Matt Mead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matt Mead
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| 32nd Governor of Wyoming | |
| In office January 3, 2011 – January 7, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Dave Freudenthal |
| Succeeded by | Mark Gordon |
| United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming | |
| In office October 12, 2001 – June 7, 2007 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Dave Freudenthal |
| Succeeded by | Kelly H. Rankin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Matthew Hansen Mead
March 11, 1962 Jackson, Wyoming, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Carol Mead |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Mary Mead (mother) Clifford Hansen (grandfather) |
| Education | Trinity University, Texas (BA) University of Wyoming (JD) |
| Signature |  |
Matthew Hansen Mead (born March 11, 1962) is an American lawyer and businessman. He served as the 32nd governor of Wyoming from 2011 to 2019. Before becoming governor, he worked as a United States Attorney for the state of Wyoming from 2001 to 2007. He is a member of the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Education
Matt Mead was born and grew up in Jackson, Wyoming. His parents were Peter Bradford Mead and Mary Elisabeth Hansen Mead.
In 1984, he earned a bachelor's degree in radio/television from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Later, he studied law and received his law degree (called a J.D.) from the University of Wyoming College of Law in Laramie. After finishing law school, he worked as a prosecutor for both local and federal governments. He also worked at a private law firm.
Serving as U.S. Attorney
In 2001, President George W. Bush chose Matt Mead to be the United States Attorney for Wyoming. A U.S. Attorney is a top lawyer who represents the federal government in court cases within a specific area.
Mead held this position until June 2007. He then resigned because he wanted to run for a Senate seat. This was required by a law called the Hatch Act of 1939, which limits political activities for federal employees.
Becoming Governor of Wyoming
The 2010 Election
In 2010, Matt Mead decided to run for governor of Wyoming. He first had to win the Republican primary election. This is where voters choose which candidate from their party will run in the main election. Mead won the primary with 30,272 votes.
The current governor, Dave Freudenthal, could not run again because of term limits. This meant the governor's office was open. Wyoming is a state where many people support the Republican Party.
During his campaign, Mead talked about his support for gun rights. He also shared his views on other important topics. On November 2, 2010, Matt Mead won the general election easily. He received 72% of the votes, defeating his opponent, Leslie Petersen.
The 2014 Election
In 2014, Matt Mead ran for re-election as governor. He faced a challenge in the Republican primary from Cindy Hill, who was the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Mead won the Republican primary again with 53,626 votes. In the main election on November 4, he once more easily defeated his opponent, Pete Gosar, who was the former chairman of the Democratic Party in Wyoming.
Governor Mead's Time in Office
As governor, Matt Mead made important decisions for Wyoming. For example, in October 2012, he appointed Mark Gordon to be the state treasurer. The treasurer manages the state's money.
In February 2015, Governor Mead vetoed a bill that aimed to change how the state could take a person's property. The bill was very popular and had strong support in the Wyoming Legislature. However, Mead chose to veto it, meaning he did not sign it into law. An attempt to overrule his veto did not succeed.
Family Life
Matt Mead has an older brother named Bradford Scott "Brad" Mead, who is also a lawyer in Jackson. He also has an older sister, Muffy Mead-Ferro, who is an author.
His mother, Mary Mead, was also involved in politics. She ran for governor as a Republican in 1990. She was known as a skilled horsewoman. Sadly, she passed away in 1996 in a horseback riding accident.
Matt Mead's aunt, Andrea Mead Lawrence, was a famous alpine ski racer. She competed in three Winter Olympic Games and won two gold medals for the United States.
Matt Mead is married to Carol Mead, and they have two children together.
See also
In Spanish: Matt Mead para niños
