Ted Muenster

Theodore R. Muenster Jr. is an American political advisor, academic administrator, businessman, and former political candidate. He was the Democratic nominee during the 1990 United States Senate election in South Dakota. He later served as chief of staff to South Dakota Governor Richard Kneip. He was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2009.

Early life and education Muenster was born and raised in Beatrice, Nebraska. His family was very politically involved and his grandfather, Benjamin Albin Goble, served as the Sheriff of Gage County.

He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1958. He graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1962 with a degree in political science and history.

Muenster was a board member of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association and served as a trustee for the Nebraska University Foundation. He lost the election to Republican politician Larry Pressler.

Personal life Muenster is married to Senator Karen Muenster, who served as minority whip in the South Dakota Senate. They have three children, including Illinois First Lady Mary Kathryn Muenster Pritzker. He lives in the Cathedral Historic District in Sioux Falls.

Muenster was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2009.