Gordon L. McDonough

Gordon Leo McDonough (January 2, 1895 – June 25, 1968) was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from California from 1945 to 1963.

Gordon McDonough
McDonough c. 1930s
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 15th district
In office January 3, 1945 – January 3, 1963
Preceded by	John M. Costello
Succeeded by	John J. McFall
Member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from the 2nd District
In office January 7, 1934 – 1944
Preceded by	Frank L. Shaw
Succeeded by	Leonard J. Roach
Personal details
Born	Gordon Leo McDonough (1895-01-02)January 2, 1895 Buffalo, New York, United States
Died	June 25, 1968(1968-06-25) (aged 73) Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Catherine Ann McNeil
Children	7

Early life and career

Born in Buffalo, New York, McDonough moved with his parents to Emporium, Pennsylvania, in 1898. He attended the public schools and graduated from the high school there.

He engaged as an industrial chemist in Emporium from 1915 to 1918. He moved to Los Angeles, California and resumed his former occupation, from 1918 to 1933. He served on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 1933 to 1944, serving as chairman for one year.

Congress

McDonough was elected as a Republican to the Seventy-ninth and to the eight succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1945 – January 3, 1963). In 1962 California gained eight U.S. House seats. To boost the chances for re-election for Republican colleagues and opportunities for potential new Republican House members, McDonough ran in a newly drawn but unfavorable district against Democrat Edward Roybal, a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Roybal defeated McDonough to become the first Latino American member of Congress from California in 80 years.

McDonough voted in favor of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960, as well as the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Private life

He was married to Catherine McNeil and they raised seven children.

McDonough appeared on the Groucho Marx game show You Bet Your Life on January 4, 1950.

Death

He died in Bethesda, Maryland, June 25, 1968, and was interred in Holy Cross Mausoleum, Los Angeles, California.

References

• United States Congress. "Gordon L. McDonough (id: M000414)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress