Challenges in the Life of Jeanine Pirro in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Jeanine Pirro. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Jeanine Pirro is an American television host, author, and the interim United States attorney for the District of Columbia (since May 2025). Prior to her media career, Pirro served as a judge, prosecutor, and politician in New York, establishing a notable career in law and government before transitioning to television.

Sections (6)

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

May 28, 1986: Withdrawal from Race

On May 28, 1986, Jeanine Pirro announced her withdrawal from the race for Lieutenant Governor due to potential conflicts of interest related to her husband's business dealings.

1998: Albert Pirro ordered to pay child support

In 1998, after DNA testing confirmed Albert Pirro was the father of a child with a Florida woman, he was ordered to begin child support payments.

February 23, 1999: Pirro's husband indicted on multiple charges

On February 23, 1999, Pirro's husband, Albert Pirro, was indicted on multiple charges including conspiracy and tax evasion for hiding over $1 million in income.

June 23, 2000: Pirro's husband found guilty

On June 23, 2000, a jury found Jeanine Pirro's husband guilty of 23 of the charges brought against him and not guilty of 10 others and he was sentenced to prison.

August 10, 2005: Announces Senate Candidacy

On August 10, 2005, Jeanine Pirro announced that she would seek the Republican nomination to challenge Hillary Clinton for U.S. Senator from New York in the 2006 election. Her campaign was marred by a publicized moment where she misplaced a page of her speech.

December 21, 2005: Drops Out of Senate Race

On December 21, 2005, Jeanine Pirro dropped out of the Senate race due to lagging fundraising and unfavorable poll results, stating her law enforcement background better qualified her for a race for New York State attorney general.

May 31, 2006: Nominated for Attorney General

On May 31, 2006, Jeanine Pirro was unopposed for the nomination and became the Republican Party's official candidate for Attorney General of New York. She later lost the general election to Andrew Cuomo.

2006: Senate Run and Attorney General Nomination

In 2006, Jeanine Pirro initially sought the Republican nomination for United States Senate but later dropped out to accept the nomination for New York Attorney General, ultimately losing the general election to Andrew Cuomo.

September 2011: Cancellation of Judge Jeanine Pirro's show

In September 2011, Judge Jeanine Pirro's show was canceled due to low ratings.

2012: Pirro diagnosed with cancer

In 2012, Pirro was diagnosed with cancer.

February 4, 2021: Smartmatic files defamation lawsuit against Fox Corporation

On February 4, 2021, Jeanine Pirro was named in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Smartmatic against Fox Corporation, alleging that Fox News' disinformation campaign had a direct and harmful impact on Smartmatic's business.

February 2021: Defamation Lawsuit

In February 2021, Jeanine Pirro was named as a defendant in a defamation lawsuit by Smartmatic and was also involved in the Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network defamation lawsuit.