16 Facts About Dan Benishek

Daniel Joseph Benishek was an American physician and politician who served three terms as the US representative for from 2011 to 2017.

Dan Benishek's father was killed in local iron mines in 1957, so Benishek was raised by his widowed mother and extended family.

Dan Benishek worked in the family business, the Iron River Hotel, until he went to college.

Dan Benishek graduated from the University of Michigan in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in medicine.

Dan Benishek was inspired to run for Congress after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law.

Dan Benishek formally announced his candidacy for Congress on March 16,2010, running against incumbent Democrat Bart Stupak.

Stupak's vote in support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act fueled an outpouring of support for Dan Benishek, who had no Internet presence aside from a basic website on the day the bill was passed.

Dan Benishek received more than $50,000 in unsolicited donations in the first 48 hours after Stupak's vote for the bill on March 21,2010.

Dan Benishek won the Republican primary against State Senator Jason Allen by 15 votes.

On November 2,2010, in the general election, Dan Benishek defeated Democratic nominee State Representative Gary McDowell, Independent Glenn Wilson, Libertarian Keith Shelton, Green Ellis Boal, and UST Patrick Lambert.

Dan Benishek was sworn into office on January 5,2011, as a member of the 112th United States Congress; he succeeded Bart Stupak.

Dan Benishek faced re-election against McDowell in the 2012 election cycle.

Dan Benishek endorsed Herman Cain in the 2012 Republican presidential primary.

Dan Benishek favored reduced government spending and a smaller government, and was pro-life and pro-gun rights.

However, in March 2015, Dan Benishek announced he would break that pledge and run for a 4th term.

Dan Benishek suddenly died on October 15,2021, at the age of 69 from heart related issues.