History of Herb Kohl in Timeline

Herbert Hiken Kohl was a prominent American figure who dedicated his life to business, philanthropy, and politics. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he left a lasting legacy through his 24 years of service as a Democratic United States Senator from Wisconsin (1989-2013) and his leadership as chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. His commitment to public service solidified his place as an influential figure in American politics.

February 7, 1935: Birth of Herb Kohl

Herb Kohl was born in Milwaukee on February 7, 1935.

1956: Graduation from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Herb Kohl graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956.

1958: Completion of MBA at Harvard

In 1958, Herb Kohl earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.

1964: End of Service in Army Reserve

Herb Kohl completed his service in the United States Army Reserve in 1964.

1964: Shift in Wisconsin's Presidential Vote

Wisconsin's Democratic state primary became a key contest in the presidential nomination process, with the state voting for the Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1964.

1970: Presidency of Kohl's Department Stores

Herb Kohl became president of Kohl's department stores in 1970.

1970: Patrick Lucey's First Gubernatorial Election

Patrick Lucey, supported by Herb Kohl, was elected Governor of Wisconsin in 1970.

1974: Patrick Lucey's Re-election and Kohl's Political Emergence

After Patrick Lucey's re-election in 1974, Herb Kohl became more prominent in Wisconsin politics.

April 12, 1975: Interim Chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin

Herb Kohl was appointed as the interim chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin on April 12, 1975.

1976: Democratic Victories under Kohl's Chairmanship

The Democratic Party, led by Kohl, achieved significant victories in the 1976 election in Wisconsin.

June 1977: Resignation as Chairman

Herb Kohl stepped down from his position as chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin in June 1977.

1978: Sale of Kohl's to BATUS Inc.

Kohl's corporation was sold to BATUS Inc. in 1978 under Herb Kohl's presidency.

1985: Purchase of Milwaukee Bucks

In 1985, Herb Kohl purchased the Milwaukee Bucks to prevent the team from relocating.

1988: First Election to the U.S. Senate

Herb Kohl won the Democratic primary and subsequently the general election against Susan Engeleiter, becoming a U.S. Senator in 1988.

1989: Start of Senate Career

Herb Kohl began his 24-year tenure as a U.S. Senator for Wisconsin in 1989.

1990: Opposition to the Gulf War

In 1990, Herb Kohl demonstrated his commitment to peace by voting against authorizing the Gulf War.

1990: Establishment of the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Achievement Award Program

In 1990, Kohl established the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Achievement Award Program, reflecting his dedication to education.

1994: First Re-election to the Senate

Herb Kohl was re-elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating Robert Welch in 1994.

1995: Overturning of the Gun-Free Schools Act

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Gun-Free Schools Act, which Herb Kohl supported, in 1995.

1996: Opposition to the Freedom to Farm Act

Herb Kohl voted against the Freedom to Farm Act in 1996.

1996: Vote for the Defense of Marriage Act

Herb Kohl voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

1996: Advocacy for Reduced Military Spending

Throughout his career, Kohl consistently advocated for reduced military spending, opposing defense appropriations increases in 1996.

2000: Second Re-election to the Senate

Herb Kohl secured his third term in the U.S. Senate by winning against John Gillespie in 2000.

2001: Support for the Tax Cut

Breaking from some in his party, Herb Kohl voted for the tax cut that was passed in 2001.

2002: Authorization of Military Force in Iraq

In 2002, breaking from his earlier stance on military intervention, Kohl voted to authorize military force in Iraq.

2003: Consideration of Selling the Bucks

Herb Kohl contemplated selling the Milwaukee Bucks to Michael Jordan in 2003 but ultimately decided against it.

2005: Success in Mandating Child Safety Locks for Handguns

In 2005, Herb Kohl achieved a significant victory by successfully pushing for legislation requiring handguns to be sold with child safety locks.

2006: Advocacy for HMO Scrutiny

During his re-election campaign in 2006, Herb Kohl advocated for increased scrutiny of HMOs to assess their effectiveness in providing care.

2006: Third Re-election to the Senate

Herb Kohl won his fourth term as a U.S. Senator in 2006, defeating Robert Lorge.

2007: Induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame

Kohl's contributions to sports, particularly his ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks, led to his induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

December 2009: Vote for the Affordable Care Act

Herb Kohl showed his support for President Obama's healthcare reform by voting in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in December 2009.

2010: Vote for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

Herb Kohl voted for the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act in 2010.

May 13, 2011: Announcement of Not Seeking Re-election

On May 13, 2011, Herb Kohl announced his decision to not seek re-election for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming 2012 election.

2012: Decision Not to Seek Re-election

Herb Kohl did not run for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2012.

2013: End of Senate Career

Herb Kohl concluded his service as a U.S. Senator in 2013, having served for 24 years.

2013: Seeking New Partners for the Bucks

Herb Kohl started searching for new partners for the Milwaukee Bucks, aiming to keep the team in Milwaukee, in 2013.

April 16, 2014: Sale of Milwaukee Bucks

Herb Kohl sold the Milwaukee Bucks to Wes Edens and Marc Lasry for $550 million on April 16, 2014.

2016: Donation to the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

In 2016, his $1.5 million donation to the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs furthered his commitment to public policy research.

July 22, 2021: Celebration with the Milwaukee Bucks

On July 22, 2021, Kohl was honored in the Milwaukee Bucks NBA Championship parade, a testament to his instrumental role in keeping the team in Milwaukee.