Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Richard Blumenthal established a long career in public service and legal advocacy within the United States. His professional trajectory spans from clerkships in Washington, D.C., and private law practice to decades spent holding elected office, eventually leading to his tenure as a senior United States senator representing Connecticut.
Academic and Early Legal Training
Blumenthal attended Riverdale Country School before enrolling at Harvard College, where he graduated in 1967 with an A.B. degree in government. During his time as an undergraduate, he served as editorial chairman of The Harvard Crimson and gained membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Following a year of study at Trinity College, Cambridge, he enrolled at Yale Law School. In 1973, he earned his J.D. degree and served as the editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal, working alongside peers who would later populate the highest levels of American government.
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After his admission to the bar, Blumenthal held positions as an administrative assistant and law clerk for various officials in Washington, D.C., including Senator Abraham Ribicoff. He served as the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut from 1977 to 1981, overseeing prosecutions involving organized crime and consumer fraud. In 1984, he entered the Connecticut House of Representatives, followed by a tenure in the Connecticut State Senate between 1987 and 1990. During this period, he also provided volunteer counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and engaged in private practice.
Attorney General and Senate Career
In 1991, Blumenthal began a two-decade term as the Attorney General of Connecticut. He transitioned to federal politics in 2011, having been elected to the United States Senate to succeed Chris Dodd. He has held his Senate seat continuously since that time, serving as the senior senator from Connecticut since 2013. His legislative work in Washington, D.C., has continued across several congressional cycles, with reelections occurring in 2016 and 2022.
Military Service Record
Between 1970 and 1976, Blumenthal served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, reaching the rank of sergeant. His service took place during the Vietnam War era, a period during which he utilized multiple educational and occupational draft deferments. During his 2010 campaign for the Senate, he faced public criticism regarding statements that incorrectly implied personal military service in Vietnam. He subsequently apologized for these remarks, noting that his language had not been clear or precise.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Brooklyn
- Education: Harvard College, Trinity College, Yale Law School
- Military Rank: Sergeant, United States Marine Corps Reserve
- Attorney General of Connecticut: 1991–2010
- U.S. Senator (Connecticut): 2011–present
- Religion: Judaism
- Primary Occupations: Lawyer, politician, editor-in-chief
- Awards: Dr. Nathan Davis Award (2001), Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
Questions readers ask
What was his role at the Yale Law Journal?
He served as the editor-in-chief.
Did he serve in the Vietnam War?
He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1970 to 1976 but did not serve in Vietnam.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Abraham Ribicoff
- Educated at Harvard College, Trinity College and Yale Law School
- Worked as politician, lawyer and editor-in-chief
