Daniel Gade


Daniel MacArthur Gade is an American disability and veteran rights activist, political candidate, professor, and researcher. He became an amputee in 2005 while serving as a company commander in Ramadi, Iraq. Gade retired from the United States Army as a lieutenant colonel in 2017. He is the Republican nominee for the 2020 election to represent Virginia in the United States Senate over incumbent Democrat Mark Warner.

Early life and education

Gade was born and raised in Minot, North Dakota. In 1997, he graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Gade graduated with a Master of Public Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in public administration and public policy from the University of Georgia in 2007 and 2011, respectively.

Career

Gade was wounded in action twice and decorated for valor while serving as a tank company commander in Iraq. After Gade's second injury, his entire right leg was amputated. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. Gade served in the administration of President George W. Bush. He returned to West Point in 2011. He retired from the Army in 2017.
Gade worked in the Donald Trump administration.
In 2019, Gade worked as a Professor of Practice at American University's School of Public Affairs.

Politics

Elections

Gade is the Republican nominee for the 2020 election to represent Virginia in the United States Senate. He faced adjunct professor and public school teacher Alissa Baldwin and defense contractor and retired Army intelligence officer Thomas Speciale in the Republican primary. Gade became the nominee after garnering 67% of the vote while Baldwin and Speciale received 18% and 15%, respectively. The seat is currently held by Democrat Mark Warner.

Personal life

Gade lives in Mount Vernon, Virginia, with his wife, Wendy, and their three children. He became the world champion in his category at the 2010 Ironman 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida.