 |
Courken Deukmejian Jr.American Republican Party figure, 35th Governor of California
Date of Birth: 06.06.1928
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Legal Career
- Political Career
- Governor of California
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
George Deukmejian was born in Menands, New York, to Armenian immigrants from the Ottoman Empire. He graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1949 and earned a Juris Doctor from St. John's University School of Law in New York City in 1952.
Military Service and Legal Career
Deukmejian served in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General's Corps lawyer from 1953 to 1955. After moving to California in 1955, he established a private law practice in Long Beach.
Political Career
Deukmejian began his political career in 1962 by winning a seat in the California Assembly. He was elected to the California Senate in 1966 and served as its Majority Leader from 1970 to 1978. In 1978, he was elected California's Attorney General, a position he held from 1979 to 1983. As Attorney General, Deukmejian was an ardent supporter of capital punishment and opposed cannabis legalization.
Governor of California
In 1983, Deukmejian was elected Governor of California, defeating Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. He served two terms from 1983 to 1991.
Personal Life
George Deukmejian was married to Gloria Saatjian, with whom he had three children.
