Issue One celebrates the life and legacy of Congressman Sherwood “Sherry” Boehlert

Issue One commemorates the life of former Congressman Sherwood “Sherry” Boehlert (R-NY) an active member of Issue One’s ReFormers Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of more than 200 former members of Congress, governors, and Cabinet secretaries united to fix America’s broken political system. 

Congressman Boehlert died on September 20. He was 84 years old.

Heralded by his peers as “the embodiment of what a public servant should be,” Congressman Boehlert was the epitome of a true bipartisan lawmaker and friend to all who crossed his path during his tenure in Congress.

After serving in the Army in the late 1950s, Sherwood Boehlert graduated from his hometown school, Utica College, in 1961. Boehlert began a career in politics in 1964, serving as chief-of-staff to his New York hometown’s congressional representatives Congressman Alexander Pirnie, who was succeeded by Congressman Donald J. Mitchell.

With 15 years of congressional staff experience, Boehlert was then elected to the position of Oneida County Executive in 1979, a position he held for two years. Shortly thereafter, Sherry Boehlert returned to Congress, elected as the representative for New York’s 24th congressional district. 

Congressman Boehlert dedicated his career of service to the people of his district. Boehlert was resilient, courageous, and honest. His strong impact on the Republican Party during the 1980s and 90s garnered Congressman Boehlert the respect of his peers, with relationships across the aisle that superseded partisan politics. Boehlert served in Congress until 2007, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential lawmakers of his time.

Congressman Boehlert was an active member of Issue One’s ReFormer’s Caucus, playing an active role in advancing the mission of Issue One. ReFormers Caucus co-Chairs Ambassador Tim Roemer and Congressman Zach Wamp each had endearing remarks remembering Congressman Boehlert:

Ambassador Roemer: “Congressman Boehlert served in Congress and always put his constituents and country front and center. He was not only a very capable and skilled legislator, but someone who sought out bipartisanship. As a member of the ReFormers Caucus, he made major contributions to our group and always did so with a sparkling sense of humor and great dignity.”

Congressman Wamp: “Sherry Boehlert was a great Member of Congress and a consummate gentleman. He was chairman of one of my committees so I watched him effectively legislate and work in a bi-partisan manner to make our nation even better. Even after Congress, he remained very active in the reform community, putting his country above his party or his personal ambitions. He left the world in better shape, and will be surely missed.”

Congressman Sherwood “Sherry” Boehlert’s impact on this country will never be forgotten, and we at Issue One thank him for his numerous contributions to our democratic system. He will be remembered fondly and deeply missed.