Michael Dukakis began his career in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1963, eventually securing a place as the 65th and 67th Governor of Massachusetts. A lawyer by training and a veteran of the United States Army, his political path included a nomination as the Democratic Party candidate for the 1988 presidential election.
Early Life and Military Service
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1933, Dukakis attended Brookline High School before enrolling at Swarthmore College. He served in the United States Army as a specialist, performing duties as a radio operator in Munsan, South Korea, for the 8020th Administrative Unit from 1955 to 1957. Following his military service, he completed his education at Harvard Law School.
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Dukakis served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives across multiple terms between 1963 and 1971. He was elected Governor of Massachusetts twice, serving from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1991. His tenure as governor remains the longest in the history of the state. During this time, he managed administrative duties and oversaw periods of economic change within the state government.
National Politics and Post-Office Activities
In 1988, Dukakis accepted the Democratic Party nomination for the United States presidency. He chose Lloyd Bentsen as his running mate for the election against George H. W. Bush. After leaving the governor's office in 1991, he shifted his focus to academia and governance. He has held positions as a university teacher at Northeastern University and the University of California, Los Angeles, and served on the board of directors for Amtrak.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, Brookline
- Citizenship: United States
- Governor of Massachusetts: 1975-1979; 1983-1991
- Member of Massachusetts House of Representatives: 1963-1971
- Education: Swarthmore College, Harvard Law School
- Military Rank: Specialist
- Awards: Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
- Religious Affiliation: Eastern Orthodox Church
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Michael Dukakis teach at the university level?
He taught political science at Northeastern University and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Did Michael Dukakis serve in the military?
Yes, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a radio operator in South Korea from 1955 to 1957.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of California, Los Angeles and Northeastern University
- Educated at Harvard Law School, Swarthmore College and Brookline High School
- Worked as politician, lawyer and university teacher
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