Career Timeline of John Kerry: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how John Kerry made an impact.

John Forbes Kerry is an American politician and diplomat, notable for serving as the 68th United States Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and as a U.S. Senator representing Massachusetts for nearly three decades. He was the Democratic nominee for President in 2004, ultimately losing to George W. Bush. More recently, Kerry served as the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, highlighting his continued involvement in significant political and environmental issues on a global scale.

Sections (6)

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

February 18, 1966: Enlistment in the Naval Reserve

On February 18, 1966, John Kerry enlisted in the Naval Reserve.

August 1966: Start of Active Duty in the Navy

John Kerry was on active duty in the United States Navy from August 1966.

August 19, 1966: Began Active Duty

John Kerry began his active duty military service on August 19, 1966.

December 16, 1966: Officer's Commission

On December 16, 1966, after completing Officer Candidate School, John Kerry received his officer's commission in the U.S. Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island.

1966: Enlistment in the Naval Reserve

In 1966, after graduating from Yale University, John Kerry enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and later attained the rank of lieutenant.

April 11, 1969: Reported to Brooklyn

On April 11, 1969, John Kerry reported to the Brooklyn-based Atlantic Military Sea Transportation Service as a personal aide to an officer, Rear Admiral Walter Schlech.

December 1969: Active Duty Obligation Extended

In December 1969, John Kerry agreed to an extension of his active duty obligation from December 1969 to August 1970 in order to perform Swift Boat duty.

January 1, 1970: Temporary Promotion to Lieutenant

On January 1, 1970, John Kerry was temporarily promoted to full lieutenant.

August 1970: End of Active Duty Extension

In August 1970, John Kerry's extension of his active duty obligation ended.

1970: Kerry Considers Running for Congress

In 1970, John Kerry considered running for Congress in Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district but deferred to Robert Drinan. Later, in February 1972, Kerry considered running against Harold Donohue in the 4th district, but ultimately ran to succeed F. Bradford Morse in the 5th district.

1970: Kerry Wins Primary

In 1970, despite the arrests, Kerry won the primary with 20,771 votes (27.56%).

April 22, 1971: Kerry Appears Before U.S. Senate Committee and Throws Medals in Protest

On April 22, 1971, John Kerry appeared before a U.S. Senate committee regarding proposals to end the Vietnam War. The day after, he joined thousands of veterans in a demonstration at the United States Capitol, throwing his and other veterans' medals and service ribbons over a fence to protest the war. Kerry stated he was doing it for peace and justice.

1971: Testified Before Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 1971, John Kerry testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a panel he would later return to for his confirmation hearing as Secretary of State on January 24, 2013.

February 1972: Kerry's Wife Buys House in Worcester, Later Rents Apartment in Lowell

In February 1972, Kerry's wife purchased a house in Worcester, Massachusetts, with plans for Kerry to run against Harold Donohue. However, the couple never moved in. Instead, they rented an apartment in Lowell, so that Kerry could run to succeed Congressman F. Bradford Morse.

1972: Kerry Buys a House in Lowell

After his defeat in 1972, John Kerry and his wife purchased a house in the Belvidere section of Lowell, Massachusetts. He worked as a fundraiser for CARE.

1972: Unsuccessful House of Representatives Candidacy

In 1972, John Kerry ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House of Representatives in Massachusetts's 5th congressional district, losing to Republican Paul W. Cronin in the general election.

July 1974: Kerry Named Executive Director of Mass Action

In July 1974, John Kerry was appointed as the executive director of Mass Action, a Massachusetts advocacy association.

1976: Kerry Graduates from Law School and Admitted to the Bar

In 1976, John Kerry received his juris doctor (J.D.) from Boston College, passed the bar exam, and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar. Subsequently, he began working as a full-time prosecutor in the office of the District Attorney of Middlesex County.

January 1977: Kerry Promoted to First Assistant District Attorney

In January 1977, John Kerry was promoted to First Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County, becoming the campaign and media surrogate for District Attorney John J. Droney. He tried high-profile cases and helped administer the office.

February 1978: End of Naval Reserve Service

In February 1978, John Kerry ceased serving in the Naval Reserve.

1978: Kerry Launches Investigation Against Senator Edward Brooke

In 1978, John Kerry launched a criminal investigation against Senator Edward Brooke, regarding "misstatements" in his first divorce trial. The inquiry ended with no charges.

1978: Kerry Considers Running for District Attorney

In 1978, Kerry considered running for District Attorney after Droney's health worsened. However, Droney's health improved, and he resumed his duties.

