Edward T. Dicker Explained

State House:Texas
Birth Date:23 May 1913
Birth Place:Virginia, U.S.
District:50-5
Termstart:January 9, 1951
Termend:Jan 13, 1953
Predecessor:Douglas Berman
Successor:District abolished
Party:Republican
Death Place:Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Edward T. Dicker (May 23, 1913 – February 15, 1981) was an American politician from Texas who represented Dallas County in the Texas House of Representatives for a single term during the 52nd Texas Legislature. He was the only Republican to serve in the Texas Legislature between 1931 and 1961.

Biography

Dicker was born in Virginia on May 23, 1913.[1] He later moved to Texas in 1944 and bought a ranch in Roanoke.[2]

Dicker was elected in the 1950 general election, defeating Democratic nominee Walter J. Reid, who had defeated incumbent Douglas Berman in the Democratic primary.[3] Dicker was the first Republican elected to the Texas legislature in 20 years, the previous being Reno Andrew Eickenroht.[4] He served in the 52nd Texas Legislature from January 9, 1951, to January 13, 1953. He served on the following committees during his term in office: Constitutional Amendments; Counties; Penitentiaries; and Revenue and Taxation.[1] Alongside Democratic state senator Rudolph Weinert, he introduced what became known as the Weinert-Dicker Bill, which allowed the Republican Party in Texas to become a recognized entity.[2] He did not run for reelection in 1952.[5]

He did campaign work for the Texas Eisenhower committee in 1952. In 1960, he worked on the Nixon campaign. In 1964, he opposed the candidacy of Barry Goldwater and headed the National Chairman of Republicans for Johnson.[6] He died on February 15, 1981, in Dallas, Texas[7] and is buried at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Edward T. Dicker. March 28, 2024. Texas Legislators: Past & Present. Legislative Reference Library of Texas. Austin, Texas.
  2. Dicker. Edward T.. Reminiscences of Edward T. Dicker (1969). John Luter. December 23, 1969. Columbia University Libraries. March 26, 2024.
  3. News: Lloyd, Jr.. O. B.. Political Year Spiced by Upsets, Controversy. December 27, 1950. The Victoria Advocate. March 25, 2024. Google Newspapers.
  4. Web site: Republicans and Other Non-Democrats. Texas Legislature. March 25, 2024.
  5. News: Thumb-Nail Size-Up of Legislature. January 14, 1953. 33. 190. The Baytown Sun. Baytown, Texas. 11. March 26, 2024. University of North Texas.
  6. News: 1964-07-25 . REPUBLICAN BACKS JOHNSON IN TEXAS; Disturbed by Goldwater, He Begins Organizing Group . en-US . The New York Times . subscription . 2023-05-15 . 0362-4331.
  7. News: Notice to All Persons Having Claims Against The Estate of Nuncio Girlando, Deceased. The Brownsville Herald. March 29, 1981. 8. March 25, 2024. registration. NewspaperArchive.