Edward Zorinsky (November 11, 1928 - March 6, 1987) was a Democratic member of the United States Senate (1976 until 1987) from the U.S. State of Nebraska. Zorinsky was born in Omaha, Nebraska and he attented the University of Minnesota, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska. Zorinsky was in the wholesale tobacco and candy business from 1950 to 1973. Zorinsky was elected Mayor of Omaha in 1973 as a member of the Republican Party.
Zorinsky joined the Democratic Party in 1976 in order to seek a seat in the United States Senate. Zorinsky switched parties after feeling he was snubbed for the seat by Republicans, who nominated a Congressman from Omaha. Zorinsky then won the seat by thirty thousand votes.
As a Senator, Zorinsky was a moderate Democrat, voting with Republicans on some issues. Zorinsky was courted by the Republicans to rejoin them in 1982 and he hinted that he might switch back in 1986 but he never made such a switch. Zorinsky died after suffering a heart attack at the 1987 Omaha Press Club ball.
Preceded by: Roman Hruska Senator from Nebraska 1976 - 1987 Succeeded by: David Karnes
