Hubert Humphrey III

Hubert Humphrey III was an American attorney and politician who served as the 29th Attorney General of Minnesota from 1983 to 1999. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, he previously served in the Minnesota Senate. The son of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey, he was the Democratic nominee in the 1998 gubernatorial election, losing to Reform Party candidate Jesse Ventura.

Early life and education

Hubert Horatio Humphrey III was born on June 26, 1942, in Minneapolis to Hubert Humphrey and Muriel Humphrey. He grew up immersed in the political world of his father, who served as U.S. Senator, Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson, and the 1968 Democratic presidential nominee. He attended American University in Washington, D.C., earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then returned to Minnesota to study law at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor.

Political career

Following in his father's footsteps, Humphrey entered public service, winning election to the Minnesota Senate in 1972. He served in the state legislature for a decade, representing a district in the Twin Cities area. In 1982, he was elected Attorney General of Minnesota, succeeding Warren Spannaus. As attorney general, he was known for his vigorous consumer protection advocacy, taking on major corporations in areas like tobacco litigation and telecommunications regulation. He worked under governors Rudy Perpich and Arne Carlson and was re-elected four times, serving until 1999.

1998 gubernatorial campaign

In 1998, Humphrey won the DFL nomination for Governor of Minnesota. The general election became a historic three-way contest against Republican nominee Norm Coleman, then the Mayor of Saint Paul, and Reform Party candidate Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler and actor. The campaign, marked by Ventura's unconventional style and a strong Perotist protest vote, resulted in a stunning upset. Ventura won with 37% of the vote, while Humphrey placed second, ahead of Coleman. The election is often cited as a classic example of protest voting and the impact of Minnesota's electoral system.

Later life and death

After leaving the office of attorney general, Humphrey returned to private legal practice and remained active in civic affairs. He served on numerous boards and continued to be a voice within the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. He lived in Minneapolis with his wife, Nancy "Skip" Humphrey. Hubert Humphrey III died on March 18, 2022, in Minneapolis at the age of 79. His death was noted by many state and national figures as the passing of a significant figure in Minnesota's political lineage.

Legacy and honors

Humphrey is remembered as a dedicated public servant who upheld a family tradition of progressive politics focused on consumer rights and social justice. His long tenure as attorney general left a mark on state enforcement and regulatory policy. In recognition of his service, the University of Minnesota Law School established a fellowship in his name. His 1998 gubernatorial campaign remains a pivotal case study in American politics, illustrating the dynamics of multi-candidate races and the rise of outsider political movements like the Reform Party.

Category:1942 births Category:2022 deaths Category:Attorneys general of Minnesota Category:Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party state senators in Minnesota Category:University of Minnesota Law School alumni