Zioncheck, Marion A. (Marion Anthony), 1901-1936

Marion Anthony Zioncheck (1901-1936) was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat from Washington State in 1932. He represented the First Congressional District, which encompassed Seattle and Kitsap County, and he served on the Naval Affairs Committee. A Progressive Democrat and supporter of the Roosevelt New Deal, Zioncheck was an avowed defender of the "forgotten man," such as the working man, the farmer, and the small businessman. He supported the Wagner-Connery Labor Bill, the Federal Communications Act, and the Widows and Orphans Bill and took an active interest in veterans' and farm legislation. Zioncheck was treated for mental illness but committed suicide on August 7, 1936.

From the description of Marion A. Zioncheck papers, 1926-1936. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 28376107

Marion Anthony Zioncheck (1901-1936) was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat from Washington State in 1932, the year of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt landslide. Zioncheck served in the 73th and 74th Congresses from March 4, 1933, until his death on August 7, 1936. He represented the First Congressional District, which encompassed Seattle and Kitsap County and he served on the Naval Affairs Committee.

A Progressive Democrat and a supporter of the Roosevelt New Deal, Zioncheck was an avowed defender of the "forgotten man." He stated during his campaign that he would not represent the interests of banks, power companies, and chambers of commerce when they conflicted with the interests of the working man, the farmer, or the small businessman. His papers provide evidence that he attempted to fulfill his promise. He supported the Wagner-Connery Labor Bill and the Federal Communications Act, took an active interest in veterans' and farm legislation, and worked for the passage of the Widows and Orphans Bill, HR 9936.

Zioncheck committed suicide on August 7, 1936, by jumping from a window of his campaign office in Seattle. Prior to his death, Zioncheck underwent treatment for mental illness. He had also been the subject of public censure and extensive publicity for his conduct in the House of Representatives and his personal conduct outside of Congress. Reportedly, Zioncheck felt himself a personal failure in his frustrated attempts at political reform.

From the guide to the Marion A. Zioncheck papers, 1926-1936, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)