Jacqueline Onassis

Jacqueline Onassis–Clarke (born August 27, 1947) is an American politician serving as the 80th and current United States Attorney General since 2003. A member of the Democratic Party, Onassis previously served as the Senator from the Southeast from 2001 to 2003, as the 10th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1993 to 1997, and as the 51st Mayor of Charlotte from 1987 to 1991.

Early life and education
Jacqueline Onassis was born on August 17th, 1947, in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the youngest of four children. Onassis's father was in the Navy, and as such, they traveled around the country frequently.

After finishing high school, Onassis was accepted at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1969. Onassis continued her higher education, earning a Juris Doctor in 1972 from the same university.

In 1976, Onassis completed her academic studies, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in public policy from UNC Charlotte.

Early career
After obtaining her Juris Doctor in 1973, Onassis began working as at her mother's law firm in Greensboro, North Carolina. She worked at her mother's law firm until 1986, when she left to pursue Local Politics.

Mayor of Charlotte
In 1986, after being inspired to run for Mayor of Charlotte by friend and the city's first African American mayor, Harvey B. Gantt, Onassis launched her campaign to become the first female Mayor of Charlotte. She won the election with 56% to her opponent's 44%, and was sworn in on January 8, 1987. She served as mayor for four years, focusing on cleaning up the city, fixing the roads, and developing the already fast-growing city.

HUD Secretary
In 1993, after seeing her work as Mayor of Charlotte, President Bill Clinton nominated her for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She saw a swift Senate confirmation and was sworn in on January 23, 1993, becoming the third woman to serve in that position.

Senator from the Southeast
In 2000, Secretary Onassis ran a successful campaign for the Southeast Senate Seat. Upon her arrival to the Senate, she was the first female to be elected as Senate Majority Leader.