Christopher Del Sesto

Official portrait

Christopher Del Sesto on an election campaign pin

Christopher Del Sesto (born March 10, 1907 in Providence , Rhode Island , † December 23, 1973 ibid) was an American politician and governor of the state of Rhode Island from 1959 to 1961 .

Early years and political advancement

Christopher Del Sesto first studied at Boston University . This was followed by a law degree at Georgetown University . He specialized in tax law and studied this subject at New York University and Miami University . He then began working as a lawyer in Providence, specializing in tax and finance law. In the late 1930s he taught these subjects at Boston University and Northeastern University .

Del Sesto was a member of the Republican Party . In 1935 he served as a budget officer in the budget division of the Rhode Island government. Between 1938 and 1940 he worked for the federal prosecutor's office. He was involved in investigations against the monopoly position of milk producers. From 1940 to 1942 he was division manager in the Treasury Department of Rhode Island. During the Second World War , Del Sesto ran the price control office.

Governor of Rhode Island

In 1956, Christopher Del Sesto ran as his party's candidate for governor. He was only barely defeated by incumbent Dennis J. Roberts . It wasn't until the State Supreme Court ruled in Roberts' favor after the early postal vote count was invalidated. Two years later, Del Sesto won the election against Roberts. This allowed him to rule as governor between January 6, 1959 and January 3, 1961. In the first year of his tenure, he put 98 vetoes against bills from the Democratic-dominated legislature. During his tenure, the expansion of the motorways was promoted and education policy promoted. In the gubernatorial elections of 1960, Del Sesto was defeated by the previous Lieutenant Governor John A. Notte .

Another résumé

After resigning from the governor's office, Del Sesto returned to his legal practice. In 1966 he was appointed a judge in a higher court. He held this post until his death in 1973. He had three children with his wife, Lola Elda Faraone.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 4, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978.

Web links

• Christopher Del Sesto in the National Governors Association (English)
• Christopher Del Sesto in the database of Find a Grave (English)