Lawrence James Flaherty

Lawrence James Flaherty (July 4, 1878 – June 13, 1926) was an American politician who served part of one term as a U.S. Representative from California from 1925 until his death in 1926. A member of the Republican Party, he represented a San Francisco–area district during a significant period in American history, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents in the Sixty-ninth Congress.

Flaherty was born in San Mateo, California, on July 4, 1878. In 1888 he moved with his parents to San Francisco, where he was raised and educated. He attended the city’s public schools and, after completing his formal education, learned and practiced the trade of a cement mason. His early experience in a skilled building trade connected him closely with the city’s working population and laid the foundation for his later prominence in labor and municipal affairs.

Flaherty’s public career began in local government in San Francisco. He was appointed a member of the San Francisco Board of Police Commissioners by Mayor P. H. McCarthy, serving from 1911 to 1915. In this role he participated in the oversight and administration of the city’s police department during a period of urban growth and post–earthquake reconstruction, gaining experience in public safety policy and municipal governance.

In 1915 Flaherty advanced to state office as a member of the California State Senate, where he served until 1923. During his tenure in the State Senate he represented his district through the First World War and the early postwar years, contributing to state legislation affecting labor, infrastructure, and public administration. Concurrent with his legislative service, he became a leading figure in the local labor movement, serving as president of the San Francisco Building Trades from 1921 to 1926. In that capacity he represented the interests of construction and building-trade workers, reinforcing his reputation as a political figure with strong ties to organized labor.

Flaherty also held a federal administrative post prior to entering Congress. He was appointed United States surveyor of customs for the port of San Francisco on November 1, 1921. As surveyor of customs, he was responsible for important aspects of customs administration at one of the nation’s major Pacific ports. He served in that position until March 3, 1925, resigning upon his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Elected as a Republican to the Sixty-ninth Congress, Flaherty began his congressional service on March 4, 1925. As a member of the Republican Party representing California, he contributed to the legislative process during his term in office, participating in debates and votes on national issues in the mid-1920s and representing the interests of his San Francisco–area constituents. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history marked by postwar economic expansion and evolving federal policy, and he took part in the work of the House until his service was cut short by his death.

Flaherty died in office in New York City on June 13, 1926, at the age of 47, while still serving in the Sixty-ninth Congress. His death ended a career that had spanned local, state, and federal office, as well as leadership in the building trades. He was interred in Holy Cross Cemetery, near his birthplace of San Mateo, California.