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About
William M. Lehman (October 5, 1913 – March 16, 2005) was an American politician and public servant who represented Florida in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1993 as a Democrat. Born in Selma, Alabama, Lehman graduated from Dallas Academy and Selma High School in 1930. He later moved to Florida, where he built a multifaceted career as a businessman, teacher, and school board member, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to education and public service. Lehman's early experiences in education shaped his political priorities, leading him to advocate strongly for social services, transportation infrastructure, and educational funding throughout his congressional tenure.
Elected to Congress in 1972, Lehman initially represented Florida's 17th congressional district before redistricting shifted him to the 18th district in 1983. He served on key committees, including Appropriations and the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, which he chaired. Known for his bipartisan approach, Lehman focused on practical legislation benefiting his Miami-Dade County constituents, such as improvements to public transit and support for underprivileged communities. Despite the Republican wave of 1988 that saw Ileana Ros-Lehtinen flip a nearby seat (she succeeded him after he retired in 1992), Lehman continued serving until his retirement in 1992, concluding two decades in Washington, D.C.
After leaving Congress, Lehman remained active in civic affairs in Florida until his death in 2005. His legacy endures through institutions like William Lehman Elementary School, named in his honor for his dedication to education. Lehman's career exemplified dedicated public service, bridging local governance and national policy to address the needs of everyday Americans.