Representative George Elmore Danielson - Contact Information

George Elmore Danielson (February 20, 1915 – September 12, 1998) was an American Democratic politician, lawyer, and judge from California who served as a Representative from California in the United States Congress from 1971 to 1983. Over six terms in office, he contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in American history, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Danielson was born on February 20, 1915, in Wausa, Knox County, Nebraska. He moved with his family to California, where he was educated in the public schools of Los Angeles. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, and later studied law at the University of Southern California, earning his law degree and being admitted to the bar. His legal training and early professional experience as an attorney laid the foundation for his later work in public service and on the bench.

During World War II, Danielson served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945. Following his military service, he returned to California and resumed the practice of law in Los Angeles. He became active in local civic and political affairs, building a reputation as a capable attorney and a committed Democrat. His engagement in public life led him into elective office at the state level, where he began to develop the legislative skills and policy interests that would later characterize his service in Congress.

Danielson’s political career advanced in the California State Legislature, where he served in both the State Assembly and the State Senate. As a state legislator, he focused on issues of governance, public policy, and legal reform, gaining experience in committee work and legislative negotiation. His work in Sacramento helped establish him as a prominent figure within the California Democratic Party and positioned him for election to national office.

In 1970, Danielson was elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives from California, beginning his congressional service on January 3, 1971. He served continuously in the House from 1971 to 1982, encompassing six terms in office and extending, in total, through 1983 as a Representative from California. His tenure coincided with a period of major national developments, including the end of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and shifting domestic and economic policies. As a member of the House of Representatives, George Elmore Danielson participated fully in the legislative process, working on bills, serving on committees, and representing the interests of his constituents in California. He was particularly involved in matters relating to the judiciary and legal affairs, reflecting his professional background as an attorney.

Danielson’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, and he was part of the Democratic majority that addressed questions of executive accountability, civil rights, and federal governance in the 1970s. He contributed to debates over constitutional issues and the balance of powers, and his legal expertise informed his approach to legislation and oversight. Throughout his six terms, he maintained a focus on responsible government and the effective functioning of the legislative branch.

After leaving the House of Representatives in 1982, Danielson continued his public service in the judiciary. Drawing on his long experience as a lawyer and legislator, he served as a judge in California, further extending his career in public life beyond elective office. In this role, he applied the law he had helped shape as a legislator, reinforcing his legacy as both a policymaker and a jurist.

George Elmore Danielson died on September 12, 1998. His career spanned military service, legal practice, state legislative work, six terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1971 to 1983, and subsequent judicial service in California. As a Democratic politician and judge, he played a sustained role in the governance of his state and country during a transformative era in American political history.