Life is full of challenges, and Bill Weld faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
William Weld is an American attorney, businessman, author, and politician best known for serving as the 68th Governor of Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997. A Harvard graduate, he started as legal counsel for the House Judiciary Committee and later became the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts and Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. Weld prosecuted high-profile corruption cases before resigning due to an ethics scandal surrounding Attorney General Edwin Meese.
1978: Unsuccessful Run for Attorney General
In 1978, Bill Weld ran unsuccessfully for Massachusetts Attorney General, losing to Democratic incumbent Francis X. Bellotti.
Share
1996: Lost Senate Election
In 1996, Bill Weld was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in Massachusetts, but lost to Democratic incumbent John Kerry.
Share
July 1997: Nomination Stalled
In July 1997, Bill Weld's nomination to become United States Ambassador to Mexico by President Bill Clinton stalled after Jesse Helms refused to hold a hearing on the nomination.
Share
September 15, 1997: Withdrew Nomination
On September 15, 1997, after a six-week battle, Bill Weld conceded defeat and withdrew his nomination for ambassadorship.
Share
1997: Resigned as Governor to Pursue Ambassadorship
In 1997, Bill Weld resigned as governor to focus on his nomination by President Bill Clinton to serve as United States Ambassador to Mexico. However, the nomination was later withdrawn.
Share
October 2005: End of Decker College Term
In October 2005, Bill Weld's term as chief executive of Decker College ended as the college was closing under bankruptcy protection.
Share
2005: Education Department withdrew federal student aid
In 2005, the Education Department withdrew federal student aid, which precipitated Decker's bankruptcy.
Share
June 1, 2006: Faso endorsed over Weld
On June 1, 2006, the Republican State Convention voted 61% to 39% to endorse Faso over Weld.
Share
2006: Withdrew from NY gubernatorial race
In 2006, Bill Weld sought the Republican nomination for Governor of New York but withdrew from the race when the party endorsed John Faso.
Share
2006: Governor Race Controversy
In 2006, the matter of Decker College closing under bankruptcy protection followed Weld into the race for Governor of New York.
Share
2012: Bankruptcy court finding
In 2012, bankruptcy court finding that the Council on Occupational Education had failed to tell the truth in stating that Decker's online programs were never accredited.
Share
March 27, 2016: Article About Decker College
On March 27, 2016, The Wall Street Journal reported in an opinion article that a bankruptcy trustee alleged that a Department of Education employee was trying to exact revenge against Decker CEO William Weld.
Share
April 2019: Announced Candidacy Against Trump
In April 2019, Bill Weld announced that he would challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 Republican primaries.
Share
March 18, 2020: Suspended Presidential Campaign
On March 18, 2020, Bill Weld suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.
Share