John J. Allen Jr.

John Joseph Allen Jr. (November 27, 1899 – March 7, 1995) was the U.S. representative from California's 7th congressional district from January 3, 1947, to January 3, 1959. He is the last Republican to represent Oakland and Berkeley in Congress.

He served as Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1959 to 1961, helping to lay the groundwork for the future Department of Transportation.

He retired to McCall, Idaho in 1970, where he later served as mayor from 1988 to 1992. During this time he was America's oldest mayor.

Early life and education John J. Allen Jr. was born to John J. Allen Sr., an Alameda County Judge, in Oakland, California, on November 27, 1899.

Allen Jr. graduated from public high school and while studying at Berkeley joined the United States Navy as an Apprentice seaman during World War I. In 1952 Allen won both the Republican and Democratic nominations for the House. He focused on Merchant Marine and Fisheries bills and was successful with bills to provide an interstate fishing compact among the Pacific states and to amend the Ship Mortgage Act of 1920. Allen voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

After his unsuccessful re-election bid, Allen Jr. was appointed as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation on January 5, 1959, serving until 1961.

Later life After his political career ended in 1961, John J. Allen Jr. resumed the practice of law until his retirement in 1969. He resided in McCall, Idaho, and at the age of 87 he was elected Mayor of McCall, serving until 1992.