Janet Gray Hayes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Janet Gray Hayes
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| 60th Mayor of San Jose, California | |
| In office January 9, 1975 – January 9, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Norman Mineta |
| Succeeded by | Tom McEnery |
| Vice Mayor of San Jose | |
| In office 1973–1974 |
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| San Jose City Councilor | |
| In office 1971–1974 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 12, 1926 Rushville, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 21, 2014 (aged 87) Saratoga, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Indiana State University |
| Alma mater | Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice |
Janet Gray Hayes (born July 12, 1926 – died April 21, 2014) was a very important leader in San Jose, California. She served as the 60th mayor of the city. She was elected for two terms, from 1975 to 1983. Janet Gray Hayes made history in San Jose. She was the first woman to be elected mayor there. She was also the first woman mayor of a large U.S. city. This city had more than 500,000 people.
Early Life and Education
Janet Gray Hayes was born in Rushville, Indiana. This was on July 12, 1926. She went to the University of Chicago for her studies. Later, she earned her bachelor's degree. She got this degree from Indiana University. In 1956, Janet and her husband moved to California. They settled in San Jose. Her husband worked as a doctor there.
Becoming a City Leader
Janet Gray Hayes began her political career in San Jose. In 1971, she was elected to the San Jose City Council. This was her first big step in local government. Two years later, in 1973, the city council chose her. They voted for her to be the city's vice mayor. This was another historic moment. She was the first woman to hold that important position.
Mayor of San Jose
In 1974, Janet Gray Hayes ran for mayor. She won the election and became mayor of San Jose. She was reelected in 1978. This meant she served two full terms. She was a member of the Democratic Party. As mayor, she cared a lot about the environment. She wanted to stop Urban sprawl in San Jose. This meant she worked to control how the city grew. She wanted to protect open spaces.
Later Life
Janet Gray Hayes passed away on April 21, 2014. She died in Saratoga, California. She was 87 years old. She is remembered as a pioneering leader. She opened doors for women in politics.
