Orville Freeman

Orville Freeman portrait

Orville Freeman

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth May 9, 1918
Date of Death Feb. 20, 2003 (Age: 84)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

Orville Freeman graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Minnesota before earning his LL.B. from the University of Minnesota Law School. He served as an infantry officer in World War II, participating in the Bougainville Campaign, and was wounded in action. Freeman held various leadership roles within the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and managed a U.S. Senate campaign. He spent nearly a decade in public service, including as governor of Minnesota and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Post-government, Freeman led two consulting businesses and served as President and CEO of Business International Corporation.

Political Ideas

Orville Freeman's political identity is marked by an unexpected blend of progressive social welfare initiatives and a cautious approach to governance. His proposal for the Food Stamp Program highlights a commitment to alleviating poverty, while his declaration of martial law during a strike, later deemed inappropriate, reveals a complex stance on authority and labor relations. Freeman's strategic philosophy seems to balance idealism with a pragmatic wariness of overreach.

Campaigns
1960: Minnesota State Governor

Election History

1960 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota

760,934 votes (49.08%)

Loss

Winner: Elmer Andersen

1958: Minnesota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1958 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota

658,326 votes (56.76%)

Win
1956: Minnesota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1956 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota

731,180 votes (51.41%)

Win
1954: Minnesota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1954 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota

607,099 votes (52.73%)

Win
1952: Minnesota State Governor

Election History

1952 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota

624,480 votes (44.01%)

Loss

Winner: C. Elmer Anderson