George McGovern was one of South Dakota’s most accomplished politicians. From his more than 20 years making laws in the U.S. House and Senate, to his remarkable run for president in 1972, McGovern made his mark on South Dakota and American politics.

McGovern was the first and only South Dakotan to run for President of the United States. Although he lost the election to Richard Nixon, he continued significant contributions to the quality of life for people around the globe.

An advocate for equality for all people, McGovern made laws and changed policies in the Democratic Party to ensure fairness for all, regardless of their race, gender or religion.

McGovern’s passion for helping others continued long after his career in electoral politics. He directed the Food for Peace and helped make laws to create a school lunch program that allowed all children to eat at school. He later became the United Nations Global Ambassador on World Hunger. His dream was to see all children worldwide were fed a healthy lunch every day.

This children’s picture biography was written at a reading level for students in grades 4-8 to use in their research when studying South Dakotans and politicians who made a big impact on the world. Students will learn that McGovern was an ordinary kid, just like them, growing up in Mitchell, SD, who went on to do extraordinary things at the national and international level. McGovern’s leadership and service to others inspires Americans to carry on his legacy. His place in history should never be forgotten.