Portal:Utah/Selected biography/8

Jake Garn's official Congressional portrait.

Jake Garn (born October 12, 1932) served as a U.S. Senator representing Utah from 1974 to 1993. Garn became the first sitting member of the United States Congress to fly in space when he flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery as a payload specialist during NASA mission STS-51-D (April 12-April 19, 1985). He is a member of the United States Republican Party.

Born in Richfield, Utah, Garn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business and finance from the University of Utah in 1955. He also attended East High School, Clayton Middle School, and Uintah Elementary School.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Garn served on the Salt Lake City commission for four years and was elected Mayor in 1971. He was active in the Utah League of Cities and Towns and served as President in 1972. In 1974, he was First Vice President of the National League of Cities and served as Honorary President in 1975.

Garn was first elected to the Senate in 1974, succeeding retiring Republican Wallace Bennett. Garn was reelected to a second term in November 1980, receiving 74% of the vote, the largest victory in a statewide race in Utah history.