Leo T. McCarthy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leo T. McCarthy
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McCarthy c. 1975
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| 43rd Lieutenant Governor of California | |
| In office January 3, 1983 – January 2, 1995 |
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| 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 |
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| Preceded by | Bob Moretti |
| Succeeded by | Willie Brown |
| Member of the California State Assembly | |
| In office January 6, 1969 – November 30, 1982 |
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| 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 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Leo Tarcissus McCarthy
August 15, 1930 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Died | February 5, 2007 (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.
Contents
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.