1979: Kerry Leaves DA Office to Start Law Firm

In 1979, John Kerry left the District Attorney's office along with assistant DA Roanne Sragow to establish their own law firm. He also worked as a commentator for WCVB-TV and co-founded a bakery.

1979: First U.S. Secretary of State to meet with Iranian counterpart since 1979 Iranian Revolution

John Kerry was the first U.S. Secretary of State to have met with his Iranian counterpart since 1979 Iranian Revolution, on September 27, 2013.

1982: Kerry Declares Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

In 1982, John Kerry declared his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, entering the primary election alongside several other candidates.

1982: Kerry runs for Lieutenant Governor

In 1982, John Kerry ran for Lieutenant Governor and did not receive the party endorsement.

1982: Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

In 1982, John Kerry was elected as the 66th lieutenant governor of Massachusetts on Michael Dukakis's ticket.

1984: Kerry Runs for U.S. Senate

In 1984, John Kerry ran for the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts after Paul Tsongas stepped down for health reasons. Kerry prevailed in a close primary.

1984: Election to the U.S. Senate

In 1984, John Kerry was elected to the United States Senate representing Massachusetts.

January 2, 1985: Kerry Appointed to U.S. Senate

On January 2, 1985, John Kerry was appointed by Governor Dukakis to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy created by Paul Tsongas's resignation, giving him seniority over other new senators.

April 18, 1985: Kerry Travels to Nicaragua and Meets with Daniel Ortega

On April 18, 1985, John Kerry and Senator Tom Harkin traveled to Nicaragua to meet with President Daniel Ortega. They discussed a cease-fire agreement in exchange for the U.S. dropping support of the Contras. The Reagan administration denounced the offer, but Kerry was willing to test the Sandinistas' good faith.

1985: Massachusetts Senator

In 1985, John Kerry began representing Massachusetts in the United States Senate, a position he held until 2013.

1986: Publication of Vietnam Reminiscences

In a book of Vietnam reminiscences published in 1986, John Kerry said that he didn't really want to get involved in the war.

1987: Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

In 1987, John Kerry became the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

1989: End of term as Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

In 1989, John Kerry's term as the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee came to an end.

1990: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1990, John Kerry was re-elected to the Senate.

1991: Chaired Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs

In 1991, John Kerry became the chair of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs.

1991: BCCI Shut Down

In 1991, banking regulators shut down the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) after Kerry's staff found reason to believe that it had facilitated Noriega's drug trafficking and money laundering.

December 1992: Kerry and Brown Release Report on BCCI Scandal

In December 1992, John Kerry and Senator Hank Brown released "The BCCI Affair", a report detailing the BCCI scandal. The report revealed the bank's corruption and ties to terrorists, criticizing various U.S. government agencies and influential lobbyists.

1993: Endorsed Committee Report on POW/MIA Affairs

In 1993, John Kerry endorsed the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs report, which stated there was no compelling evidence that any American remained alive in captivity in Southeast Asia.

1994: Sponsored Resolution to End Trade Embargo Against Vietnam

In 1994, John Kerry, along with John McCain, sponsored a Senate resolution calling for an end to the existing trade embargo against Vietnam, aiming to pave the way for normalization.

1995: Normalization of Diplomatic Relations with Vietnam

In 1995, President Bill Clinton normalized diplomatic relations with the country of Vietnam, following resolutions from John Kerry and John McCain calling for an end to the trade embargo.

1996: Kerry Faces Difficult Re-election Fight Against William Weld

In 1996, John Kerry faced a challenging re-election campaign against Governor William Weld. They agreed to a spending cap of $6.9 million but both exceeded it. Kerry won the election with 52 percent of the vote to Weld's 45 percent.

1996: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1996, John Kerry was re-elected to the Senate after winning against Republican William Weld, who was the then-Governor of Massachusetts.

July 1997: Vote Against Ratification of Kyoto Treaty

In July 1997, John Kerry voted against the ratification of the Kyoto Treaty due to the absence of greenhouse gas emissions limits on developing nations like India and China.

2000: Controversy Surrounding George W. Bush's Military Service

In 2000, the controversy surrounding George W. Bush's military service in the Texas Air National Guard became a key issue. John Kerry's status as a decorated Vietnam War veteran posed a challenge for Bush's presidential campaign, prompting Republicans to question Kerry's own war record.

2000: Kerry Considered for Vice Presidential Running Mate

In the 2000 presidential election, John Kerry was considered as a potential vice presidential running mate.

October 9, 2002: Vote to Authorize Force Against Saddam Hussein

On October 9, 2002, John Kerry stated that he would vote to give the President the authority to use force, if necessary, to disarm Saddam Hussein, citing the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

2002: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2002, John Kerry was re-elected to the Senate.

