Lincoln Chafee

Lincoln Chafee is an American politician who has served in various public offices, including as a United States Senator and the 74th Governor of Rhode Island. The son of longtime Republican Senator John Chafee, he began his political career as a member of the GOP but later became an Independent and then a member of the Democratic Party. Known for his moderate-to-liberal views, particularly on foreign policy and social issues, his career has been marked by a notable political independence.

Early Life and Education

Lincoln Chafee was born in Providence, Rhode Island, into a prominent political family. His father, John Chafee, served as Governor of Rhode Island, a United States Senator, and United States Secretary of the Navy. He attended Providence Country Day School before earning a degree in Classics from Brown University. Following his undergraduate studies, Chafee pursued his interest in equestrianism, becoming a certified farrier and studying at the Montana State University Farrier School.

Career

Before entering politics, Chafee worked professionally as a farrier, shoeing horses at racetracks including Saratoga Race Course and Rockingham Park. This unconventional background for a politician often distinguished him from his peers. His entry into public service began with his election to the Warwick City Council, where he served from 1986 to 1990. This local experience provided a foundation for his subsequent executive roles in Warwick and statewide.

Political Career

Chafee's political career advanced significantly when he was elected Mayor of Warwick in 1992, a position he held until 1999. Following the death of his father, Senator John Chafee, he was appointed by Governor Lincoln Almond to fill the vacant United States Senate seat. He was later elected to a full term in 2000. In the Senate, Chafee was known as a moderate, often breaking with his party; he was the only Republican senator to vote against authorizing the Iraq War and opposed the Bush tax cuts. After losing his Senate seat to Sheldon Whitehouse in 2006, he left the GOP, becoming an independent. He was elected Governor of Rhode Island as an independent in 2010, serving one term from 2011 to 2015. During his tenure, he legalized same-sex marriage in Rhode Island and later joined the Democratic Party in 2013. He briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, advocating for non-interventionist foreign policy and metric system adoption, before endorsing Bernie Sanders.

Personal Life

Lincoln Chafee is married to Stephanie Chafee, a nurse and philanthropist. The couple has three children. He has been involved with various civic and educational institutions, including serving on the board of the University of Rhode Island Foundation. An avid outdoorsman, his early career as a farrier remains a distinctive part of his personal narrative. The Chafee family has a long-standing legacy in Rhode Island politics and public service.

Electoral History

Chafee's electoral history reflects his shifting political affiliations. He won his first full term to the United States Senate in 2000, defeating Robert Weygand. He lost his re-election bid in 2006 to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse. Running as an independent, he won the 2010 Rhode Island gubernatorial election in a three-way race against Democrat Frank Caprio and Republican John Robitaille. He chose not to seek re-election in 2014. In 2016, he campaigned in the Democratic presidential primaries, participating in debates but gaining little traction before withdrawing.

Category:1953 births Category:Living people Category:Governors of Rhode Island Category:United States senators from Rhode Island Category:Mayors of places in Rhode Island