Donald T. DiFrancesco
| Donald DiFrancesco | |
|---|---|
| 51stGovernor of New Jersey | |
|
In office January 31, 2001 – January 8, 2002 |
|
| Preceded by | Christine Todd Whitman |
| Succeeded by |
John Farmer, Jr. as Acting Governor |
| President of the New Jersey Senate | |
|
In office 1992-2002 |
|
| Member of the New Jersey Senate | |
|
In office 1979-2002 |
|
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly | |
|
In office 1976-1979 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco November 20, 1944 Scotch Plains, New Jersey |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Diane DiFrancesco |
| Alma mater |
Penn State University Seton Hall University |
Donald Thomas DiFrancesco (born November 20, 1944) was the 51st Governor of New Jersey from 2001 to 2002 by virtue of his status as President of the New Jersey Senate, the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature.
Born in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, DiFrancesco graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree from Penn State University in business, and was awarded a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1969. He served as Scotch Plains Municipal Attorney.
DiFrancesco was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1975. He won a contested Republican primary, defeating former Assemblyman Arthur Manner by 1,067 votes. He defeated incumbent Democratic Assemblywoman Betty Wilson (New Jersey politician) by 2,387 votes. He was re-elected in 1977 by a margin of 4,709 votes.
DiFrancsco won a 1979 special election for State Senator when the Republican incumbent, Peter J. McDonough resigned. He defeated his running mate, Assemblyman William J. Maguire at the Union County Republican Convention; in general election, he defeated Springfield Mayor Joanne Rajoppi by 6,917 votes. He was re-elected in 1981, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1993 and 1997.
DiFrancesco ran for Senate Minority Leader after the 1981 elections, eschewing the traditional rotation of leadership posts. He defeated James P. Vreeland (R-Towaco), who had served as Assistant Minority Leader during the previous session. DiFrancesco's attempt to win GOP control of the upper house in 1983 was unsuccessful. After Republicans won a majority of seats in the 1991 election, DiFrancesco used a similar strategy and beat the sitting Minority Leader, John H. Dorsey, to win the Senate presidency.
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