Donald Dworak

Donald "Don" N. Dworak (December 3, 1934 – September 17, 2018) was an American politician and insurance executive from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 22nd district from 1975 to 1983. He was originally elected as a member of the Republican Party, but switched to the Democratic Party in 1981. He later served as director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development from 1983 to 1985, and as a member of the Nebraska Liquor Commission from 1985 to 1992.

Early career Dvorak was born in 1934 in David City, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska,

Nebraska Legislature In 1974, State Senator Herb Nore declined to seek re-election to a fourth term, instead launching a brief campaign for Congress. Dworak ran to succeed him in the 22nd district, which included Blaine, Nance, and Platte counties.

In the nonpartisan primary, he faced farmer Kenneth Torczon and Columbus City Councilwoman Everlyn Kusek. and they both advanced to the general election. Dworak defeated Torczon in a landslide, winning his first term, 60–40 percent.

During Dworak's first term in the legislature, he sponsored the Nebraska Habitat Stamp Act, which imposed a hunting license fee to fund the acquisition and preservation of new wildlife areas. The Nebraska Wildlife Federation named Dworak the "outstanding conservationist of the year" for his efforts to pass the bill.

In 1978, Dworak considered running for higher office, but ultimately opted to seek a second term in the legislature. He was challenged by Harry Schumacher, an insurance agent. In the primary election, Dworak placed first by a wide margin, receiving 77 percent of the vote to Schumacher's 23 percent. However, on August 22, 1978, Schumacher withdrew from the race, observing that Dworak was "an exceptionally fine competitor that I'm afraid I can't beat."

Post-legislative career Rather than seek re-election in 1982, Dworak announced that he would run for the 3rd district seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. In the nonpartisan primary, he faced substitute teacher Judy Larsen, corporate executive Margaret Robinson, and banker Jerry Schiermeyer. Dworak placed second in the primary, winning 28 percent of the vote to Robinson's 38 percent, and they advanced to the general election. Robinson ultimately defeated Dworak in a landslide, 63–37 percent. He announced that he would resign in 1985, and was appointed by Kerrey to the state Liquor Commission. He resigned from the Liquor Commission in 1992 after undergoing heart surgery.

Death and legacy In 2014, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission named the Don Dworak Wildlife Management Area, which is located near Monroe, after Dvorak.

Dvorak died on September 17, 2018.