First ran for congress in 1990, losing against then rep. Al McCandless (R).
John Walton Sr., Waite's character on "The Waltons" (1971), was ranked #3 by TV Guide in its list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].
Stepfather of Liam Waite.
Unsuccessfully ran for Congress in California to fill the unexpired term of the late Sonny Bono, defeated by Mary Bono, (Sonny's widow), April 7, 1998.