Kathryn Ann Bailey, later known as Kay Bailey Hutchison, was born on July 22, 1943, in Galveston, Texas. This remarkable individual would go on to become a multifaceted figure, boasting an impressive array of professional titles, including attorney, television correspondent, politician, and diplomat.
Hutchison's academic background is marked by her graduation from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to entering the world of politics, she worked as an attorney and legal correspondent for KPRC-TV in Houston. Her early foray into politics began in 1972, when she became a member of the Texas House of Representatives, a position she held until 1976.
After a brief stint in the business world, Hutchison returned to politics in 1990, successfully running for Texas State Treasurer. In 1993, she made history by becoming the first female senator in Texas history, defeating Democratic incumbent Bob Krueger in a non-partisan special election. She went on to serve as a United States Senator from Texas for three consecutive terms, being re-elected in 1994, 2000, and 2006.
Although Hutchison's Senate tenure came to an end in 2013, she left a lasting impact on the political landscape. She was the most senior female Republican senator at the time of her departure and the fifth most senior female senator overall. Following her departure from politics, Hutchison joined the law firm Bracewell & Giuliani.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the state of Texas, the downtown Dallas convention center bears her name. On June 29, 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Hutchison to serve as the next United States Permanent Representative to NATO. After being confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a voice vote on August 3, 2017, Hutchison went on to hold this esteemed position until 2021.
