Newton Russell

Newton Requa Russell (June 25, 1927 – May 18, 2013) was an American businessman and politician.[1]

Newton R. Russell
Member of the California Senate from the 21st district
In office December 20, 1974 – November 30, 1996
Preceded by	John L. Harmer
Succeeded by	Adam Schiff
Member of the California State Assembly from the 62nd district
In office January 4, 1965 – November 30, 1974
Preceded by	Tom Waite
Succeeded by	William H. Lancaster
Personal details
Born	(1927-06-25)June 25, 1927 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	May 18, 2013(2013-05-18) (aged 85)
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Diane Henderson ​ (m. 1953)​
Children	3
Alma mater	University of Southern California
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Battles/wars	World War II

Born in Los Angeles, California, Russell attended Los Angeles High School and the Webb School of California.[2] He served in the United States Navy during World War II.[3][4] He then graduated from University of Southern California and was a special agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance for twelve years.[2][5] He served in the California State Assembly from 1964 to 1974 as a Republican representing the 62nd district, but following reapportionment his district was merged, and he lost his seat to fellow Republican Michael D. Antonovich in the 1974 primaries.[4][6] However, a resignation that year led to a vacancy in the California State Senate for the 21st district, and Russell defeated Arthur K. Snyder in the resulting special election.[4][6] He was chairman of the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee, and remained a member of the Senate until 1996. He died of lung cancer at his home in La Cañada Flintridge, California in 2013.[6]