Terence Richard McAuliffe, born in 1957 in Syracuse, New York, established his initial business venture at age 14 by sealing driveways and parking lots. He subsequently transitioned into banking and real estate, ultimately serving as the 72nd governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018 while maintaining a significant presence within the Democratic Party organization.
Education and Early Career
McAuliffe graduated from Bishop Ludden Junior/Senior High School in 1975 before attending The Catholic University of America, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1979. He later obtained a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1984.
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In 1985, he participated in the founding of the Federal City National Bank in Washington, D.C. Three years later, he became the youngest chairman of a United States Federal Reserve Bank charter association. His real estate activities included a 1996 partnership with pension funds to acquire assets valued at $50 million. Additionally, he acquired American Heritage Homes, a distressed company he expanded into a major regional homebuilder before selling it to KB Home in 2002 for $74 million.
Political Leadership
McAuliffe served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005. Following an unsuccessful 2009 gubernatorial bid, he won the 2013 election for Governor of Virginia. His administration utilized a record number of vetoes against a Republican-controlled legislature. He focused on economic development and restored voting rights to a significant number of felons. During his final year, he condemned the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and advocated for the removal of Confederate monuments.
Professional Engagements
Throughout his career, McAuliffe worked as a lawyer, banker, and author. His diverse corporate history included serving as an angel investor in Global Crossing in 1997 and working as an advisor to ZeniMax Media starting in 2000. He also held a position at George Mason University and maintained involvement in various sectors including internet venture capital and hotel ownership.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Syracuse, New York
- Governor of Virginia: 2014–2018
- Education: The Catholic University of America, Georgetown University Law Center
- Party: Democratic Party
- Occupation: Lawyer, politician, banker, author
- Religion: Catholicism
Questions readers ask
What specific record did McAuliffe hold as governor?
He issued a then-record number of vetoes for a Virginia governor during his tenure.
What was the result of his 2021 election attempt?
He ran for a non-consecutive second term but lost to Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin.
Achievements
- Affiliated with George Mason University, GreenTech Automotive and Democratic National Committee
- Educated at The Catholic University of America and Georgetown University Law Center
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