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 May 12, 1958) is an American politician. She served as the 57th lieutenant governor of Kentucky from 2015 to 2019. As a member of the Republican Party, Hampton made history. She 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. She grew up in Detroit, Michigan, with her three sisters. Her parents divorced when she was seven years old. Her mother raised the four girls on her own.
After high school, Hampton worked for five years. She saved money to help pay for her college education. In 1985, she earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University. Later, she received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Rochester.
Military and Business Career
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 a military operation called Operation Desert Storm, she was sent to Saudi Arabia. There, she managed computer programs for radar systems. These systems helped track enemy planes and find people in rescue missions.
After her military service, Hampton worked in the packaging industry for 19 years. She eventually became a plant manager.
Political Journey
Jenean Hampton first ran for political office in 2014. She was a Republican. She tried to become a State Representative but did not win. She was also active in her local party and the Tea Party Movement.
In 2015, Matt Bevin chose Hampton as his running mate. He was running for Governor of Kentucky. On November 3, 2015, Bevin and Hampton won the election. They defeated the Democratic candidates, Jack Conway and Sannie Overly.
Hampton and Bevin officially started their roles on December 8, 2015. As Lieutenant Governor, Hampton made history. She 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 the United States. She was the 57th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.
In 2019, Matt Bevin ran for re-election. However, he did not choose Hampton as his running mate again. Her term as Lieutenant Governor ended in December 2019. After Bevin lost the election, Hampton shared that she had voted for a different candidate.
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.
Hampton is also a licensed amateur radio operator. She 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
