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David Zien

b. 1950

American state senator

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About David Zien

Born 1950. David Zien is an American politician.

David Allen Zien (born March 15, 1950) is an American politician who represented Wisconsin's 23rd Senate district as a Republican member of the Wisconsin State Senate.

Early life, education and political career Zien was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and attended Cadott High School. He has a B.S. from University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and an M.S. from University of Wisconsin–Stout. Prior to holding elected office, Zien was a campus administrator at Northcentral Technical College. Zien was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1988 and to the Wisconsin Senate in 1993 in a special election. He became the President pro tempore in 2005. He was defeated in his Fall 2006 re-election campaign by Democrat Pat Kreitlow.

Military service Zein joined the United States Marines and served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in the Vietnam War in 1969. While in Vietnam, his unit fought at The Rockpile. On March 13, 2011, Zien was seriously injured while traveling in Florida on his motorcycle. Dave Zien logged more than two million miles riding motorcycles before being critically injured in a violent highway crash in Florida. Even though the 61-year-old former state representative and senator lost part of his left leg – and almost his life – in the March crash, he has continued to ride, this time on a three-wheeled Harley-Davidson.

Awards and recognition During his time in office, Zien was the recipient of many awards, including the following: Legislator of the Year, membership in the American Legion, National MC Hall of Fame inductee with Peter Fonda, NRA Defender of Freedom Award presented by Charlton Heston, Outstanding Legislator, 1995–96, and NFlB Guardian of Small Business, 1995–96. WIAA State Wrestling Qualifier for Cadott High School.

Controversy On June 21, 2011, Zien and two Tea Party members were accused of harassing and assaulting members of the Solidarity Sing Along group in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Zien allegedly ran over group members' belongings with his wheelchair.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin–Stout Polytechnic
Positions held
Member of the State Senate of Wisconsin, Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
Also known as
David Allen Zien

People in David Zien's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped David Zien's

Frequently asked questions

Who is David Zien?

American state senator

When was David Zien born?

David Zien was born on 15 March 1950 in Chippewa Falls.

What is David Zien's occupation?

David Zien is a politician.

What nationality is David Zien?

David Zien is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: David Zien

· Wikidata: Q5241412

· DBpedia: David Zien

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). David Zien. https://biography.guide/david-zien/

MLA: "David Zien." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/david-zien/.

Chicago: "David Zien." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/david-zien/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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