Who is Mary Jo Campbell?
Mary Jo Campbell is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 2011 to 2019. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she was the first woman to hold the office.
Campbell was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from the College of Saint Benedict and the University of Minnesota Law School. She worked as an attorney before entering politics. Campbell was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2006 and served until 2010, when she was elected Lieutenant Governor.
As Lieutenant Governor, Campbell focused on economic development, education, and healthcare. She also served as chair of the Governor's Council on Disability. Campbell did not seek re-election in 2018 and left office in January 2019.
Campbell is married to former Minnesota State Representative Tim Mahoney. They have two children.
Mary Jo Campbell
Mary Jo Campbell is a notable figure in American politics, having served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. Her contributions and experiences encompass various key aspects:
- Public service: Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2011-2019)
- Legal background: Attorney and law school graduate
- Education advocate: Focus on improving education outcomes
- Economic development: Promoting job growth and business opportunities
- Disability rights: Chair of the Governor's Council on Disability
These aspects highlight Campbell's commitment to public service and her dedication to improving the lives of Minnesotans. Her legal background provided a strong foundation for her work in government, and her focus on education, economic development, and disability rights reflects her belief in creating a more just and equitable society.
Personal details and bio data:
Name | Mary Jo Campbell |
Born | Saint Paul, Minnesota |
Education | College of Saint Benedict, University of Minnesota Law School |
Political party | Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party |
Spouse | Tim Mahoney |
Children | Two |
Public service
Mary Jo Campbell's tenure as Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 2011 to 2019 was a significant chapter in her career and in the history of Minnesota politics. As the first woman to hold the office, Campbell broke down barriers and inspired countless Minnesotans.
During her time as Lieutenant Governor, Campbell focused on economic development, education, and healthcare. She played a key role in promoting job growth and business opportunities, and she was a strong advocate for improving education outcomes for all students. Campbell also worked tirelessly to expand access to affordable healthcare for Minnesotans.
Campbell's work as Lieutenant Governor had a lasting impact on the state of Minnesota. She helped to create a more prosperous and equitable society for all Minnesotans. Her legacy as a public servant will continue to inspire future generations.
Legal background
Mary Jo Campbell's legal background as an attorney and law school graduate played a significant role in her career and her ability to effectively serve as Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. Her legal training provided her with a strong foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for success in public office.
As an attorney, Campbell developed a deep understanding of the law and the legal system. This knowledge was invaluable to her in her role as Lieutenant Governor, as she was often called upon to advise the Governor and the Minnesota Legislature on legal matters. Her legal background also gave her a unique perspective on policy issues, and she was able to use her legal skills to develop and advocate for policies that were both effective and fair.
Campbell's legal background also helped her to build strong relationships with other leaders in government and the legal community. These relationships were essential to her success as Lieutenant Governor, as they allowed her to work collaboratively to find common ground and solve problems. Overall, Mary Jo Campbell's legal background was a major asset to her career in public service.
Education advocate
Mary Jo Campbell has been a lifelong advocate for education. She believes that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. As Lieutenant Governor, Campbell focused on improving education outcomes for all students, from early childhood through higher education.
- Early childhood education: Campbell believes that early childhood education is essential for a child's success in school and life. She worked to expand access to high-quality early childhood education programs for all Minnesota children.
- K-12 education: Campbell worked to improve K-12 education by increasing funding for schools, reducing class sizes, and raising teacher salaries. She also supported programs to help students who are struggling and to provide more opportunities for students to succeed.
- Higher education: Campbell believes that higher education is the key to a better future for Minnesota. She worked to make college more affordable and accessible for all students. She also supported programs to help students graduate from college and find good-paying jobs.
- Lifelong learning: Campbell believes that learning should never stop. She supported programs to help adults learn new skills and to continue their education throughout their lives.
Campbell's focus on improving education outcomes has made a real difference in the lives of Minnesota students. She has helped to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.
Economic development
Economic development was a key priority for Mary Jo Campbell during her time as Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She believed that a strong economy was essential for creating jobs, improving education, and providing affordable healthcare for all Minnesotans.
Campbell worked to promote economic development by:
- Attracting new businesses to Minnesota
- Expanding existing businesses
- Investing in infrastructure
- Developing a skilled workforce
Campbell's efforts to promote economic development were successful. During her time in office, Minnesota's economy grew faster than the national average. The state also added more jobs than the national average.
Campbell's focus on economic development had a positive impact on the lives of all Minnesotans. By creating jobs and improving the economy, she helped to make Minnesota a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Disability rights
Mary Jo Campbell's commitment to disability rights is evident in her role as Chair of the Governor's Council on Disability. This role demonstrates her dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Minnesota.
The Governor's Council on Disability is a state agency that advises the Governor and the Minnesota Legislature on disability issues. The Council works to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as other Minnesotans.
Campbell's leadership on the Council has made a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. She has worked to increase funding for programs that support people with disabilities, and she has also worked to improve access to healthcare, education, and employment for people with disabilities.
Campbell's commitment to disability rights is also reflected in her work as Lieutenant Governor. She has used her platform to raise awareness of disability issues, and she has worked to ensure that people with disabilities are included in all aspects of Minnesota life.
Campbell's work on disability rights is an important part of her legacy as Lieutenant Governor. She has made a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities in Minnesota, and she has helped to create a more inclusive and just society for all.
FAQs about Mary Jo Campbell
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about Mary Jo Campbell, her career, and her accomplishments.
Question 1: Who is Mary Jo Campbell?
Mary Jo Campbell is an American politician who served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota from 2011 to 2019. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she was the first woman to hold the office.
Question 2: What were Mary Jo Campbell's key accomplishments as Lieutenant Governor?
Campbell focused on economic development, education, and healthcare during her time as Lieutenant Governor. She also served as chair of the Governor's Council on Disability.
Question 3: What is Mary Jo Campbell's educational background?
Campbell graduated from the College of Saint Benedict and the University of Minnesota Law School.
Question 4: What is Mary Jo Campbell's political affiliation?
Campbell is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL).
Question 5: Is Mary Jo Campbell still active in politics?
Campbell did not seek re-election in 2018 and left office in January 2019. She is no longer actively involved in politics.
Question 6: What is Mary Jo Campbell's legacy?
Campbell is remembered for her commitment to public service and her work to improve the lives of Minnesotans. She was a strong advocate for education, economic development, and disability rights.
These FAQs provide a brief overview of Mary Jo Campbell's life, career, and accomplishments.
Transition to the next article section:
Mary Jo Campbell is a notable figure in American politics, and her contributions to Minnesota are significant. Her work as Lieutenant Governor has had a lasting impact on the state, and she continues to be an inspiration to many.
Conclusion
Mary Jo Campbell's career in public service has been marked by her commitment to improving the lives of Minnesotans. As the first woman to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, she broke down barriers and inspired countless others. Her work on economic development, education, healthcare, and disability rights has made a real difference in the state. Campbell's legacy as a public servant will continue to inspire future generations.
Campbell's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. She is a role model for women and girls everywhere, and her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all who seek to make a difference in the world.