January 23, 2003: Speech on the Threat of Saddam Hussein

On January 23, 2003, John Kerry gave a speech to Georgetown University stating that the U.S. needed to disarm Saddam Hussein because of the threat posed by his weapons of mass destruction.

2003: Rated Top Senate Liberal by National Journal

In 2003, John Kerry was rated as the top Senate liberal by the National Journal, although this rating was based solely on voting records from that year. This assessment was later used against him during the 2004 presidential election.

February 3, 2004: Primary Victories in Arizona, South Carolina and New Mexico

On February 3, 2004, John Kerry had victories in Arizona, South Carolina and New Mexico Democratic primary states, reviving his campaign after winning the Iowa caucuses and performing well in New Hampshire.

March 16, 2004: "I Actually Did Vote for the $87 Billion Before I Voted Against It"

On March 16, 2004, John Kerry made the statement, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it" regarding a supplemental appropriations bill for the Iraq War. This statement was used by the Bush campaign to portray him as a flip-flopper.

July 6, 2004: Announced John Edwards as Running Mate

On July 6, 2004, John Kerry announced his selection of John Edwards as his running mate for the 2004 presidential election.

November 3, 2004: Conceded the 2004 Presidential Election

On November 3, 2004, John Kerry conceded the presidential election to George W. Bush. Kerry won 59.03 million votes (48.3%) and 251 electoral votes, while Bush won 62.04 million votes (50.7%) and 286 electoral votes.

2004: Military Records Released

During the 2004 election, John Kerry posted his military records at his website, and permitted reporters to inspect his medical records.

2004: Portrayed as Staunch Liberal in Presidential Election

During the 2004 presidential election, conservative groups and the Bush campaign portrayed John Kerry as a staunch liberal, using his 2003 rating by the National Journal as evidence. Despite this, analyses found him only slightly more liberal than the average Democratic Senator.

2004: Mentioned as Possible 2008 Contender

Immediately after the 2004 election, some Democrats mentioned John Kerry as a possible contender for the 2008 Democratic nomination, with his brother suggesting it was conceivable.

2004: Presidential Election Loss

In 2004, John Kerry was the Democratic nominee for president of the United States, but he lost the election to incumbent president George W. Bush.

2004: Democratic Presidential Primaries Victory

In 2004, John Kerry won the Democratic Party presidential primaries alongside Senator John Edwards.

2004: John Edwards as Candidate

In 2004, John Kerry's former running mate John Edwards was also a candidate in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.

2004: Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Oppose Kerry's Campaign

In 2004, during John Kerry's presidential campaign, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT) group, comprised of approximately 250 members, opposed Kerry's campaign. They questioned his service record and military awards through press conferences, ads, and a book, leading to the term "swiftboating" to describe unfair political attacks. Most of Kerry's former crewmates refuted SBVT's allegations.

2005: Military and Medical Records Released to News Organizations

In 2005, John Kerry released his military and medical records to the representatives of three news organizations, but has not authorized full public access to those records.

2005: Keeping America's Promise PAC raised over $5.5 million

In 2005, John Kerry's Keeping America's Promise political action committee raised over $5.5 million for other Democrats.

2006: Generated more than $10 million for party committees and candidates

During the 2006 election cycle, the Kerry campaign operation, through his campaign account and his political action committee, generated more than $10 million for various party committees and 179 candidates for the U.S. House, Senate, state, and local offices in 42 states.

January 10, 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama for President

On January 10, 2008, John Kerry endorsed Illinois Senator Barack Obama for president in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.

October 1, 2008: Voted for Emergency Economic Stabilization Act

On October 1, 2008, John Kerry voted in favor of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, also known as the TARP bailout.

2008: Considered for 2008 Democratic Nomination

Following the 2004 presidential election, John Kerry was considered by some Democrats as a possible contender for the 2008 Democratic nomination.

2008: Re-elected to the Senate

In 2008, John Kerry was re-elected to the Senate.

January 2009: Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In January 2009, John Kerry became the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, replacing Joe Biden.

August 25, 2009: Senior Senator from Massachusetts

On August 25, 2009, John Kerry became the senior senator from Massachusetts following the death of Ted Kennedy.

May 2011: Kerry Serves as Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

In May 2011, a report indicated that John Kerry had become an important envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, undertaking another trip to the two countries. Kerry also sought and retrieved the tail-section of the U.S. helicopter abandoned at Abbottabad during the bin Laden strike from the Pakistanis.

