Ralph Northam
Governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ralph Shearer Northam (born September 13, 1959) is an American physician and politician who served as the 73rd governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022.[1] A pediatric neurologist by occupation, he was an officer in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1984 to 1992. Northam, a member of the Democratic Party, served as the 40th lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018 prior to winning the governorship against Republican nominee Ed Gillespie in the 2017 election.[2] Prohibited by the Virginia Constitution from running for a consecutive term, Northam left office in January 2022, succeeded by Republican Glenn Youngkin.[3][4]
This article may be too long to read and navigate comfortably. (June 2023) |
Ralph Northam | |
---|---|
73rd Governor of Virginia | |
In office January 13, 2018 – January 15, 2022 | |
Lieutenant | Justin Fairfax |
Preceded by | Terry McAuliffe |
Succeeded by | Glenn Youngkin |
40th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia | |
In office January 11, 2014 – January 13, 2018 | |
Governor | Terry McAuliffe |
Preceded by | Bill Bolling |
Succeeded by | Justin Fairfax |
Member of the Virginia Senate from the 6th district | |
In office January 9, 2008 – January 11, 2014 | |
Preceded by | Nick Rerras |
Succeeded by | Lynwood Lewis |
Personal details | |
Born | Ralph Shearer Northam (1959-09-13) September 13, 1959 (age 64) Nassawadox, Virginia, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Pam Northam (m. 1987) |
Children | 2 |
Education | Virginia Military Institute (BS) Eastern Virginia Medical School (MD) |
Signature | |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1984–1992 |
Rank | Major |
Unit | Army Medical Corps |
As governor, Northam's most notable accomplishments included expanding Medicaid coverage as allowed under the Affordable Care Act, abolishing the death penalty, legalizing marijuana, and raising the minimum wage.[5][6][7][8] While Governor, Virginia was named CNBC's "best state for business" twice, becoming the only state to be awarded the title two years in a row.[9] Northam also led the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was the only Governor in the United States who was a licensed doctor.