John Kerry

John Kerry was born on December 11, 1941. He was born to Richard John Kerry and Rosemary Forbes. He is a former Secretary of State, former senator for Massechuchets, and the Democratic presidential nominee for 2004. Kerry has been regarded as a level-headed public servant who has struck deals by reaching across the aisle and bringing tenacious parties together.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

John Forbes Kerry

Nickname:

John Boy

Birth date:

December 11, 1943

Age:

80

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

6' 3"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$250 million

John's Social Media:

Background

John Forbes Kerry, U.S.’s first Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, is an American politician, Lawyer, war veteran, former Secretary of State, and the former Senator from Massachusetts. Kerry has lived a vivid and fascinating life, with nearly six decades in public service. Born to a wealthy and influential family in Aurora, Colorado, Kerry’s inclination to politics and diplomacy comes from his father, who was a marine and foreign service diplomat. His educational career was completed in some of the world’s best and most elite boarding schools and universities. After graduating from Yale in 1966, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve. He has a Silver and Purple Star from his three years of military service. After returning from the war, he joined the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (V.V.A.W.), a non-profit organization against the State Department’s official policy in the Vietnam war.

Kerry’s political career started with a failed congressional run in 1972. A decade later, the newly minted lawyer and Assistant District Attorney won the Lieutenant Governor election on the Democratic ticket with Michael Dukakis. In 1984, he was elected as the senator of Massachusetts, a seat he held until 2012. His style of leadership can be termed empowering, focused, and goal-oriented. As one of the most liberal senators in the Democrat party, Kerry has always been a vocal supporter of women’s rights. His keen focus on the environment landed him the role of becoming America’s first climate envoy.

Kerry’s many accomplishments as a distinguished statesman and top diplomat include the 2014 Palestine-Isreal Peace Talks, the successful negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal, and the Paris Climate Agreement, and raising awareness about the threat of climate change. In his late 70s, he maintains the vigor and enthusiasm of a beginner.

Career timeline

1966
Life After Yale

Kerry enlists in the military and starts his service in South Vietnam.

1972
The First Taste of Politics

Kerry kicks off his political career with a congressional run in the third district of Massechuttes but loses to the Republican nominee.

1976
A Change in Course

Kerry graduates from Boston College with a J.D. in law and becomes a full-time prosecutor.

1884
The Rush to the Senate

Kerry wins the junior Senate seat in Massachusetts and heads to the U.S. Congress.

2004
A Presidential Pivot

Kerry wins the Democratic nomination for president and is later defeated by Republican incumbent George W. Bush.

2013
A New Chapter

President Barack Obama nominates Kerry as Secretary of State.

Why We Love John Kerry

  1. He is fighting against climate change

    Kerry’s fight for a habitable planet goes back to 1992 when he marked his attendance at the first Rio Earth Summit. He is also responsible for putting the Paris Climate Agreement on the map and uniting more than 100 countries to recognize the urgency of climate action. As President Biden’s climate czar, he continues to represent American leadership in our planet’s fight against climate change.

  2. He has given his life to public service

    Kerry has been a public servant for nearly 50 years. Hailing from a wealthy family, he had plenty of routes to pursue. But his heart stayed committed to service. He has served his country as a marine, lieutenant governor, a senator, secretary of state, and now as the climate envoy.

  3. He supports women's rights

    Kerry has fought against the politics of selfishness and the belief that women shouldn’t be treated as equal benefactors of society. He has been a champion of women’s rights throughout his political career. He has supported gender equality legislation and has been a vocal supporter of a woman’s right to choose.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. A staunch liberal

    Kerry believes in the Separation of Church of State and is a strong supporter of a woman’s right to choose.

  2. A party of the riches

    Kerry is one of the richest politicians in the U.S., with a net worth exceeding $250 million.

  3. A flip-flopper on war

    Kerry has been termed as a flip-flopper for withdrawing support for the Iraq war after voting in its favor.

  4. An intimidating stature

    Kerry stands tall at 75.9 inches, and is one of the tallest politicians in Washington D.C.

  5. An anti-war activist

    Kerry turned into an anti-war activist after seeing the ravages of war and the failure of the U.S. state policy in Vietnam.

John Kerry FAQs

When did John Kerry run for president?

Kerry was the presidential candidate for the Democrat party in 2004.

Is John Kerry a senator?

Kerry was the senator of Massachusetts from 1984 – 2012.

Is John Kerry wealthy?

Kerry is one of the wealthiest politicians in the U.S., thanks to the net worth of his wife, who is the heir to the Heinz empire.

John Kerry’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024December 11Wednesday
2025December 11Thursday
2026December 11Friday
2027December 11Saturday
2028December 11Monday

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