Claude R. Kirk Jr.

Common card · No. 402985

Claude Roy Kirk Jr. (January 7, 1926 – September 28, 2011) was an American businessman, politician, and Marine Corps veteran who served as the 36th governor of Florida from 1967 to 1971. A member of the Republican Party for most his career, he was the first Republican governor of Florida since Reconstruction. In 1943, Kirk enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in the American theater during World War II. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama, Kirk was recalled to the Marine Corps to serve in the Korean War. In 1956, Kirk established a life insurance company in Jacksonville. In 1964, he was the Republican nominee for U.S. senator, losing to incumbent Democratic senator Spessard Holland. In 1966, Kirk was elected governor, defeating Democratic nominee and Miami mayor Robert King High. His tenure occurred during a tumultuous time in American history, serving during the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain