Bob McDonnell American politician, current governor of Virginia Date of Birth: 15.06.1954 Country: USA

Biography of Bob McDonnell

Robert Francis 'Bob' McDonnell, an American politician, is currently the governor of Virginia. He was elected as the Attorney General in 2005, focusing his campaign on issues such as protecting children from sexual violence, combating drug addiction, personal data theft, gang violence, and terrorism. McDonnell was born on June 15, 1954. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army before becoming the 71st governor of Virginia.

Since 1993, McDonnell served in the Virginia House of Delegates until his election as Attorney General in 2005. In the 2009 general elections, McDonnell defeated Senator Creigh Deeds to become the governor of Virginia. His inauguration took place on January 16, 2010, at the steps of the Virginia Capitol.

McDonnell's father and his spouse settled in Fairfax County after his return from military service. He graduated from Bishop Ireton School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1972, where he was involved in football. McDonnell first participated in the House of Delegates elections in 1992, winning from the 84th district, Virginia Beach. He served for seven terms, totaling 14 years.

During the period of power-sharing between Republicans and Democrats from 1998 to 2001, McDonnell served as the co-chair of the Chesapeake Committee and its surrounding territories. In 2003, he became the chairman of the Committee on Courts of Justice and served on the Appropriations Committee from 2000 to 2005.

After his election as Attorney General in 2005, McDonnell focused his campaign on protecting children from sexual violence, combating drug addiction, personal data theft, gang violence, and terrorism. On January 14, 2006, he was inaugurated as the governor in Williamsburg. The ceremony was attended by Tim Kaine, a Democrat who previously held the position, and Bill Bolling, a Republican who served as the Lieutenant Governor.

As governor, McDonnell prioritized employment issues in Virginia. He supported right-to-work laws, reducing government spending, and simplifying the tax code. Additionally, during his time as a legislator, McDonnell led the movement against abortion. However, he opposed state and federal funding for clinics that provided abortion services.

On January 16, 2010, McDonnell was declared the 71st governor of Virginia. The inauguration took place on the recently restored steps of the Virginia Capitol. McDonnell is married to Maureen Patricia McDonnell (née Gardner), and they have five children.