State Senator Henry Dorman was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on September 24, 1916. Upon graduation from high school, Dorman enrolled at the University of Wisconsin and earned a Ph.B. in American Institutions in 1940. After Pearl Harbor, Dorman interrupted his studies for service in the Army Air Corps. He returned to the University at the war's end and completed his law degree in 1947.
Dorman was active in Democratic politics in Racine, serving as a member of the county board from 1956 to 1958 and as an officer of the county Democratic organization. In a March 1965 special election he was elected to the Senate representing the 21st District. He was re-elected in 1966 and served continuously until his defeat in November 1978. During his tenure in office he was active on a number of standing and special legislative committees and served as chairman of the Legislative Council (1977-1978, member since 1969) and co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Finance (1977-1978, member since 1967). He was also a member of the board of directors of the National Society of State Legislators and participated in a host of civic organizations including the Jaycees and B'nai B'rith.
