[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E125-E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO STUART K. SPENCER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2025

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my 
good friend, Navy veteran, and acclaimed political adviser, Stuart 
(Stu) Spencer, who passed away in Palm Desert on Sunday, January 12, 
2025. Stu was an incredibly influential and accomplished political 
leader in addition to being a personal friend, and he will be deeply 
missed.
  In 1927, Stu was born in Phoenix, Arizona. His family relocated to 
southern California just two years later. After high school, Stu 
enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a radar specialist onboard 
the USS Rocky Mount command ship. Following his discharge from the 
Navy, Stu earned a degree from California State University, Los 
Angeles. He worked as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of 
Alhambra for many years before leaping into the world of politics. 
After volunteering on various campaigns, Stu was hired by the Los 
Angeles County GOP as an organizer. The following year, Stu joined 
together with his partner, Bill Roberts, to establish the Spencer-
Roberts political consulting firm. Over the many years since its 
formation, the firm would go on to manage more than 400 campaigns.
  In 1964, Stu managed the unsuccessful presidential primary campaign 
of Nelson Rockefeller, who ultimately lost to Barry Goldwater. His luck 
and life would change dramatically one year later when then-actor 
Ronald Reagan asked Stu to manage his longshot bid for governor in 
California. In a remarkable campaign guided by Stu, Reagan was elected 
governor in 1966 and then re-elected in 1970. In 1976, Stu had agreed 
to manage President Gerald Ford's election campaign before Reagan's 
decision to challenge Ford in a primary. Stu stayed loyal to Ford 
throughout that campaign but was asked by Reagan to manage his campaign 
for president in 1980. Throughout Reagan's eight years in the White 
House, Stu was a trusted aide close by his side. When he presented Stu 
with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1989, Reagan said ``he 
prevented more than a few poor decisions and aided in more than a few 
very good decisions.'' In 1993, Spencer was inducted into the 
Association of American Political Consultants Hall of Fame.

[[Page E126]]

  Stu is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Barbara Spencer; two 
children from a previous marriage, Karen Spencer of Palm Desert and 
Steven Spencer of Dana Point; a stepdaughter, Debbie DeSilva of 
Carlsbad, and six grandchildren. I extend my personal and heartfelt 
condolences to the Spencer family, his friends, and everyone fortunate 
enough to know Stu. Although he may be gone, Stu's many contributions 
to our Nation have left an enduring legacy.

                          ____________________