Newton Russell
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Newton Requa Russell (June 25, 1927 – May 18, 2013) was an American businessman and politician.[1]
Newton R. Russell | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 1975 | |
| Member of the California Senate from the 21st district | |
| In office December 20, 1974 – November 30, 1996 | |
| Preceded by | John L. Harmer |
| Succeeded by | Adam Schiff |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 62nd district | |
| In office January 4, 1965 – November 30, 1974 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Waite |
| Succeeded by | William H. Lancaster |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 25, 1927 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | May 18, 2013 (aged 85) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Diane Henderson (m. 1953) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Southern California |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Born in Los Angeles, California, Russell attended Los Angeles High School and the Webb School of California.[2] He served in the United States Navy during World War II.[3][4] He then graduated from University of Southern California and was a special agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance for twelve years.[2][5] He served in the California State Assembly from 1964 to 1974 as a Republican representing the 62nd district, but following reapportionment his district was merged, and he lost his seat to fellow Republican Michael D. Antonovich in the 1974 primaries.[4][6] However, a resignation that year led to a vacancy in the California State Senate for the 21st district, and Russell defeated Arthur K. Snyder in the resulting special election.[4][6] He was chairman of the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee, and remained a member of the Senate until 1996. He died of lung cancer at his home in La Cañada Flintridge, California in 2013.[6]
