William Scranton

William Scranton – Life, Political Career & Legacy

Explore the life of William Warren Scranton (1917–2013)—American politician, moderate Republican, Governor of Pennsylvania, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Discover his public service, reforms, philosophy, and lasting influence.

Introduction

William Warren Scranton was a Republican politician known for his moderate, pragmatic approach to governance and public service. Born on July 19, 1917, he rose through law, military service, and congressional politics to become Governor of Pennsylvania (1963–1967) and later U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1976–1977). His leadership style, focus on education reform, and involvement in national affairs positioned him as a bridge figure in an era of ideological shifts in American politics.

Early Life & Education

Scranton was born in Madison, Connecticut, while his family was vacationing there.

He was son of Worthington Scranton, a prominent businessman, and Marion Margery Warren Scranton, who was active in Republican politics (serving for many years on the Republican National Committee).

Scranton attended private preparatory schooling: he studied initially at Scranton Country Day School (founded by his parents), then at The Fessenden School in Massachusetts, and later at Hotchkiss School in Connecticut. Yale University, graduating in 1939 with a B.A.

After Yale, he began study at Yale Law School, but his legal studies were interrupted by World War II. U.S. Army Air Corps, serving as a pilot and participating in aircraft transport, training, and logistics during the war.

After his military service, he resumed law school, earned his LL.B. (law degree), and passed the Pennsylvania bar in 1946.

Political Career & Major Achievements

Early Career & Congressional Service

Scranton’s early political engagement included roles in business, law, and party politics. In 1959, he was appointed as a special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State under President Eisenhower—an opportunity that exposed him to international affairs.

In 1960, Scranton ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania’s 10th District and won, defeating incumbent Stanley Prokop. January 1961 to January 1963.

During his brief time in Congress, he earned a reputation as a moderate Republican, often supporting parts of President John F. Kennedy’s agenda—such as civil rights, social policies, and the Peace Corps—while maintaining fiscal conservatism.

Governor of Pennsylvania (1963–1967)

In 1962, Scranton won the Republican nomination for governor and mounted a successful general election campaign against Democrat Richardson Dilworth. 1963 and served until January 1967.

As governor, Scranton pushed through ambitious reforms, especially in education. His administration:

• Created Pennsylvania’s community college system.

• Established a State Board of Education and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to help students access college.

• Launched programs to bolster economic development, encourage industrial growth, and promote Pennsylvania’s products and markets.

• Dealt with civil rights issues, including de facto school segregation in Chester, Pennsylvania, which led to the creation of a Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission under his leadership.

Under his governorship, the state saw improvements in economic indicators: unemployment dropped, and average blue-collar wages increased.

Because of a then-existing law forbidding consecutive terms, Scranton was limited to a single term and could not run for re-election in 1966.

During his governorship, a “Draft Scranton” movement emerged in 1964, as many moderate Republicans eyed him as a potential presidential candidate alternative to Barry Goldwater. Although he later entered the Republican primary, Goldwater secured the nomination.

Later Roles & Diplomacy

After his governorship, Scranton remained active in public affairs. He participated in the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention in 1967–1968, helping to revise the state constitution (including changing gubernatorial term limits).

In the 1970s, following the tragic Kent State shootings, President Nixon appointed him to chair the President’s Commission on Campus Unrest (sometimes called the “Scranton Commission”).

In 1976, President Gerald Ford named him U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a post he held for a brief period (March 1976 to January 1977).

After his diplomatic service, Scranton declined a run for further elected office (he had pledged not to run again after leaving the governorship). He did, however, serve on boards in business, engage in philanthropic and policy organizations (such as the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission), and contribute to public discourse.

Philosophy, Style & Public Image

Scranton was known for a moderate, pragmatic approach—willing to cross partisan lines when he considered it necessary for effective governance.

His style was viewed as dignified, principled, and low on demagogy—qualities valued by many during times of ideological polarization.

He often positioned himself as a “bridge” or unifier: someone who could appeal across party lines, and who valued competence over ideology. Some observers referred to him as a “Kennedy Republican” because of his support for parts of the Kennedy agenda.

Legacy & Impact

William Scranton’s legacy includes:

• Educational reform: The institutions he helped establish (community colleges, state higher education aid) had lasting impact on Pennsylvania’s educational infrastructure.

• Moderate Republicanism: He is often cited as an example of a centrist Republican in an era of increasing polarization.

• Civic reputation: He remained respected for integrity and public service rather than partisan ambition.

• Diplomatic service: Even his relatively brief term as UN Ambassador added to his profile as someone versed in both domestic and foreign affairs.

• Institutional contributions: His participation in the constitutional convention and oversight commissions shaped Pennsylvania’s governance and U.S. responses to social unrest.

• Family political lineage: His children continued public service; for example, his son William Scranton III became Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania (1979–1987).

Upon his death (July 28, 2013), Scranton was widely eulogized as a figure of civility and a model public servant whose leadership style many considered especially needed in later decades.