Juanita Millender-McDonald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juanita Millender-McDonald
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| Chair of the House Administration Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2007 – April 21, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Vern Ehlers |
| Succeeded by | Bob Brady |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 37th district |
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| In office March 26, 1996 – April 22, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Walter Tucker |
| Succeeded by | Laura Richardson |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 55th district |
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| In office December 7, 1992 - April 15, 1996 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Polanco |
| Succeeded by | Richard Floyd |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Juanita Millender
September 7, 1938 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | April 22, 2007 (aged 68) Carson, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | James McDonald |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Los Angeles Harbor College University of Redlands (BA) California State University, Los Angeles (MA) University of Southern California (PhD) |
Juanita Millender-McDonald (born September 7, 1938 – died April 22, 2007) was an American politician. She served in the United States House of Representatives from 1996 until her death in 2007. She represented California's 37th congressional district. This area includes parts of South Los Angeles and the city of Long Beach, California. She was a member of the Democratic Party.
In 2006, Juanita Millender-McDonald became the Chairwoman of the United States House Committee on House Administration. She was the first African-American woman to lead this important committee. She was also part of the Congressional Black Caucus.
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Her Life and Career
Juanita Millender-McDonald was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She studied at several colleges. She earned a business degree from the University of Redlands. She also received a master's degree in educational administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Later, she completed her doctorate in public administration at the University of Southern California.
Early Career and Public Service
Before becoming a politician, she worked as a teacher. She was also a textbook editor. Later, she directed a nonprofit group that focused on gender issues. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Millender-McDonald served on the City Council of Carson, California. She was also a member of the California State Assembly. She won her first election to the House of Representatives in March 1996. She replaced Congressman Walter Tucker, who had left office.
Work in Congress
In Congress, Juanita Millender-McDonald was known for her dedication to protecting international human rights. She worked to make sure people around the world were treated fairly. She was a strong voice for important issues.
Her Passing
Juanita Millender-McDonald passed away on April 22, 2007, at the age of 68. She died from colon cancer at her home in Carson. She was survived by her husband, James McDonald, Jr., and her five adult children.
Who Took Her Place?
After Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's death, her seat in the House of Representatives became empty. A special election was held to choose a new representative. Laura Richardson won this special election on August 21, 2007.
Under California law, the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the special election dates. First, there was a primary election on June 26. If no candidate received more than 50% of the votes, the top candidates from each party would go to a runoff election.
In the June primary, State Senator Jenny Oropeza lost to State Assemblywoman Laura Richardson. Laura Richardson then moved on to the August special election. She won against candidates from the Republican, Libertarian, and Green parties.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- List of United States Congress members who died in office
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
