Representative Rodney Dennis Chandler

Rodney Dennis Chandler (born July 13, 1942) is an American politician, educator, and journalist who served five terms as a U.S. Representative from Washington from 1983 to 1993. A member of the Republican Party during his congressional career, he represented Washington’s newly created 8th congressional district and contributed to the legislative process over a decade in the United States House of Representatives. He is the great-great-grandnephew of long-time U.S. Senator Zachariah Chandler of Michigan, linking him to a notable political lineage in American history.

Chandler pursued higher education in the American West, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Oregon College (now Eastern Oregon University). He went on to receive a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His academic training, particularly in education, later informed both his public policy interests and his post-congressional career in the classroom.

Before entering elective office, Chandler worked as a television news correspondent and as a public relations consultant. These early professional roles gave him experience in communications, media, and public affairs, skills that proved valuable in his subsequent political campaigns and in his work as a legislator. His background in journalism also helped shape his understanding of public issues and the importance of clear communication with constituents.

Chandler’s formal political career began at the state level. In 1974 he was elected to the Washington House of Representatives, where he served as a Republican legislator. His tenure in the state legislature helped establish his reputation within Washington politics and provided a platform for his eventual bid for national office. During these years he developed legislative experience and built connections with voters in the rapidly growing suburban areas that would later form the core of his congressional district.

In 1982 Chandler was elected as a Republican to the 98th Congress, representing Washington’s newly created 8th congressional district. In that initial race he defeated Democratic candidate Beth Bland by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent. He took office in January 1983 and was subsequently reelected four times, serving continuously until January 3, 1993. During his five terms in the House of Representatives, Chandler participated in the democratic process at the federal level and represented the interests of his constituents during a significant period in American history, which included the final years of the Cold War and the beginning of the post–Cold War era. In 1989 he publicly revealed that he was a recovering alcoholic, an acknowledgment that drew national attention and added a personal dimension to his public service.

Chandler’s congressional service concluded when he chose not to seek reelection to the House in 1992, instead pursuing higher office. That year, one of Washington’s U.S. Senate seats became open when incumbent Senator Brock Adams announced his retirement amidst a personal scandal. Chandler secured the Republican nomination and faced Democratic state senator Patty Murray in the general election. For much of the campaign he appeared to have the advantage, but during a late-stage debate he responded to Murray’s criticism of his spending approximately $120,000 on congressional mailings during an economic recession by quoting a line from the Roger Miller song “Dang Me.” The remark was widely viewed as politically damaging. His campaign was further hurt by the unpopularity in the Pacific Northwest of incumbent President George H. W. Bush, who was largely blamed for the recession. Murray ultimately won the election, and Chandler’s bid for the Senate was unsuccessful.

After leaving Congress, Chandler transitioned into education. He taught Advanced Placement Government classes at Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, Colorado, remaining in that position until the end of the 2006–07 school year. In this role he drew on his legislative experience to provide students with firsthand insight into the workings of American government and politics, extending his public service into the classroom.

In later years, Chandler remained engaged in public affairs and national political debates, even as his partisan affiliations evolved. During the 2020 United States presidential election, he endorsed Democrat Joe Biden, stating his desire to prevent the re-election of President Donald Trump. He was one of 12 former Republican U.S. Representatives who filed an amicus brief in Trump v. Anderson, supporting the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to disqualify former President Trump as a candidate in the 2024 presidential election. Chandler is also a member of the ReFormers Caucus of Issue One, a bipartisan group of former elected officials focused on political reform and strengthening democratic institutions.