Childhood and Education Journey of James Carville in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of James Carville. A timeline of key moments.

James Carville is an American political consultant and author known for strategizing for political candidates both in the United States and internationally. As a prominent Democrat, he frequently appears as a political pundit on cable news, podcasts, and in public speeches, offering his analysis on U.S. elections. He has also worked as an actor occasionally.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

October 25, 1944: James Carville's Birth

On October 25, 1944, Chester James Carville Jr. was born. He later became an American political consultant, author, and occasional actor.

Others born on this day/year

1962: Graduation from High School

In 1962, James Carville graduated from Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State University (LSU).

1966: Enlistment in the Marine Corps

In 1966, James Carville began a two-year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed stateside at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California.

1968: Wofford's Arrest

In 1968, Harris Wofford was arrested at the Democratic National Convention for disorderly conduct, before his senatorial run.

1968: End of Marine Corps Service

In 1968, James Carville completed his two-year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of corporal.

1969: Santos Attended University of Kansas

In 1969, Juan Manuel Santos began his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas.

1970: Bachelor's Degree from LSU

In 1970, James Carville finished his studies at LSU at night, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in general studies.

1973: Juris Doctor Degree

In 1973, James Carville earned his Juris Doctor degree from LSU and later worked as a junior high school science teacher.

1973: Santos Graduated University of Kansas

In 1973, Juan Manuel Santos graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in economics and business.

1975: General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro's Coup

In 1975, General Juan Alberto Melgar Castro seized power in a coup, removing President Oswaldo López Arellano after the bananagate bribery scandal involving United Fruit Company. Nora Gúnera de Melgar was his wife.

1977: Ghani Earned Master's Degree from Columbia University

In 1977, Ashraf Ghani earned his master's degree from Columbia University.

1978: Harper's Son's Death

In 1978, John Harper's son had been shot and killed by Franklin County, Ohio, police during a pharmacy robbery, which became a point of contention during Wilkinson's campaign.

1981: Santos as Fulbright Fellow

In 1981, Juan Manuel Santos returned to the U.S. as Fulbright visiting fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and also earned a master's degree from Harvard Kennedy School.

1988: Santos Lectured as Nieman Fellow at Harvard University

In 1988, Juan Manuel Santos lectured as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

April 1991: Heinz's Death and Senate Seat Vacancy

In April 1991, after Senator John Heinz died in a plane crash, James Carville hatched a plan to offer the appointment of the Senate seat to Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca, who declined the offer within 24 hours. Ultimately, Governor Casey appointed Wofford to fill the seat.

1992: Miller at Democratic National Convention

In 1992, Zell Miller, whom James Carville assisted in his gubernatorial campaign, was a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

November 1993: Marriage to Mary Matalin

In November 1993, James Carville married political consultant Mary Matalin in New Orleans.

1994: Newsweek Feature

In 1994, Newsweek featured James Carville where he described himself as less than an attentive scholar during his time at LSU.

1994: Democrats Last Held Control of Congress

In 1994, was the last time Democrats won control of Congress.

December 2001: De la Rúa Resigns During Riots

In December 2001, Fernando de la Rúa resigned as president of Argentina during widespread riots.

August 2002: Sánchez de Lozada Comes to Power in Bolivia

In August 2002, Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada came to power in Bolivia in a coalition government after garnering a plurality of votes in the election.

May 2003: End of Duhalde's Presidency

In May 2003, Eduardo Duhalde's term as president of Argentina came to an end.

October 2003: Lozada Resigns and Flees to Exile

In October 2003, Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada resigned as President of Bolivia and fled to exile in the United States following the 2003 Bolivian Gas Conflict.

2004: Miller at Republican National Convention

In 2004, Zell Miller, whom James Carville assisted in his gubernatorial campaign, was a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.

2005: Carville Taught at Northern Virginia Community College

In 2005, James Carville taught a semester of "Topics in American Politics" at Northern Virginia Community College and had many prominent guests speak to the class.

2008: Relocation to New Orleans

In 2008, James Carville and Mary Matalin relocated their family from Virginia to New Orleans.

2010: Netanyahu Participated in Secret Discussions

For several months in 2010, then Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in secret, American-brokered discussions with Syria toward a peace treaty.

January 2018: Joins LSU Manship School Faculty

In January 2018, James Carville joined the faculty of Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communication.

January 2020: Endorsement of Michael Bennet's presidential campaign

In January 2020, James Carville endorsed Colorado Senator Michael Bennet's ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination and appeared on stage with Bennet at political events in New Hampshire.

February 2020: Suggestion to replace Democratic primaries

In February 2020, James Carville suggested jettisoning the Democratic presidential primaries and caucuses, letting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi select the Democratic Party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates. He also suggested Mitt Romney should "resign from the Senate to save the Democratic Party's ass, and run our convention."

May 2021: Sale of Uptown New Orleans House

In May 2021, James Carville sold his house in Uptown New Orleans.

June 27, 2024: Criticism of Biden's Debate Performance

Following U.S. President Joe Biden's poor performance during the June 27, 2024, debate, James Carville was among those who called for Biden to end his bid for re-election.