Wilbur F. Gilbert

Wilbur F. Gilbert
Gilbert c. 1948
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 54th district
In office
January 7, 1935 – January 6, 1941
Preceded byFrank J. Rogers
Succeeded byJohn B. Knight
Personal details
Born(1874-12-22)December 22, 1874
Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
DiedSeptember 3, 1956(1956-09-03) (aged 81)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
PartySocialist (before 1934)
Democratic (after 1934)
SpouseRena
ChildrenDorothy
EducationDakota State University

Wilbur Fay Gilbert (December 22, 1874 – September 3, 1956) was an American engineer, merchant, political scientist, and politician who served in the California State Assembly for the 54th district from 1935 to 1941.

Biography

Gilbert was one of two dozen "EPIC Democrats" elected to the state legislature in 1934. Before his election, he was a member of the Socialist Party, a fact which came to light during his campaign for reelection in 1938. He admitted his past political affiliation and was reelected with 58% of the vote, but retired two years later due to poor health. During his tenure, he authored disability pension legislation that was vetoed by governor Frank Merriam.

Gilbert returned to the political arena in 1948 to challenge incumbent assemblyman John L. E. Collier for his old seat. Boasting endorsements from the AFL, CIO, railroad brotherhoods, Southern California Businessmen's Association, and 54th Assembly District Democratic Club, Gilbert campaigned on lowering taxes and the cost of living. He was also an outspoken opponent of the Mundt–Nixon Bill. He ultimately came in second place with 30% of the vote.

References

  1. ↑ "Assemblyman Gilbert Dies Here Monday". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. September 6, 1956. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  2. ↑ Jordan, Frank C. (1938). California Blue Book, 1938. Sacramento: California State Printing Office. p. 57. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Wilbur F. Gilbert". joincalifornia.com. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Olson Wins Over Cobb in State Senate Race, but G.O.P. Majority Assured". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles. November 8, 1934. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  5. ↑ Mitchell, Greg (1992). The Campaign of the Century. New York: Random House. p. 545–546.
  6. ↑ "COMMOTION IN ASSEMBLY DISTRICT CAMPAIGN". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. October 31, 1938. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Assemblyman Gilbert will not run again due to ill health". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. May 31, 1940. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Gilbert promises continued service in state assembly". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. August 5, 1938. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Democrat Registration Exceeds Republican In California For Primaries Tuesday". Eagle Rock Sentinel. Los Angeles. May 27, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  10. ↑ "OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC SLATE". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. May 21, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  11. ↑ "For ASSEMBLY, 54th Dist". Eagle Rock Sentinel. Los Angeles. May 27, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  12. ↑ "Gilbert Criticizes Mundt Bill". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. May 14, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  13. ↑ Jordan, Frank M. State of California, Statement of Vote, Consolidated Primary Election, June 1, 1948. Sacramento: California Secretary of State. p. 22. Retrieved August 26, 2025.