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Higher Office(s) Served: Cabinet Secretary

GEORGE W. ROMNEY, the forty-third governor of Michigan, was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on July 8, 1907. His education was attained at the University of Utah, and at the George Washington University, however he did not graduate. He established a successful business career, working first with the Aluminum Company of America, and later serving as the chairman and president of the American Motors Corporation. Romney entered politics in 1962, securing the Republican gubernatorial nomination. He went on to win the general election by a popular vote on November 6, 1962. He was reelected to a second term in 1964, and to a third term in 1966. During his tenure, the state's economy progressed; a personal and corporate income tax was sanctioned; civil rights bills were promoted; and a new state constitution was authorized. Also during his term, Romney actively sought, but was unsuccessful in his bid for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination. Romney resigned from the governor's office on January 22, 1969. He then served in President Nixon's cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, a position he held until 1972. Governor George W. Romney passed away on July 26, 1995, and was buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Brighton, Michigan.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

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