9 U.S. Politicians Who Served as Classroom Teachers Before Entering Congress
Explore nine U.S. lawmakers who worked as preschool, elementary, or high school classroom teachers before serving in the House or Senate.
Mara C.
Edits the Politicians section, covering the senators, governors, vice presidents and activists who shaped American public life. Checks careers, votes and dates against the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress and the Senate and House historical offices.
23 stories
Mara C. stories
8 Convention Keynote Speeches That Launched National Political Careers
Explore eight Democratic and Republican convention keynote speeches since 1948 that propelled state and congressional officials to higher national office.
8 Facts About the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence—and What Happened to Them After 1776
Primary congressional and military records reveal what actually happened to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence during and after the…
7 Politicians Who Served as Governor of One State and Represented Another in Congress
Seven American politicians have served as governor of one state and represented another in Congress, from Sam Houston to Mitt Romney.
7 Members of Congress Who Previously Served as U.S. Ambassadors Abroad
Explore seven U.S. senators and representatives who completed confirmed overseas diplomatic missions as ambassadors or ministers before serving in Congress.
7 Defeated Presidential Candidates Whose Ideas Were Adopted by the Winners Anyway
From James B. Weaver to Ross Perot, explore seven defeated presidential candidates whose core campaign proposals were enacted into federal law.
8 Influential Committee Chairs Who Wielded More Power Than Party Leaders
Before mid-1970s procedural reforms, automatic seniority allowed eight congressional committee chairs to overrule party leaders and sitting presidents.
9 Facts About Abraham Lincoln’s Only Term in the U.S. House of Representatives (1847–1849)
Explore nine documented facts from Abraham Lincoln's single term in the 30th U.S. Congress (1847–1849), from the Spot Resolutions to D.C. emancipation.
8 African American Lawmakers Who Served in Congress During Reconstruction (1870–1901)
Between 1870 and 1901, 22 African American men served in Congress. Explore the legislative records of eight pivotal Reconstruction-era lawmakers.
7 U.S. Presidents Who Sought or Held Public Office After Leaving the White House
Only two former U.S. presidents served in Congress after leaving office. Explore the 7 presidents who sought or held legislative and public…