John W. McCormack

John William McCormack (December 21, 1891 – November 22, 1980) was an American politician from Boston, Massachusetts. McCormack served in the United States Army during World War I, and afterwards in the Massachusetts State Senate before winning election to the United States House of Representatives.

Quick Facts 45th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Preceded by ...

John McCormack
McCormack, circa 1955
45th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
In office January 10, 1962 – January 3, 1971
Preceded by	Sam Rayburn
Succeeded by	Carl Albert
Leader of the House Democratic Caucus
In office January 10, 1962 – January 3, 1971
Preceded by	Sam Rayburn
Succeeded by	Carl Albert
House Majority Leader
In office January 3, 1955 – January 10, 1962
Deputy	Carl Albert
Preceded by	Charles A. Halleck
Succeeded by	Carl Albert
In office January 3, 1949 – January 3, 1953
Deputy	Percy Priest
Preceded by	Sam Rayburn
Succeeded by	Charles A. Halleck
In office September 16, 1940 – January 3, 1947
Deputy	Patrick J. Boland Robert Ramspeck John Sparkman
Preceded by	Sam Rayburn
Succeeded by	Charles A. Halleck
House Minority Whip
In office January 3, 1953 – January 3, 1955
Leader	Sam Rayburn
Preceded by	Leslie C. Arends
Succeeded by	Leslie C. Arends
In office January 3, 1947 – January 3, 1949
Leader	Sam Rayburn
Preceded by	Leslie C. Arends
Succeeded by	Leslie C. Arends
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts
In office November 6, 1928 – January 3, 1971
Preceded by	James A. Gallivan
Succeeded by	Louise Day Hicks
Constituency	12th district (1928–1963) 9th district (1963–1971)
Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 3rd Suffolk district
In office 1923–1928
Preceded by	William H. McDonnell
Succeeded by	Henry Parkman Jr.
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 11th Suffolk district
In office 1920–1922 Serving with James B. Troy
Preceded by	Patrick M. Costello, Michael J. Reidy
Succeeded by	Hugh H. Garrity, Walter B. Grant
Personal details
Born	(1891-12-21)December 21, 1891 Boston, Massachusetts
Died	November 22, 1980(1980-11-22) (aged 88) Dedham, Massachusetts
Resting place	Saint Joseph Cemetery West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Harriet Joyce ​ ​ (m. 1920; died 1971)​
Relatives	Edward J. McCormack Jr. (nephew)
Profession	Politician
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1918
Rank	Sergeant Major
Unit	14th Company, 151st Depot Brigade Infantry Replacement Center, Camp Lee, Virginia
Battles/wars	World War I

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McCormack advanced through the leadership ranks to become majority leader before being chosen as the 45th speaker of the House. He served as speaker from 1962 until his 1971 retirement.

McCormack's congressional career was highlighted by his support for the New Deal measures undertaken to combat the Great Depression, U.S. involvement in World War II, and support for the Great Society programs of the 1960s, including civil rights, education, and health care for the elderly. A staunch anti-communist, McCormack supported U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. His support for the war and the seniority system in Congress caused increasing numbers of younger members to challenge his leadership; McCormack survived a 1969 contest with Mo Udall for the Speakership. He did not run for reelection to his House seat in 1970, and retired to his home in Boston. He later resided at a Dedham nursing home, where he died in 1980.

At 42 years and 58 days, as of 2022 McCormack's service in the U.S. House ranks 18th in terms of uninterrupted time. He is the longest-serving member of the U.S. House in Massachusetts history.