Preceded by Peter Kyros Party Republican Party Role U.S. representative | Name David Emery Political party Republican | |
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Full Name David Farnham Emery Born September 1, 1948 (age 75)
Rockland, Maine ( 1948-09-01 ) Alma mater Worcester Polytechnic Institute Education Worcester Polytechnic Institute | ||
Succeeded by John R. McKernan, Jr. | ||
David Farnham Emery (born September 1, 1948) is an American politician from Maine. A former Republican U.S. Representative , Emery grew up in Rockland before attending college at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he received a BS in electronics engineering in 1970. Upon graduating, he entered politics. He served in the Maine House of Representatives 1970-1974 and was active in the Republican Party.
In 1974, Emery ran for the United States House of Representatives against incumbent Democrat Peter Kyros and won in an upset. He was reelected in 1976, 1978, and 1980. He served as a member of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee for all four terms; on the Science and Technology Committee in the 94th congress (1975-1977); and on the House Armed Services Committee during the 95th, 96th and 97th Congresses (1977 - 1983). He was a member of the House Republican leadership during the 97th Congress, serving as Chief Deputy Republican Whip under Trent Lott. In 1982, he ran for the U.S. Senate against Democratic Senator George J. Mitchell, a former Federal Judge who had been appointed to succeed Democrat Edmund Muskie, whom President Jimmy Carter had appointed as U.S. Secretary of State. Emery was initially thought to be the favorite, but he ran a highly critical campaign which made a negative impression, and Mitchell won the election with 61% of the vote.
In 2005 he declared his candidacy for Governor of Maine in the 2006 election. He withdrew from the race upon the entrance of 2002 nominee Peter Cianchette, but following Cianchette's withdrawal, re-entered. In the Republican primary he came in last of the three candidates on the ballot, finishing behind State Senators Chandler Woodcock of Farmington and Peter Mills of Skowhegan. Woodcock, the nominee, lost to incumbent Democrat John Baldacci in the November 2006 general election. Emery was endorsed by U.S. Senator John McCain for Governor, who urged voters to vote for Emery in the primary.
David Emery endorsed Mitt Romney for President in the 2012 election.
In April 2011, Emery was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services. In August 2012, Emery resigned from the position with no explanation given.
In July 2016, Emery was chosen to run for Maine Senate against incumbent Democrat David Miramant of Camden.