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  Wagner, Jr., Robert F.
CANDIDATE DETAILS
AffiliationDemocratic  
 
NameRobert F. Wagner, Jr.
Address
New York, New York , United States
EmailNone
WebsiteNone
Born April 20, 1910
DiedFebruary 12, 1991 (80 years)
Contributornystate63
Last ModifedJuan Croniqueur
Feb 26, 2024 02:22am
Tags
InfoRobert Ferdinand Wagner
102nd Mayor, New York City 1954–1965

The son of a famous U.S. Senator who was a chief architect of Social Security, Robert Wagner Jr. graduated from Yale University in 1933 and received his law degree from Yale Law School in 1937. Fresh out of law school, Wagner, a lifelong Democrat, was elected to the Assembly, where he served three terms. He enlisted in the Army during World War II, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. Upon returning to New York City, Wagner served in different capacities under Mayor O'Dwyer, until he successfully ran for Manhattan Borough President in 1949. In 1953, Wagner ran in the Democratic primary for mayor with the backing of Tammany Hall. He beat Vincent Impellitteri by a large margin and went on to win the general election. At his inauguration, Wagner pledged to create a "government dedicated to the best interest of all people" and extolled the virtue of public service as "among the most noble challenges and among the greatest responsibilities."
During Wagner's twelve years as mayor, several large scale projects were initiated or completed, such as the construction of the Van Wyck Expressway, the Grand Central Parkway, the Long Island Expressway, the Verrazano-Narrows and Throgs Neck Bridges, Shea Stadium, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. During Wagner's tenure the city also hosted the 1964-65 World's Fair. Wagner is credited with making gains in slum clearance and the creation of public housing. He reduced corruption in city government and expanded the police force. He appointed talented professionals to serve in his administration and greatly increased the number of minorities in civil service. Twice reelected, Wagner decided not to seek a fourth term in 1965, instead returning to private practice. He was appointed ambassador to Spain from 1968 to 1969, resigning to run unsuccessfully in the mayoral primary. In 1976, President Jimmy Carter named him US representative to the Vatican. He practiced law in New York City and also served on the City Charter Revision Commission in the 1980's. In 1989, New York University named its graduate school of public service in his honor. Wagner died of heart failure at his Manhattan home on February 12, 1991.



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NEWS
Date Category Headline Article Contributor
Nov 29, 2006 11:40am Obituary Phyllis Cerf Wagner, 90, Socialite and Collaborator With Dr. Seuss, Dies  Article Thomas Walker 

DISCUSSION
Importance? 7.50000 Average

FAMILY
Son Robert F. Wagner III 1944-1993
Father Robert F. Wagner 1877-1953

INFORMATION LINKS
RACES
  11/28/1978 US Ambassador to Holy See (The) - Acting Won 100.00% (+100.00%)
  03/19/1973 NYC Mayor - L Convention Won 85.64% (+73.97%)
  06/17/1969 NYC Mayor - D Primary Lost 28.86% (-3.99%)
  06/24/1968 US Ambassador to Spain Won 100.00% (+100.00%)
  11/07/1961 New York City Mayor Won 51.03% (+16.57%)
  09/07/1961 NYC Mayor - D Primary Won 60.90% (+21.81%)
  06/28/1961 NYC Mayor - L Convention Won 93.10% (+86.21%)
  11/05/1957 New York City Mayor Won 69.23% (+42.37%)
  11/06/1956 NY US Senate Lost 46.71% (-6.56%)
  08/17/1956 US Vice President - D Convention Lost 8.34% (-30.33%)
  11/03/1953 New York City Mayor Won 46.33% (+16.36%)
  09/15/1953 NYC Mayor - D Primary Won 64.14% (+30.96%)
  08/28/1952 NY US Senate - D Convention Lost 27.23% (-29.77%)
  11/08/1949 Manhattan Borough President Won 59.40% (+35.23%)
  11/05/1940 NY Assembly - New York 16 Won 59.92% (+19.84%)
  11/08/1938 NY Assembly - New York 16 Won 71.67% (+43.95%)
  11/02/1937 NY Assembly- New York 16 Won 77.60% (+56.07%)
ENDORSEMENTS
NY Assembly 62 Special - Mar 21, 1979 D Kathryn E. Freed
NY State Senate Temporary President & Majority Leader - Feb 03, 1965 D Joseph Zaretzki
NY District 20 - D Primary - Sep 06, 1962 D William F. Ryan