Swenson, Erling
House 1919 (District 35); House 1921-26 (District 35); Senate 1927-30 (District 35)
Party when first elected: Nonpartisan Election
Counties Served:
Hennepin
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth:
10/5/1885
Birth Place:
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Birth County:
Hennepin
Birth Country:
United States
Date of Death:
10/6/1974
Gender:
Male
Religion:
Reported Minority: None Reported
Other Names:
| Alternate Spelling of Last Name: Swensen |
City of Residence (when first elected):
Minneapolis
Occupation (when first elected):
Practicing Law
EDUCATION
Minneapolis North High School; Secondary; Graduate
University of Minnesota, Law School; Law Degree; Night Law Course
OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICE
State Agency:
Minnesota State Conservation Department, Game and Fish Division (Director);
1933 to 1935
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Spouse:
Emma
Children:
Two children: Mrs. Gerald Elbers and Mrs. Robert Omoth (daughters)
Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:
GENERAL NOTES
His last name is listed as Swensen in the contested election documentation from the 1918 election. All other sources list Swenson.
He was an unsuccessful Farmer-Labor Party candidate for the 10th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives in 1930.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for the United States Congress in 1942 and 1948.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for Minnesota Attorney General in 1954.
He was a member of the Minneapolis North High School championship football team in 1907.
He died in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Body: Senate
District: 35
Elected: 11/2/1926
Residence: Minneapolis
Term of Office: 1/4/1927 to 1/5/1931
Counties Represented:
Hennepin
Occupation: Practicing Law
Party:
Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
-
Cities of the First Class
-
Drainage
-
Judiciary
-
Public Domain
-
Public Welfare
-
Reforestation
-
Workmens Compensation
Body: Senate
District: 35
Elected: 11/2/1926
Residence: Minneapolis
Term of Office: 1/4/1927 to 1/5/1931
Counties Represented:
Hennepin
Occupation: Practicing Law
Party:
Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
-
Cities of the First Class
-
Drainage
-
Game and Fish
-
Judiciary
-
Public Domain
-
Public Health
-
Workmens Compensation
Elected: 11/4/1924
Residence: Minneapolis
Term of Office: 1/6/1925 to 1/3/1927
Counties Represented:
Hennepin
Occupation: Practicing Law
Party:
Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
-
Corporations
-
Drainage
-
Game and Fish
-
Judiciary
-
Public Domain
-
Workmens Compensation
Elected: 11/7/1922
Residence: Minneapolis
Term of Office: 1/2/1923 to 1/5/1925
Counties Represented:
Hennepin
Occupation: Practicing Law
Party:
Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
-
Commerce, Manufacture and Retail Trade
-
Corporations (Chair)
-
Drainage
-
Game and Fish
-
Judiciary
-
Workmens Compensation
Elected: 11/2/1920
Residence: Minneapolis
Term of Office: 1/4/1921 to 1/1/1923
Counties Represented:
Hennepin
Occupation: Practicing Law
Party:
Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
-
Cities
-
Game and Fish
-
Judiciary
-
Public Domain
Elected: 11/5/1918
Residence: Minneapolis
Term of Office: 1/7/1919 to 1/28/1919
(unfinished term)
Counties Represented:
Hennepin
Occupation: Practicing Law
Party:
Nonpartisan Election
Committees:
-
Corporations
-
Insurance
-
Judiciary
-
Railroads
-
State Hospitals
-
Workmens Compensation
Reason for unfinished term:
Other - See Notes
Session Notes:
Erling Swenson was originally listed as the winner of the 1918 election by 66 votes. Henry W. Lauderdale contested the election results and a recount occurred. The recount showed that Lauderdale had won by 40 votes. Swenson then contested the election related to charges that Lauderdale had violated the Corrupt Practices Act including charges of paying for votes. After examining the evidence, the House ruled that Lauderdale was entitled to the seat.
Articles & Books About
"Rites Slated for Former Legislator." Minneapolis Star, October 8, 1974.
Lauderdale v. Swensen, Recount and Contested Election. Minnesota Journal of the House, January 23, 24, and 28, 1919, p. 152-158, 168, 198-200.
Buell, C.J. "Contested Seats." The Minnesota Legislature of 1919.
These files are available in the Legislative Reference Library.