Wayne Townsend

W. Wayne Townsend (May 1, 1926 – July 3, 2015) was an American politician from the U.S. state of Indiana. A Democrat, he was his party's gubernatorial nominee in 1984. Townsend was defeated by the incumbent Republican governor Robert D. Orr.

Wayne Townsend
Member of the Indiana Senate from the 19th district
In office November 8, 1972 – November 5, 1986
Preceded by	John Mutz[1]
Succeeded by	Larry David Macklin
Member of the Indiana Senate from the 13th district
In office November 4, 1970 – November 8, 1972
Preceded by	Frank James Biddinger[2]
Succeeded by	John Frederick Augsburger
Member of the Indiana House of Representatives from Blackford County and Grant County
In office November 7, 1962 – November 9, 1966
Preceded by	Ray Manual Hickam[3]
Succeeded by	Roger Lee Jessup
In office November 5, 1958 – November 9, 1960
Preceded by	James O. Murrell
Succeeded by	Ray Manual Hickam
Personal details
Born	(1926-05-01)May 1, 1926 Grant County, Indiana, U.S.
Died	July 3, 2015(2015-07-03) (aged 89) South Haven, Michigan, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Helen
Relations	M. Clifford Townsend (grandfather)
Children	five
Residence(s)	Hartford City, Indiana
Alma mater	Purdue University (1951)
Occupation	farmer

State legislative career

Gubernatorial campaigns

Further information: 1980 Indiana gubernatorial election and 1984 Indiana gubernatorial election

Townsend twice ran for Governor of Indiana. In 1980, he lost the Democratic Party primary election to businessman John A. Hillenbrand II. In 1984, he received the Democratic nomination but lost the election to Robert D. Orr (the incumbent Republican).