Richard Swett

Richard Nelson Swett (born May 1, 1957) is an American politician and diplomat from the U.S. state of New Hampshire who served as the U.S. representative for New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district from 1991 to 1995. He also served as the U.S. ambassador to Denmark from 1998 to 2001.

Early life, education and career Swett was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and moved to New Hampshire with his family as a child. He attended Yale University and then became an architect in San Francisco.

Political career

Swett became active in the Democratic Party and eventually began a political career. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 1990 but was subsequently defeated in his November 1994 re-election bid.

Mitt Romney donated $250 to his 1992 campaign. They were fellow Mormons with homes on Lake Winnipesaukee.

In 1994, Swett voted for a bill to ban assault weapons that narrowly passed by two votes in the United States House of Representatives. His stand resulted in numerous threats against his life.

In 1996, Swett ran as a Democratic Party candidate for the Class 2 seat in the United States Senate from New Hampshire, against incumbent Republican Bob Smith, but was narrowly defeated. Smith had established himself as the most conservative Senator from the Northeast, and Bill Clinton's coattails nearly caused his defeat.

In 1998, Bill Clinton appointed Swett to be United States Ambassador to Denmark.

On August 12, 2019, Swett endorsed Joe Biden for President.

Personal life Swett is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). In 1980, he married Katrina Lantos, a former congressional candidate and daughter of Congressman Tom Lantos; she had previously converted to the LDS Church while a student at Yale. They have seven children.

Publications