of Tennessee Libraries.
Personal Life
Don Sundquist married Martha Swanson in 1959. They had three children together.
He passed away in Memphis on August 27, 2023, at the age of 87.
Honors
