Gordon McDonald (Nebraska politician)

Gordon L. McDonald
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 31st district
In office
September 6, 1983 – December 3, 1984
Preceded bySteve Wiitala
Succeeded byJerry Chizek
Personal details
Born(1935-11-18)November 18, 1935
DiedOctober 9, 2020(2020-10-09) (aged 84)
PartyDemocratic
SpouseSharon Boll
Children5 (Todd, Michael, Lori, Debbie, Shari)

Gordon Lee McDonald (November 18, 1935 – October 9, 2020) was a Democratic politician and labor leader from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 31st district from 1983 to 1984.

McDonald was elected president of the Nebraska AFL-CIO in 1979, and served until 1999.[1] In 1983, following the appointment of State Senator Steve Wiitala as Douglas County Election Commissioner, Governor Bob Kerrey appointed McDonald to serve out the remainder of Wiitala's term.[2] He declined to seek election to a full term in 1984, instead recruiting and endorsing former State Labor Commissioner Jerry Chizek as his successor, though McDonald's name remained on the ballot.[3][1] Following Chizek's election, McDonald resigned from the legislature on December 3, 1984,[4] and Governor Bob Kerrey appointed Chizek to serve out the remaining weeks of his term.[5]

McDonald died on October 9, 2020.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b "Says AFL-CIO leader: 'It's been a labor of love for me'". Lincoln Journal Star. May 24, 1999. p. 1B. Retrieved March 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Ulmer, Dick (August 16, 1983). "Kerrey Appoints AFL-CIO Head To Senator's Seat". Omaha World-Herald. p. 1. Retrieved March 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Frisbie, Al (May 7, 1984). "Party Leaders Pitted in 31st Legislative District". Omaha World-Herald. p. 2. Retrieved March 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ O'Donnell, Patrick, ed. (1985). Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska (PDF). Vol. 1. p. 5–6. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  5. ^ "Chizek to be sworn in as 31st District senator". Lincoln Journal. December 4, 1984. p. 11. Retrieved March 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Gordon Lee Mcdonald". Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services. 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2026.