Ted Schwinden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ted Schwinden
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|
|---|---|
| 19th Governor of Montana | |
| In office January 5, 1981 – January 2, 1989 |
|
| Lieutenant | George Turman Gordon McOmber |
| Preceded by | Thomas Lee Judge |
| Succeeded by | Stan Stephens |
| 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Montana | |
| In office January 3, 1977 – January 5, 1981 |
|
| Governor | Thomas Lee Judge |
| Preceded by | Bill Christiansen |
| Succeeded by | George Turman |
| Member of the Montana House of Representatives | |
| In office 1959-1963 |
|
| Preceded by | Chris S. Tange |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 31, 1925 Wolf Point, Montana, U.S. |
| Died | October 7, 2023 (aged 98) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Jean Christianson
(m. 1946; died 2007) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Montana |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1944-1946 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Theodore "Ted" Schwinden (born August 31, 1925 – died October 7, 2023) was an important American politician. He served as the 19th Governor of Montana from 1981 to 1989. Before becoming governor, he was the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Montana. He also served as a member of the Montana House of Representatives.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ted Schwinden was born on August 31, 1925, in Wolf Point, Montana. His family lived on a farm between Wolf Point and Poplar. This farm was located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Ted was a very bright student. He was the top student (valedictorian) in his high school class.
Military Service in World War II
After high school, Ted joined the United States Army. He served during World War II. He was part of the war efforts in both Europe and the Pacific regions. Ted left the army in 1946 after the war ended.
College Years
After his military service, Ted continued his education. He attended the University of Montana. There, he earned both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree.
Political Career
Ted Schwinden was a member of the Democratic Party. He began his political career in 1958. That year, he was elected to the Montana House of Representatives. He represented Roosevelt County. He won against the Republican who held the seat before him, Chris S. Tange.
Serving in the Montana House
Ted served two terms in the House of Representatives. He was chosen for the Legislative Council in 1959. In 1961, he became the House minority whip. This meant he helped lead his party in the House. He tried for a third term but was not successful.
Other Public Roles
In 1965, Ted was elected president of the Grain Growers Association. This group helped farmers who grew grain. Later, in 1969, Governor Forrest H. Anderson named him Commissioner of State Lands. He was in charge of managing state-owned lands. He was reappointed in 1973 and served until April 1976.
Becoming Lieutenant Governor
Ted resigned from his land commissioner role to run for Lieutenant Governor. He was elected the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Montana. He served alongside Governor Thomas Lee Judge from 1977 to 1981.
Governor of Montana
In 1980, Ted Schwinden decided to run for governor. He won the Democratic primary election against the current governor, Thomas Lee Judge. Then, in the main election, he easily defeated Republican Jack Ramirez. This made him the 19th Governor of Montana.
Re-election and Key Programs
Ted was re-elected governor in 1984. He won against State Senator Pat M. Goodover. During his time as governor, he launched the "Build Montana" economic plan. This plan aimed to help Montana's economy grow. He also held popular "Capital for a Day" events. For these events, he would travel to different towns. He would meet with people and listen to their ideas and concerns.
Ted was known for helping Montana through tough economic times. He was proud to be a governor who listened to the public. Even though polls showed he was popular in 1988, he chose not to run for a third term. He kept his promise to serve only two terms in office.
Personal Life
Ted Schwinden married Jean Christianson in 1946. They had three children together: two sons named Mike and Dore, and a daughter named Chrys. Jean passed away from cancer on March 24, 2007, at the age of 81.
Ted Schwinden died on October 7, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 98 years old. He was survived by his three children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
