Stan Stephens facts for kids

Stanley Graham Stephens (born September 16, 1929 – died April 3, 2021) was an important politician, journalist, and radio host. He was born in Canada and later became an American citizen. He served as the 20th Governor of Montana from 1989 to 1993.

Stan Stephens' Early Life

Stan Stephens was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1929. He went to public schools but left high school early. When he was nineteen, he moved to Montana in the United States. He married Ann Hanson, and they had two children together.

Stan Stephens' Career

Stan Stephens had a long career that lasted 38 years in radio and politics.

Broadcasting and Journalism

During the Korean War, Stan Stephens was drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces Broadcast Network. This network provided radio programs for American soldiers.

Later, from 1953 to 1985, he co-owned KOJM Radio in Havre, Montana, with Lyle Leeds. They made sure their radio station helped the community. They often held fundraisers and gave free air time for people to talk about important issues.

Stan Stephens was also very good at writing and delivering radio editorials. These are special messages that share an opinion on a topic. In 1975, he won the famous Edward R. Murrow award. He earned this award for his excellent journalism. He helped uncover a problem in Montana's Workers' Compensation Program.

Serving in the State Senate

Stan Stephens started his political journey in 1969. He was elected to the Montana State Senate. He served there for 16 years. During his time, he held several important roles. He was a floor whip, a majority leader, and even the senate president. These roles meant he helped guide laws and lead his political party in the Senate.

In 1986, a group called the National Republican Legislators' Association recognized him. They named him one of the top ten state lawmakers in the country.

Governor of Montana

In 1988, the current Governor of Montana, Ted Schwinden, decided not to run again. Stan Stephens then decided to run for governor. He won the Republican primary election by a small number of votes. In the main election, he beat former Governor Thomas Lee Judge by a close margin.

As governor, Stan Stephens worked on important projects. He was part of the White House Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Affairs. This council helps different levels of government work together. He also oversaw Montana's 100th birthday celebration as a state in 1989.

Stan Stephens chose not to run for re-election in 1992. Marc Racicot became the next governor after him.

See also

• List of U.S. state governors born outside the United States