Colorful New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia was born in New York City in 1882. He became active in politics and served in the US House of Representatives from 1917-21 and 1923-33. In 1933 he was elected on a fusion ticket to replace the corrupt Jimmy Walker as mayor of New York. Laguardia cleaned up New York government and was renowned for his hard work and great energy. He remained enshrined in the hearts of New Yorkers as one of the city's most popular mayors.