Muriel Humphrey

Muriel Humphrey was an American politician and public figure who served as a United States Senator from Minnesota following the death of her husband, Hubert Humphrey. She was also the Second Lady of the United States during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. Known for her grace and political acumen, she was a dedicated advocate for social causes and became the first woman to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate.

Early life and education

Muriel Fay Buck was born in Huron, South Dakota, to Andrew and Jessie Buck. Her father worked as a railroad conductor for the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. She attended Huron College, where she studied liberal arts and demonstrated an early interest in public affairs. During the Great Depression, she worked at a local drugstore to help support her family, an experience that shaped her understanding of economic hardship.

Marriage and family

In 1936, she married Hubert Humphrey, then a graduate student and later a prominent figure in the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. The couple moved to Minneapolis and had four children: Hubert III (Skip), Nancy Humphrey, Robert Humphrey, and Douglas Humphrey. Throughout her husband's career, including his tenure as Mayor of Minneapolis, United States Senator, and Vice President of the United States, she was a steadfast political partner, managing campaigns and engaging with constituents across the Midwestern United States.

Political career

Her official political career began when she assumed the role of Second Lady of the United States from 1965 to 1969. In this capacity, she traveled extensively with Lady Bird Johnson on behalf of the Head Start program and advocated for the Peace Corps. Following her husband's death in January 1978, Governor of Minnesota Rudy Perpich appointed her to complete his term in the U.S. Senate. During her brief tenure, she served on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Agriculture Committee, focusing on issues like human rights and farm policy. She chose not to seek election to a full term, and her seat was won by Republican David Durenberger in the 1978 United States Senate election in Minnesota.

Later life and legacy

After leaving the United States Congress, she remained active in civic life, serving on the board of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs and supporting the Humphrey Institute. She was a delegate to the 1980 Democratic National Convention and continued to champion causes such as the Equal Rights Amendment and nuclear disarmament. Muriel Humphrey died in Minneapolis in 1998. Her legacy is preserved in the Minnesota Historical Society and through the Muriel Humphrey Residence Hall at the University of Minnesota Duluth, honoring her contributions to Minnesota and national public service.

Category:American politicians Category:United States senators from Minnesota Category:Second Ladies of the United States