# Donald O. Wright *Minnesota Republican legislator and Lieutenant Governor (1892–1985)* Donald Orr Wright Sr. (November 18, 1892 – July 24, 1985) was a Republican legislator from [[Minnesota]]. The record gives his service as eight years in the state legislature and 35 years in the Minnesota State Senate.[^1] For the 58th Legislative Session (1953–1954), he was the Senate's President pro Tempore.[^1] After [[Ancher Nelsen]] resigned as [[Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota]] in 1953, Wright filled the office for the rest of that term. He held it from September 1954 until January 1955, alongside [[Governor of Minnesota|Governor]] [[C. Elmer Anderson]].[^1] ## Early life and education Wright studied at the [[University of Minnesota]], where he belonged to the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.[^1] ## Legislative career Wright chaired the Senate's tax committee over a long period.[^1] The cached Wikipedia account credits him with a role in Minnesota's adoption of a civil service system. The pack carries no statute or session record confirming that role.[^1] He presided as President pro Tempore during the 58th Legislative Session (1953–1954).[^1] ## Lieutenant Governor Wright took the lieutenant governorship to complete the term left open by Nelsen's 1953 resignation, and he served under Governor Anderson.[^1] His tenure ran from September 1954 to January 1955. According to the same account, the Senate held no session during those months.[^1] ## In the Minnesota record ### Who - Donald Orr Wright Sr., Republican, of Minnesota.[^1] ### When - Born November 18, 1892; died July 24, 1985.[^1] - President pro Tempore, 58th Legislative Session (1953–1954).[^1] - Lieutenant Governor, September 1954 to January 1955.[^1] ### What - Eight years in the state legislature; 35 years in the Minnesota State Senate; chair of the Senate tax committee.[^1] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *Donald O. Wright* (revision 1376901668, retrieved 2026-10-25) — birth and death dates, party, legislative and Senate service, presidency pro tempore of the 58th Legislative Session, tax committee chairmanship, and Lieutenant Governor term. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_O._Wright