Representative Thomas Stephen Foley

Thomas Stephen Foley served as a Representative from Washington in the United States Congress from 1965 to 1995. A member of the Democratic Party, Thomas Stephen Foley contributed to the legislative process during 15 terms in office.

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

Thomas Stephen Foley (March 6, 1929 – October 18, 2013) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 49th speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1995. A member of the Democratic Party, Foley represented Washington’s fifth district for thirty years (1965–1995). He was the first Speaker of the House in over a century since Galusha Grow in 1862 to be defeated in a re-election campaign. Born in Spokane, Washington, Foley attended Gonzaga University and pursued a legal career, after graduating from the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle. He joined the staff of Senator Henry M. Jackson, after working as a prosecutor and an assistant attorney general. With Jackson’s support, Foley won election to the House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Republican Congressman Walt Horan. He served as Majority Whip from 1981 to 1987, and as Majority Leader from 1987 to 1989. After the resignation of Jim Wright, Foley became Speaker of the House. Foley’s district had become increasingly conservative during his tenure, but he won re-election throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. In the 1994 election, Foley faced attorney George Nethercutt. Nethercutt mobilized popular anger over Foley’s opposition to term limits, leading to his defeat. After leaving the House, Foley served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton.