Gay Republican in the American Culture War: Wisconsin Congressman Steve Gunderson, 1989-1996

Abstract

The intent of this research paper is to create a biographical narrative, using previously unemployed primary sources and various secondary accounts, which finds meaning in Wisconsin Representative Steve Gunderson's convoluted congressional departure. I contend the inculcation of allegiance to Republican majority party strategy that Gunderson endorsed in the 1989 Madigan-Gingrich Whip race hardened Republicans against Party outliers as it spurred the Republican Revolution. That tactical reorientation later dislocated the openly gay Gunderson from his party in 1996, denying Wisconsin constituents an opportunity to reelect the man who would have been the first Wisconsin chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.