Early Life and Education of Chuck Grassley: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Chuck Grassley, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Chuck Grassley is a prominent American politician and the senior United States Senator from Iowa, a position he has held since 1981. A Republican, he currently serves as the president pro tempore of the Senate, a role he also previously occupied. As the 'dean' of the Senate, he is its longest-serving member. Grassley's extensive tenure reflects a significant career in American politics.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

September 17, 1933: Birth of Charles Grassley

On September 17, 1933, Charles Ernest Grassley was born. He is currently an American politician and the senior United States senator from Iowa.

1951: Graduation from New Hartford Community High School

In 1951, Grassley graduated from New Hartford Community High School.

August 22, 1954: Marriage to Barbara Ann Speicher

On August 22, 1954, Grassley married Barbara Ann Speicher. They have five children.

1955: Earned Bachelor of Arts

In 1955, Grassley earned a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa).

1956: Earned Master of Arts

In 1956, Grassley earned a Master of Arts in political science from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa).

1959: Served in Iowa House of Representatives

In 1959, Grassley served in the Iowa House of Representatives, representing parts of Butler County.

1975: Served in US House of Representatives

In 1975, Grassley began serving in the United States House of Representatives.

1980: Elected to the Senate

In 1980, Grassley was first elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic incumbent John Culver.

1981: Served in US House of Representatives and became a Senator

In 1981, Grassley concluded his service in the United States House of Representatives and became a senator.

1986: Re-elected in 1986

In 1986, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic nominee John P. Roehrick. He won 98 counties, losing Wapello County.

January 1991: Voted Against Joining International Coalition

In January 1991, Grassley was one of only two Republican senators to vote against joining the international coalition to force Iraq out of Kuwait.

August 1991: Joined Select Senate Committee on POW-MIA Affairs

In August 1991, Grassley became one of six Republicans on the Select Senate Committee on POW-MIA Affairs, which investigated the number of Americans still missing in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.

1992: Re-elected in 1992

In 1992, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic state senator Jean Hall Lloyd-Jones. He won all 99 counties.

July 1998: President Clinton Signed Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act

In July 1998, President Bill Clinton recognized Grassley as one of the members of Congress who made it possible for him to sign into law the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act.

1998: Re-elected in 1998

In 1998, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating former state representative David Osterberg, who won the Democratic nomination unopposed. He won all 99 counties.

February 12, 1999: Voted to Convict and Remove Bill Clinton from Office

On February 12, 1999, Grassley was one of 50 senators to vote to convict and remove Bill Clinton from office.

2004: Re-elected in 2004

In 2004, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating former state senator Arthur A. Small. He won all 99 counties.

2010: Sought Sixth Term

In 2010, Grassley sought a sixth term in the Senate. He was challenged by Democrat Roxanne Conlin and Libertarian John Heiderscheit.

2016: Sought Seventh Term

In 2016, Grassley sought a seventh term in the Senate. He won his seventh term with over 60% of the vote as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump won Iowa with over 51% of the vote.

November 2020: End of Streak of Consecutive Votes Due to COVID-19 Exposure

In November 2020, Grassley's streak of consecutive votes came to an end after over 27 years and 8,927 votes when he quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.

May 2021: Decision on running for re-election delayed

In May 2021, Grassley said that he would not decide whether to run for reelection in 2022 until between eight and 12 months before the election.

July 2021: Abby Finkenauer Announced Senate Run

In July 2021, former U.S. representative Abby Finkenauer announced that she would run for the Senate seat regardless of Grassley's decision.

September 2021: Grassley Announced Intention to Run for Eighth Term

In September 2021, Grassley announced his intention to run for an eighth term, which was viewed as advantageous to Republicans seeking to hold his seat and retake the Senate majority in 2022.