Jenean Hampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jenean Hampton
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| 57th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky | |
| In office December 8, 2015 – December 10, 2019 |
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| Governor | Matt Bevin |
| Preceded by | Crit Luallen |
| Succeeded by | Jacqueline Coleman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jenean Michelle Hampton
May 12, 1958 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Doyle Isaak
(m. 2001) |
| Education | Wayne State University (BS) University of Rochester (MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1985–1992 |
| Rank |  Captain |
Jenean Michelle Hampton, born on May 12, 1958, is an American politician. She was the 57th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019. Hampton was the running mate for Matt Bevin in the 2015 election for governor. As a member of the Republican Party, she made history. Jenean Hampton was the first African American to hold a statewide office in Kentucky. She was also the third African-American woman to serve as a lieutenant governor in any U.S. state.
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Early Life and Education
Jenean Michelle Hampton was born on May 12, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up there as one of four daughters. Her parents, Donald and Marie Hampton, divorced when she was seven. Her mother then raised Jenean and her sisters by herself.
After high school, Jenean worked for five years in the car industry. This helped her save money for college. In 1985, she earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University. Later, she earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Rochester.
Military and Business Career
Jenean Hampton served in the United States Air Force for seven years. She worked as a computer systems officer. She reached the rank of Captain. During Operation Desert Storm, she was sent to Saudi Arabia. There, she managed radar software. This software helped track enemy planes and assisted in search and rescue missions.
After her military service, Hampton worked in the packaging industry for 19 years. She eventually became a plant manager.
Political Journey
Hampton is a Republican. She first ran for political office in 2014. She tried to win a seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives but was not successful. Hampton has been very active in her local party. She also participated in the Tea Party Movement.
In 2015, Matt Bevin chose Jenean Hampton as his running mate. They ran together for the offices of Governor of Kentucky and Lieutenant Governor. On November 3, 2015, Bevin and Hampton won the election. They defeated the Democratic candidates, Jack Conway and Sannie Overly.
Bevin and Hampton officially took office on December 8, 2015. As mentioned before, Hampton became the first African American to hold a statewide office in Kentucky. She was also the third African-American woman to serve as a lieutenant governor in a U.S. state. She served as the 57th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.
In 2019, Matt Bevin did not choose Hampton as his running mate for his re-election campaign. Her term as Lieutenant Governor ended in December 2019. After Bevin lost the election, Hampton shared that she had voted for the Libertarian candidate, John Hicks.
Personal Life
Jenean Hampton lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She is married to Colonel Dr. Doyle Isaak. He is a retired officer from the U.S. Air Force.
She is also a licensed amateur radio operator. Hampton is a member of the Civil Air Patrol. In this organization, she holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.
See also
- List of African-American Republicans
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
- List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States
