Representative Robert Kenneth Dornan

Robert Kenneth Dornan served as a Representative from California in the United States Congress from 1977 to 1997. A member of the Republican Party, Robert Kenneth Dornan contributed to the legislative process during 9 terms in office.

Robert Kenneth Dornan’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Robert Kenneth Dornan participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Robert Kenneth Dornan (born April 3, 1933) is an American actor, radio talk show host, combat veteran, and Republican politician from California. Dornan represented two Southern California districts in the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 1983 and from 1985 to 1997, where he became known as a “leading firebrand” on the party’s conservative wing. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 1982 and for President of the United States in 1996. A former actor and television and radio talk show host, Dornan had a flair for the dramatic that drew supporters and detractors well beyond his congressional district. Though never a major power in Washington, he became one of the most well-known members of the House of Representatives as a participant in televised “special orders” speeches and was described as “one of the leading firebrands among American politicians”. He has become well known for publicly outing fellow Republican U.S. Representative Steve Gunderson as gay on the House of Representatives floor in 1994.