2011: Supported American Military Action in Libya

In 2011, John Kerry supported American military action in Libya.

December 15, 2012: Nomination as Secretary of State

On December 15, 2012, news outlets reported that President Barack Obama would nominate John Kerry to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.

2012: Debate Prep with President Obama

During the 2012 Obama reelection campaign, John Kerry participated in one-on-one debate preparation with the president, impersonating the Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

January 2013: Nomination and Confirmation as Secretary of State

In January 2013, President Obama nominated John Kerry, and the Senate confirmed him as Secretary of State, succeeding Hillary Clinton.

January 24, 2013: Confirmation Hearing Before Senate Foreign Relations Committee

On January 24, 2013, John Kerry's confirmation hearing took place before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the same panel where he first testified in 1971.

January 29, 2013: Confirmed as Secretary of State

On January 29, 2013, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously voted to approve John Kerry as Secretary of State, and the full Senate confirmed him on the same day with a vote of 94–3.

February 1, 2013: Sworn in as Secretary of State

On February 1, 2013, John Kerry was officially sworn in as Secretary of State.

July 30, 2013: Meeting Between Israeli and Palestinian Negotiators

On July 30, 2013, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators met at the State Department without American mediators following a dinner hosted by John Kerry the previous evening, marking the start of the 2013-2014 Israeli–Palestinian peace talks.

September 27, 2013: Met with Iranian Foreign Minister

On September 27, 2013, John Kerry met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during the P5+1 and Iran summit, leading to the JCPOA nuclear agreement. This was the highest-level direct contact between the United States and Iran in six years, making Kerry the first U.S. Secretary of State to meet with his Iranian counterpart since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

2013: Secretary of State Appointment

In 2013, John Kerry became the 68th United States Secretary of State in President Barack Obama's administration, succeeding Hillary Clinton.

2013: Kerry Discusses Peace Process with Pakistan's Army Chief

In 2013, John Kerry met with Pakistan's army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to discuss the peace process with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

February 2014: Stated He Would Not Run in 2016 Presidential Election

In February 2014, John Kerry stated in an interview that he would not run in the 2016 presidential election.

2014: Initiation of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks

During his tenure as Secretary of State, John Kerry initiated the 2013-2014 Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

2014: Foreign Policy Magazine's Ivory Tower survey

In 2014, less than two years into Kerry's term, Foreign Policy Magazine's Ivory Tower survey ranked John Kerry and Lawrence Eagleburger tied for 11th place out of the 15 confirmed Secretaries of State in the past 50 years.

August 2015: Declared Neutrality in 2016 Democratic Presidential Primaries

In August 2015, John Kerry, serving as Secretary of State, declared he would remain neutral during the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries.

2015: Agreements Restricting Iran Nuclear Program

During his tenure, John Kerry negotiated agreements restricting the nuclear program of Iran, including the 2013 Joint Plan of Action and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

2015: Signing of the Paris Agreement

In 2015, John Kerry signed the Paris Agreement on climate change on behalf of the United States.

April 2016: Signing the Paris Climate Accords

In April 2016, John Kerry signed the Paris Climate Accords at the United Nations in New York.

2016: Celebrated Hillary Clinton's Nomination

After Hillary Clinton became the party's presumptive nominee in 2016, John Kerry described it as a "truly historic moment" worth celebrating.

2017: End of Secretary of State Term

In 2017, John Kerry concluded his service as the 68th United States Secretary of State, which was during President Barack Obama's administration.

September 2018: Publication of 'Every Day Is Extra'

In September 2018, following his retirement from government service, John Kerry published his memoirs, titled 'Every Day Is Extra'.

Every Day Is Extra

Check it on Amazon

December 5, 2019: Endorsed Joe Biden for President

On December 5, 2019, John Kerry endorsed Joe Biden's campaign for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president.

2020: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 2020, John Kerry delivered a speech as part of the Democratic National Convention, characterizing the foreign policy of the first Trump presidency as a continuous "blooper reel".

January 2021: U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

In January 2021, John Kerry returned to government as the U.S. special presidential envoy for climate under President Joe Biden.

January 20, 2021: Kerry assumes office as special envoy for climate

On January 20, 2021, John Kerry assumed office as a special envoy for climate in the Biden administration, following President Biden's inauguration. He became a principal on the National Security Council in this role.

2021: Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

In 2021, John Kerry became the first U.S. special presidential envoy for climate.

January 13, 2024: Announcement of stepping down as U.S. climate envoy

On January 13, 2024, it was revealed that John Kerry would step down as U.S. climate envoy by the upcoming spring, stating he planned to stay active in the climate finance space.