| Pete T. Cenarrusa | |
|---|---|
| Cenarrusa in July 2010 | |
| Secretary of State of Idaho | |
| In office May 1, 1967 – January 6, 2003 |
|
| Preceded by | Edson H. Deal |
| Succeeded by | Ben Ysursa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 16, 1917 Carey, Idaho |
| Political party | Republican |
Pete T. Cenarrusa (born December 16, 1917 in Carey, Idaho) is a Republican politician from Idaho. He served continuously for over half a century in elective office, first as a member of the Idaho Legislature and then as Secretary of State.[1][2]
Cenarrusa was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 1950. He served in that capacity for 16 years, including six as speaker of the house.
In May 1967, Cenarrusa was appointed Secretary of State by Governor Don Samuelson to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Edson H. Deal. Cenarussa was elected to a full term in 1970. He was reelected seven times (1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998). Cenarrusa did not run for reelection in 2002, instead supporting his longtime chief deputy, Ben Ysursa.
In 2003, Pete and Freda Cenarrusa organized the Cenarrusa Foundation for Basque Culture, which promotes the culture and history of the Basques by providing resources for performances, presentations and programs and to organizations throughout Idaho and Oregon.[3]
The Cenarrusa Center for Basque Studies at Boise State University is named after him. Basque was his first language, and he still speaks fluent Basque.
| Preceded by Edson H. Deal |
Secretary of State of Idaho May 1, 1967–January 6, 2003 |
Succeeded by Ben Ysursa |