Henry Dworshak

Henry Clarence Dworshak (August 29, 1894 – July 23, 1962) was a Republican United States Representative and a United States Senator from Idaho.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Dworshak served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Fourth Antiaircraft Machine Gun Battalion during World War I. After the war, he managed a printing supply business in Duluth. In 1920 he moved to Burley, Idaho, to become the publisher of the Burley Bulletin.

In 1938 Dworshak won the open House seat in the Idaho Second Congressional District. He was reelected in 1940, 1942 and 1944.

In November 1945, Democratic Governor Charles C. Gossett resigned to accept an appointment to the United States Senate to succeed the late John W. Thomas. Dworshak defeated state senator George E. Donart in a 1946 special election to complete the term. However, Dworshak was defeated for a full term in the 1948 general election by former Idaho Attorney General Bert H. Miller.

Miller died in October 1949 after only nine months in office. Dworshak was appointed his successor by Republican Governor C. A. Robins. Dworshak won a special election in 1950, and was elected to full Senate terms in 1954 and 1960.

A staunch isolationist, Dworshak stood unwavering against overseas intervention, especially in United States affairs. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Dworshak died in office in 1962. He was succeeded by former Governor Len Jordan. The Dworshak Dam on the Clearwater River near Orofino, Idaho and Dworshak Elementary School in Burley, Idaho are named in his honor.

Reference

• Henry Dworshak at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress