Culver was born in Rochester, Minnesota but moved with his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa as a child. Culver is a graduate of both Harvard University and Harvard Law School. As an undergraduate, Culver played on the Harvard football team. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958 as well. He began practicing law in Cedar Rapids in 1963, but soon entered politics. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Iowa as a Democrat in 1964. He served in the House from 1965 until 1975. In 1974, Culver was elected to the United States Senate, winning the seat left open by the retirement of Harold E. Hughes with 52f the vote. Culver served one term in the Senate, from 1975 until 1981. Culver was defeated in a bid for reelection by Republican Chuck Grassley in 1980. Culver took 45.5f the vote to Grassley's 53.5åP> In 2000, Culver co-authored American Dreamer, the first comprehensive biography of Henry A. Wallace. Culver currently practices law in Washington, D.C. and lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and son.