R. Richard Wagner was born September 29, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio. His full name is Roland Richard Wagner, but he was often called “Dick” or “Richard Wagner.”
Wagner received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dayton in 1965. After graduating from college, he went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and finished his M.A. in 1967 and his Ph.D. in 1971, both in American History. While at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he was also a member of the History Students Association (HSA).
As an active member of the Democratic Party, especially of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC), Richard Wagner attended many anti-war organizing efforts, such as the Vietnam Moratorium in 1969, as the NDC representative. On the state level, he worked for the Eugene McCarthy campaign for the 1972 Presidential Wisconsin primary and Donald Peterson's races for Governor of Wisconsin and National Committeeman. On the local level, he worked for Democrats Midge Miller, Leo Cooper, and Dennis McGilligan. In March 1968, he joined the McCarthy election camp first as a volunteer in response to a request from Donald Peterson, the Chairman of the Wisconsin McCarthy for President Committee. Wagner took a more significant role in the McCarthy campaign in 1972; co-chairing the McCarthy for President Committee with Henry Lufler. He also worked as a field director for the 1970 Peterson campaign and traveled around the state speaking and organizing groups of supporters.
While working as a staff member in several major and minor election campaigns, Wagner was also involved in local politics. In August 1971, he was asked to be a member of the Steering Committee of the Community Concerns Committee for the Madison GEF II project. His subsequent years saw further political activities including serving on the County Board of Supervisors for 14 years and as an aide to Governor Martin Schreiber, who appointed him to the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Wisconsin Humanities Committee. He was also appointed by Governor Tony Earl as co-chair of the Governor's Council on Lesbian and Gay Issues.
Wagner has remained active in local politics, serving on the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and involved with the Madison 150th birthday party.
