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Christopher Andrew CoonsAmerican politician
Date of Birth: 09.09.1963
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Career and Political Activism
- Return to the United States and Legal Career
- Political Career
- United States Senate
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Chris Coons is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and was raised in the suburbs of Wilmington. Coons attended Amherst College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1985. He then attended Yale Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1992 and Yale Divinity School, where he received his Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) in 1992.
Early Career and Political Activism
Before entering politics, Coons worked as a volunteer in Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign in 1980. He also worked in the office of Delaware Senator William Roth after his freshman year at Amherst College. However, during his junior year at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Coons' political views changed dramatically, and he switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat.
Upon graduating from college, Coons worked at the Investor Responsibility Center in Washington, D.C., where he advocated for responsible investment practices. He later traveled to South Africa, where he worked with the South African Council of Churches.
Return to the United States and Legal Career
After returning to the United States, Coons worked as a clerk for Judge Jane Richards Roth and as an attorney for W. L. Gore and Associates, his stepfather's company. He also served on the board of the I Have a Dream Foundation, which provides educational assistance to underprivileged children.
Political Career
New Castle County CouncilFrom 2001 to 2005, Coons served as the chairman of the New Castle County Council. From 2005 to 2010, he served as the New Castle County Executive.
United States Senate
In 2010, Coons ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by his fellow Democrat, Ted Kaufman. He defeated Republican Christine O'Donnell in the general election and took office on November 15, 2010. Coons was re-elected in 2014 and 2020, increasing his vote share each time.
Personal Life
Coons married Annie Lingenfelter in 1996, and they have three children. They live in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 2015, Coons became the subject of media attention after Vice President Joe Biden whispered in his daughter Margaret's ear and attempted to kiss her on the head during the swearing-in ceremony for the new U.S. Congress. Both Margaret Coons and her father stated that Biden had not done anything inappropriate, and Coons noted that Biden had known his children all their lives.
