Teller, Ludwig, 1911-1965

Ludwig Teller (June 22, 1911 – October 4, 1965) was an American lawyer and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably served as the U.S. Representative from New York's 20th congressional district from 1957 to 1961.

Born in Manhattan, he was educated in the public schools before earning undergraduate and law degrees from New York University, being admitted to the bar and commencing the practice of law in New York City. He worked as an expert consultant to the National Labor Relations Board of the War Department in 1942 and a trial examiner for the New York State Labor Relations Board from 1942 to 1946. He also served as a senior lieutenant in the United States Navy as a communications officer in the Atlantic convoy, as labor relations officer for the Ninth Naval District in Chicago, Illinois from 1943 to 1945, and as a lieutenant commander in the United States Naval Reserve. He served on the faculty of New York University Law School from 1947 until 1950 and as professor of law at New York Law School in 1950.

Teller was a member of the New York State Assembly from the 5th district from 1951 to 1956, sitting in the 168th, 169th and 170th New York State Legislatures. He was elected as a Democrat to the 85th and 86th United States Congresses, holding office from January 3, 1957 to January 3, 1961. He was defeated for renomination in the Democratic primary of 1960 by Reform Democrat William Fitts Ryan; though he received the Liberal Party nomination for the seat, he lost to Ryan in the general election.

Teller resumed the practice of law in New York City until his death in Manhattan. He was buried at the Union Field Cemetery in Ridgewood, Queens.