A lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri from 2007 to 2019, known for her advocacy on women's rights and her role in the #MeToo movement.
Claire McCaskill is a renowned American politician who served as a United States Senator from Missouri from 2007 to 2019, making her the first woman to hold the position. During her tenure, she was a vocal advocate for accountability, transparency, and women's rights, earning her a reputation as a dedicated public servant.
Born on July 24, 1953, in Rolla, Missouri, McCaskill grew up in a family deeply rooted in politics. Her father, William Young McCaskill, served as a state Insurance Commissioner, and her mother, Betty Anne McCaskill, was the first woman elected to the city council of Columbia, Missouri. This early exposure to politics sparked McCaskill's interest in public service.
McCaskill attended David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, where she was an accomplished student and active in extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, debate club, and musicals. She went on to graduate from the University of Missouri and the University of Missouri School of Law.
McCaskill's political career began in 1983, when she was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, serving until 1989. She then went on to become the Jackson County Prosecutor from 1993 to 1998, during which time she established a Sex Crimes Unit to combat domestic violence and child abuse.
In 1999, McCaskill was elected as the 34th State Auditor of Missouri, a position she held until 2007. During her tenure, she conducted audits that exposed government waste and corruption, earning her a reputation as a champion of accountability.
In 2006, McCaskill was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman to be elected to the position from Missouri. She was re-elected in 2012, but sadly lost her re-election bid in 2018 to Republican challenger Josh Hawley.
During her time in the Senate, McCaskill was a strong advocate for women's rights, veterans' affairs, and education. She served on the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
McCaskill is married to Joseph Shepard, and they have three children together. She is also a proud mother-in-law and grandmother.
In addition to her political achievements, McCaskill has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to public service, including the Missouri Women's Hall of Fame and the University of Missouri's School of Law's Distinguished Alumni Award.
Throughout her career, McCaskill has been a beacon of hope for women in politics, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in public service. Her dedication to accountability, transparency, and women's rights has left a lasting impact on the state of Missouri and the nation as a whole.
Today, McCaskill continues to serve as a political analyst for MSNBC and NBC, providing insightful commentary on current events and politics. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and commitment to creating positive change.
78 Years Old
A highly influential American politician and diplomat who served as Secretary of State and First Lady, known for her advocacy on women's rights and international diplomacy.
64 Years Old
The first African American to hold the office, he served two terms as President of the United States, earning a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. He's known for his charismatic leadership and commitment to progressive values.
83 Years Old
The 46th President of the United States, currently serving as the leader of the country, known for his efforts in addressing climate change and promoting unity.
86 Years Old
The 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is a powerful politician who has played a crucial role in shaping the country's legislative agenda. They are known for their strong leadership and advocacy on issues like healthcare and women's rights.
76 Years Old
A Harvard law professor turned Democratic Senator, known for championing consumer protection and progressive economic policies, particularly through the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
84 Years Old
A democratic socialist who served as a US Senator and ran for President, advocating for progressive policies like universal healthcare and free college tuition.
61 Years Old
The first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States, she is a trailblazing politician and lawyer who advocates for social justice and equality.
92 Years Old
A senior United States Senator from California, serving since 1992, known for her progressive politics and advocacy on issues like gun control and environmental protection.
