John R. Dellenback

Who was John R. Dellenback?

John Richard Dellenback was a Republican U.S. congressman from Oregon.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dellenback graduated from Yale University. After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Dellenback received his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1949 and began teaching law at Oregon State College that same year.

In 1960, Dellenback was elected to the Oregon State Legislature, and in 1966, was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Oregon's 4th congressional district. While in Congress, Dellenback, a Republican, earned a reputation as an independent thinker. He wrote legislation to establish the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, worked to pass a bill that made pipeline permit-holders and shippers liable for oil spills, and supported federal Title IX legislation for equal opportunity for boys and girls in athletics.

Dellenback served four terms in the House and was defeated in the 1974 elections by Democrat Jim Weaver. Dellenback's defeat is largely attributed to the anti-Republican mood of the electorate in the wake of the Watergate scandal.