$7 Million
What is David Dreier’s Net Worth?
David Dreier is an American Republican Party politician and entrepreneur who has a net worth of $7 million. David Dreier was born July 5, 1952 in Kansas City, Missouri. He is best known as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1981-2013) and as Chairman of the Rules Committee. Dreier attended the Principia Upper Schools in St. Louis, Missouri and earned a B.A. at Claremont Men’s College, Claremont, California, in 1975. He went on to earn an M.A. at Claremont Graduate School in 1976. He was also the Director of Corporate Relations at Claremont McKenna College (1975-1979). He was a delegate for California state in the Republican conventions (1978-1980) and a delegate for the Republican National Conventions (1976-1980).
After the 1980 U.S Census, his district was renumbered to the 33rd and he defeated U.S. Congressman Wayne Grisham in the Republican primary of 1982. He won re-election every two years after that with at least 57% of the vote until his 2004 re-election campaign. During the 2004 election, Dreier faced strong criticism on his stances on illegal immigration from opponent Cynthia Matthews. In 2006, he won re-election in the rematch against Matthews. After the 2010 U.S. Census, the voter-created California Citizens Redistricting Commission put Dreier and longtime Republican congressman Jerry Lewis into the newly drawn 31st congressional district. Dreier is a member of the Republican Main Street Partnership and was a leading member of the board of directors of the International Republican Institute. Dreier has been a longstanding supporter of closer ties between the U.S. and countries of Latin America, and has met frequently with executive and legislative branch leaders throughout the region. He formerly lived in Beverly Hills and Malibu with his chief of staff, Brad Smith, with whom he was rumored to be romantically involved for several years. He currently resides in San Dimas, California.
Biography
David Timothy Dreier, an American businessman, philanthropist, and politician, has had a multifaceted career that includes service in the United States House of Representatives, significant contributions to trade agreements, and leadership roles in various organizations.
Early Political Career
Dreier embarked on his political journey in 1978 when he ran for the United States House of Representatives at the remarkably young age of 25. His first attempt saw him challenging incumbent Democrat James Fredrick Lloyd. Although he was relatively unknown and living in Phillips Hall at Claremont McKenna College, Dreier garnered 46% of the vote, narrowly losing to the incumbent.
However, in 1980, Dreier made a successful second attempt, defeating Lloyd with 52% of the vote. This victory was largely attributed to Ronald Reagan’s presidential election win, as Dreier was sworn into office as one of the youngest members of the House of Representatives in U.S. history.
Congressional Achievements
Dreier’s political career was marked by numerous accomplishments. He served as the chairman of the House Rules Committee from 1999 to 2007 and then again from 2011 to 2013. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993, highlighting his influence in shaping trade policies.
Over the years, Dreier consistently secured re-election, often winning with a substantial majority of the vote. His district underwent several renumbering changes following the census, reflecting the evolving political landscape.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Dreier received recognition and honors for his contributions. He was honored by the Directors Guild of America for his efforts in combating runaway film and television production. Additionally, he received the Hubert Humphrey Award from the American Political Science Association.
Dreier’s dedication extended beyond U.S. borders, as he was inducted into the Order of Saint Agatha as a Knight Commander by the Republic of San Marino. He also received prestigious honors from Mexico, Colombia, and Nicaragua.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
David Dreier faced personal challenges when he lost his Malibu home in the Woolsey Fire in late 2018. Despite setbacks, his commitment to public service and philanthropy remained unwavering.
Dreier’s lineage connects him to Richard Bland Lee, a congressman from Virginia who served on the first Rules Committee established by the House of Representatives. He has been recognized for his significant wealth, with estimates ranging from $7.5 million to $29 million, according to OpenSecrets.
David Timothy Dreier’s career exemplifies a remarkable journey from a young political aspirant to a seasoned lawmaker with influential roles in trade agreements and foreign relations. His dedication to public service and philanthropy continues to leave a lasting impact on both national and international levels.
