Joe Donnelly facts for kids

"Senator Donnelly" redirects here. For other uses, see Senator Donnelly (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids Joe Donnelly


United States Ambassador to the Holy See
In office April 11, 2022 – July 8, 2024
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Callista Gingrich
Succeeded by	Laura Hochla (as Chargé d'Affaires)
United States Senator from Indiana
In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2019
Preceded by	Richard Lugar
Succeeded by	Mike Braun
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 2nd district
In office January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2013
Preceded by	Chris Chocola
Succeeded by	Jackie Walorski

Personal details
Born	Joseph Simon Donnelly (1955-09-29) September 29, 1955 (age 69) Massapequa, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Jill Donnelly (m. 1979)
Children	2
Education	University of Notre Dame (BA, JD)

Joseph "Joe" Simon Donnelly Sr. (born September 29, 1955) is an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat. He worked in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013. Later, he served as a U.S. Senator for Indiana from 2013 to 2019.

He is a member of the Democratic Party. From 2022 to 2024, he was the United States Ambassador to the Holy See. This important role was given to him by President Joe Biden.

Joe Donnelly was born in Massapequa, New York. He went to the University of Notre Dame. He started his political journey on the Indiana State Election Board. At the same time, he worked as a lawyer.

Early Life and School

Joe Donnelly grew up in Massapequa, New York. His mother passed away when he was ten years old. His father then raised him.

He studied at the University of Notre Dame. In 1977, he earned a degree in government. In 1981, he got his law degree from Notre Dame Law School.

First Jobs and Public Service

Donnelly worked as a lawyer until 1996. Then, he started his own company called Marking Solutions. This company made printing and rubber-stamp products.

From 1988 to 1989, he served on the Indiana Election Commission. He was also on the Mishawaka Marian School Board from 1997 to 2001. He was the president of the board from 2000 to 2001.

In 2004, Donnelly ran for the U.S. Congress. He wanted to represent Indiana's 2nd congressional district. He won the Democratic nomination without anyone running against him. However, he lost the main election to the Republican, Chris Chocola.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives (2007–2013)

Joe Donnelly served in the U.S. House of Representatives for six years. He represented Indiana's 2nd congressional district.

Winning Elections for the House

2006 Election Victory

Official Portrait of Donnelly as a freshman in the U.S. House in the 110th Congress

In 2006, Donnelly ran against Chris Chocola again. This time, he won the election. He received 54% of the votes. This victory was important because it was a close race.

2008 and 2010 Re-elections

Donnelly ran for re-election in 2008 and 2010. In 2008, he won easily with 67% of the votes. In 2010, he faced Jackie Walorski. He won a third term, even though it was a tough election year for Democrats.

Working on House Committees

While in the House, Donnelly worked on important committees. These groups of lawmakers focus on specific topics.

Committee on Financial Services
- This committee deals with money and banking rules.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- This committee helps people who have served in the military. Donnelly was a leader on this committee.

Serving in the U.S. Senate (2013–2019)

After serving in the House, Joe Donnelly became a U.S. Senator. Senators represent their entire state.

Winning Elections for the Senate

2012 Senate Election

Senator Joe Donnelly, with former Senator Birch Bayh and his son, former Governor of Indiana and Senator Evan Bayh

In 2012, Donnelly decided to run for the U.S. Senate. He won the Democratic nomination without any opponents. He then faced Richard Mourdock in the main election.

Donnelly won the Senate election with 50% of the votes. He became the first Democrat to hold this Senate seat from Indiana since 1977.

2018 Re-election Bid

In 2018, Donnelly ran for a second term as Senator. He was challenged by Republican Mike Braun. Braun won the election.

His Time as a Senator

Donnelly playing at the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game.

Joe Donnelly was sworn into the Senate on January 3, 2013. He was known for working with both Democrats and Republicans. An organization called The Lugar Center ranked him as one of the most bipartisan Senators. This means he often worked across party lines.

Working on Senate Committees

As a Senator, Donnelly served on several important committees:

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
- This committee deals with farming, food, and forests.
Committee on Armed Services
- This committee focuses on the military and national defense.
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- This committee handles banking, housing, and city development.
Special Committee on Aging
- This committee looks at issues affecting older people.

His Views on Important Issues

Joe Donnelly was seen as a moderate Democrat. This means his views were often in the middle, not too far left or right.

Money and Taxes

Donnelly supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009. This law aimed to help the economy. He also voted to extend tax cuts for middle-class families. He believed this would help create jobs.

He voted to audit the Federal Reserve. This is the central bank of the U.S. He also supported laws that would make it easier for some banks to operate.

Healthcare

In 2010, Donnelly voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This law is also known as Obamacare. He later suggested changing parts of the law. For example, he wanted to change the definition of full-time work.

He also supported getting rid of a tax on medical devices. In 2017, he said that changes to Obamacare proposed by President Trump were "unacceptable."

Education

Donnelly did not support President Trump's choice for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. He felt she did not have enough commitment to public education.

Foreign Policy and Global Affairs

Donnelly with U.S. service members of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan

Donnelly voted for military actions in Libya in 2011. He also voted against sending more troops to Iraq in 2007.

Donnelly with service member of the United States Marine Corps

He opposed a quick withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. He believed in supporting the military there. He also supported Israel and laws against boycotts of Israel.

National Security

Donnelly voted against cutting the U.S. military budget. He supported the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. This law deals with military spending. He also voted to renew the Patriot Act, which helps with national security.

Immigration

Donnelly voted against the DREAM Act in 2010. This act would have helped young undocumented immigrants. In 2018, he supported different plans for immigration. These plans included border security and ways for some immigrants to become citizens. He also supported more funding for a border wall.

Gun Laws

Donnelly's views on gun laws changed over time. He once had a high rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). He supported gun safety programs for children.

In 2013, he voted against a ban on assault weapons. However, he supported expanded background checks for gun purchases. In 2017, he joined other Senators to push for laws that would stop suspected terrorists from buying guns. In 2018, his rating from the NRA changed to a "D."

LGBT Rights

Donnelly's record on LGBT rights has been mixed. In 2007, he supported a law to prevent job discrimination based on sexual orientation.

In 2013, after being elected Senator, he announced he supported same-sex marriage. This was a change from his earlier position. By 2017, he had a higher rating from the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT rights group.

Life After Politics

In March 2019, Donnelly joined a law firm in Washington, D.C. He became a partner there.

He also started an organization called One Country Project. This group helps Democrats connect better with voters in rural areas.

Ambassador to the Holy See

On October 8, 2021, President Biden chose Donnelly to be the ambassador to the Holy See. This means he would represent the U.S. to the Vatican City. The Senate approved his nomination.

He officially started his role on February 25, 2022. He met Pope Francis on April 11, 2022. He announced he would step down from this role on July 8, 2024.

Personal Life

Donnelly with his wife and their two children

Joe Donnelly met his wife, Jill, at the University of Notre Dame. They got married in 1979. They have two children together. They live in Granger, near South Bend.

Donnelly is a practicing Roman Catholic.

Images for kids

Joe Donnelly, U.S. Ambassador
Official Portrait of Donnelly as a freshman in the U.S. House
Senator Joe Donnelly, with former Senator Birch Bayh and his son, former Governor of Indiana and Senator Evan Bayh
Donnelly playing at the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game.
Donnelly with U.S. service members of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan
Donnelly with service member of the United States Marine Corps
Donnelly with his wife and their two children