Garner, John Nance

Garner, John Nance (1868-1967), 32nd vice-president of the United States (1933-1941), who served during the first two terms of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Garner was born in Red River County, Texas. He briefly attended Vanderbilt University and was admitted to the bar in 1890. After establishing a private law practise in Texas, Garner became involved in local politics. From 1898 to 1902 he served two terms in the Texas state legislature. He was then elected to the US House of Representatives, where he served from 1903 to 1933. In 1931 he was elected Speaker of the House. In 1932 and 1936 he was elected to the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket headed by Roosevelt. As vice-president, Garner helped obtain early New Deal legislation. In 1940 he briefly campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination, actively but unsuccessfully opposing Roosevelt's bid for a third term. Garner retired from politics in 1941.