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Leo T. McCarthy
Leo T. McCarthy, 1975.jpg
McCarthy c. 1975
43rd Lieutenant Governor of California
In office
January 3, 1983 – January 2, 1995
Governor George Deukmejian
Pete Wilson
Preceded by Mike Curb
Succeeded by Gray Davis
57th Speaker of the California State Assembly
In office
June 5, 1974 – November 30, 1980
Preceded by Bob Moretti
Succeeded by Willie Brown
Member of the California State Assembly
In office
January 6, 1969 – November 30, 1982
Preceded by Charlie Meyers
Succeeded by Alister McAlister
Constituency 19th district (1969–1974)
18th district (1974–1982)
Member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
In office
1964–1968
Personal details
Born
Leo Tarcissus McCarthy

(1930-08-15)August 15, 1930
Auckland, New Zealand
Died February 5, 2007(2007-02-05) (aged 76)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Resting place Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, California
Political party Democratic
Spouse Jacqueline Lee Burke
Children 4
Education University of San Francisco (BA)
San Francisco Law School (JD)
Profession Politician, lawyer
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Branch/service  United States Air Force
Years of service 1951–1952

Leo Tarcissus McCarthy (born August 15, 1930 – died February 5, 2007) was an American politician and businessman. He served as the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of California for 12 years, from 1983 to 1995.

Early Life and Education

Leo McCarthy was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 15, 1930. His parents were from Tralee, Ireland. When he was three years old, his family moved to the United States. They sailed from Wellington, New Zealand, and arrived in San Francisco, California, on February 9, 1934.

Leo went to elementary school at Mission Dolores. He then attended high school at St. Ignatius College Preparatory. He studied history at the University of San Francisco, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he earned a law degree from San Francisco Law School.

A Career in Public Service

Leo McCarthy joined the United States Air Force in March 1951. He served for about two years, until the end of 1952. He was part of an intelligence unit. He was stationed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, for most of his service. During this time, he also took part in a short mission in Saudi Arabia. After his active service, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves for a few years.

Starting in Politics

In 1963, Leo McCarthy was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. This group helps run the city of San Francisco. He served on the Board until 1967.

In 1968, he was elected to the California State Assembly. This is a part of California's state government that makes laws.

Leading the State Assembly

From 1974 to 1980, Leo McCarthy served as the Speaker of the California State Assembly. The Speaker is the leader of the Assembly. They guide discussions and help decide which laws are voted on. As Speaker, McCarthy was known for being a strong leader for his political party.

In 1980, he lost his position as Speaker to Willie Brown. After this, McCarthy decided to run for a different statewide office.

Lieutenant Governor of California

In 1982, Leo McCarthy was elected lieutenant governor of California. The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest elected official in the state. They take over if the Governor cannot do their job. They also lead the State Senate.

McCarthy served three terms as Lieutenant Governor, from 1983 to 1995. He worked with two different governors: George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson. In 1986, he won re-election against Mike Curb, who had been the Lieutenant Governor before him. He won his third term in 1990.

Running for U.S. Senate

In 1988, Leo McCarthy ran for a seat in the United States Senate. He won the nomination from his party but lost the main election to Pete Wilson. Even though he lost, he received a very large number of votes.

In 1992, he tried again to run for the U.S. Senate. However, he did not win his party's nomination.

Retirement and Legacy

Leo McCarthy retired from public office on January 2, 1995. He had served 12 years as Lieutenant Governor, making him the longest-serving person in that role in California's history. He chose not to run for another term, even though he could have.

After leaving politics, he started an investment company called The Daniel Group. He also helped create the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good at the University of San Francisco. This center helps students learn about public service.

Personal Life and Passing

Leo McCarthy married Jacqueline Lee Burke on December 17, 1955. They had four children: Sharon, Conna, Adam, and Niall. They also had eleven grandchildren.

After a long illness, Leo McCarthy passed away from a kidney problem at his home in San Francisco on February 5, 2007.

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