George Washington Blanchard Sr. (January 26, 1884 – October 2, 1964) was an American lawyer and Republican politician from Edgerton, Wisconsin.

Prior to his election to Congress, he represented Rock County for six years in the Wisconsin Senate (1927–1933) and one term in the State Assembly (1925).

George W. Blanchard was born in Colby, Wisconsin, and received his primary education in the public schools of that vicinity.

[2] After being admitted to the bar in 1910, Blanchard moved to Edgerton, Wisconsin, in Rock County and began his legal career.

In that role, he had charge of the "outer executive office" and assisted the governor's chief aide, George Hudnall, in drafting legislation.

The state progressive establishment, led by governor John J. Blaine, pushed for the election of Herman W. Sachtjen of Madison.

[11] Throughout the term, Blanchard played a leading role in debates and was then chosen as chairman of the state conservative Republican convention that fall.

[12] At the convention, Blanchard was even encouraged to enter the race for United States Senate in special election to succeed Robert M. La Follette Sr., but declined to be considered.

[17][18] Blanchard immediately became a leader of the conservative faction in the Wisconsin Senate, and was described as a close friend of governor Fred R. Zimmerman, who was sworn in that same year.

Blanchard faced a crowded primary against state representative Edward F. Hilker, attorney Thomas Ryum Amlie, and two other candidates.

Also happening during 1932, Blanchard was endorsed by a stalwart convention of Wisconsin Republicans as successor to United States district judge Claude Luse, who died in May of that year.

[27] The 1932 general election was a Democratic wave, prompted by the Great Depression and assisted by progressive Republicans throwing their support behind Roosevelt and his coalition.

[28] In the 73rd Congress, Blanchard joined large bipartisan majorities supporting several bills proposed by the new Democratic administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt to deal with the ongoing economic emergencies caused by the Great Depression.

Blanchard initially proceeded with his plans to seek re-election on the Republican Party ticket, and was renominated without opposition in the September primary.

[32] However, just days after the primary, Blanchard withdrew from the race to accept a job as special counsel for the United States Brewers' Association.