Career Timeline of John Kerry: Major Achievements and Milestones

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

John Kerry is an American politician and diplomat, notable for his long career in public service. He served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, as a U.S. Senator representing Massachusetts for nearly three decades, and as the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. He was the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, ultimately losing to George W. Bush. Kerry's career has focused on foreign policy, environmental issues, and domestic politics.

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: Began active duty in the United States Navy

John Kerry began his active duty in the United States Navy from August 1966 until January 1970.

August 19, 1966: Began Active Duty Military Service

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

December 16, 1966: Received 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 United States Naval Reserve

In 1966, after graduating from Yale University, John Kerry enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.

April 11, 1969: Reported to Atlantic Military Sea Transportation Service

On April 11, 1969, John Kerry reported to the Brooklyn-based Atlantic Military Sea Transportation Service after receiving his third Purple Heart, where he served as a personal aide to Rear Admiral Walter Schlech.

December 1969: Extended Active Duty Obligation

In December 1969, John Kerry agreed to extend his active duty obligation until August 1970 to perform Swift Boat duty.

January 1, 1970: Temporary Promotion to Full Lieutenant

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

August 1970: End of extended active duty

John Kerry's extended active duty obligation, which began in December 1969, ended in August 1970.

1970: Kerry Considers Running for Congress

In 1970, Kerry considered running for Congress in Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district but deferred to Robert Drinan.

1970: Kerry Wins Primary

Kerry won the primary election with 20,771 votes in 1970.

April 22, 1971: Kerry Throws Medals in Protest of the Vietnam War

On April 22, 1971, Kerry appeared before a U.S. Senate committee and participated in a demonstration with other Vietnam War veterans. During the demonstration he threw his medals and service ribbons over a fence at the United States Capitol building to protest the war.

February 1972: Kerry Plans Run for Congress

In February 1972, Kerry's wife bought a house in Worcester, with Kerry intending to run against Harold Donohue. The couple then rented an apartment in Lowell, so that Kerry could run to succeed F. Bradford Morse.

1972: House of Representatives Candidacy

In 1972, John Kerry entered electoral politics as a Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Massachusetts's 5th congressional district, but he lost to Republican Paul W. Cronin in the general election.

July 1974: Kerry Named Executive Director of Mass Action

In July 1974, Kerry was appointed as the executive director of Mass Action, an advocacy association based in Massachusetts.

1976: Kerry Graduates and Joins District Attorney's Office

In 1976, Kerry received his J.D. from Boston College, passed the bar exam, and began working as a full-time prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney's office.

January 1977: Kerry Promoted to First Assistant District Attorney

In January 1977, Kerry was promoted to First Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, becoming a surrogate for John J. Droney.

February 1978: End of service in the Naval Reserve

John Kerry continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until February 1978.

1978: Kerry Decides to Run for Droney's Position

In 1978, Kerry decided to run for Droney's position in the election if Droney dropped out.

1978: Kerry Launches Investigation Against Senator Edward Brooke

In 1978, Kerry initiated a criminal investigation against Senator Edward Brooke, regarding misstatements during his divorce trial. Ultimately, no charges were filed.

1979: Kerry Leaves District Attorney's Office

In 1979, Kerry left the District Attorney's office with Roanne Sragow to start their own law firm. He also became a commentator for WCVB-TV and co-founded Kilvert & Forbes Ltd.

1982: Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

In 1982, John Kerry was elected as the 66th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.

1982: Kerry Declares Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor

In 1982, Kerry declared his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, entering the primary election.

1982: Kerry Runs for Lieutenant Governor

In 1982, Kerry ran for Lieutenant Governor and did not receive the endorsement of the party regulars at the state Democratic convention.

1984: Election to the United States Senate

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

1984: Kerry Runs for U.S. Senate

In 1984, Kerry ran for the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts after Paul Tsongas announced his resignation.

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

On January 2, 1985, Kerry was appointed by Governor Dukakis to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat, giving him seniority over other new senators.

April 18, 1985: Kerry Meets with Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua

On April 18, 1985, Kerry and Senator Tom Harkin met with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, facing criticism due to Ortega's ties to Cuba and the USSR. Kerry and Harkin talked to people on both sides of the conflict and facilitated a cease-fire agreement offer.

1985: Senator of Massachusetts

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

1987: Chairman of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

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

1989: End of term as Chairman of DSCC

In 1989, John Kerry ended his term as the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

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 chairman of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs.

1993: Endorsed POW/MIA Affairs Committee Report

In 1993, John Kerry endorsed the report from the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, stating there was no compelling evidence of Americans alive in captivity in Southeast Asia.

1994: Sponsored Resolution to End Trade Embargo Against Vietnam

In 1994, John Kerry co-sponsored a resolution with John McCain to end the trade embargo against Vietnam, intending to normalize relations.

1994: Opposition to funding for the Integral Fast Reactor

In 1994, John Kerry led opposition to continued funding for the Integral Fast Reactor, which resulted in the end of funding for the project.

1995: Diplomatic Relations with Vietnam Normalized

In 1995, President Bill Clinton normalized diplomatic relations with Vietnam, following earlier efforts in the Senate.

1996: Re-elected to the Senate

In 1996, John Kerry was re-elected to the Senate, winning against William Weld.

1996: Kerry Wins Re-election Against Weld

In 1996, Kerry faced a challenging re-election campaign against Governor William Weld, ultimately winning with 52% of the vote.

July 1997: Voted Against Kyoto Treaty Ratification

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

2000: Kerry Considered as Vice Presidential Running Mate

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

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 an issue, contrasting with John Kerry's status as a decorated Vietnam War veteran. This posed a challenge for Bush's presidential campaign.

October 9, 2002: Vote to Authorize Use of Force in Iraq

On October 9, 2002, John Kerry stated he would vote to give the President authority to use force to disarm Saddam Hussein, believing his weapons of mass destruction posed a threat.

2002: Re-elected to the Senate

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

January 23, 2003: Speech on Disarming Saddam Hussein

On January 23, 2003, John Kerry gave a speech at Georgetown University, stating the need to disarm Saddam Hussein due to his threat with weapons of mass destruction, while also warning against rushing to war without exhausting diplomatic options.

2003: Rated Top Senate Liberal

In 2003, John Kerry was rated as the top Senate liberal by the National Journal, based solely on his voting record for that year.

February 3, 2004: Victory in Iowa Caucuses

On February 3, 2004, John Kerry's victory in the Iowa caucuses revived his campaign in New Hampshire and other primary states.

March 16, 2004: Statement on $87 Billion Appropriation

On March 16, 2004, John Kerry's statement, "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it", was used against him during his presidential campaign.

July 6, 2004: Selected John Edwards as Running Mate

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

November 3, 2004: Conceded Presidential Race

On November 3, 2004, John Kerry conceded the presidential race to George W. Bush, after receiving 48.3% of the popular vote and 251 electoral votes.

2004: Portrayed as Staunch Liberal

During the 2004 presidential election, conservative groups and the Bush campaign portrayed John Kerry as a staunch liberal.

2004: Speculation About Future Campaigns

Immediately after the 2004 election, there was speculation that John Kerry might contend for the 2008 Democratic nomination.

2004: Democratic Presidential Nominee

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

2004: Democratic Presidential Nomination and Election Loss

In 2004, John Kerry won the Democratic presidential nomination alongside Senator John Edwards but ultimately lost the Electoral College and the popular vote to George W. Bush.

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

In 2004, during Kerry's presidential campaign, a group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth (SBVT) formed to oppose Kerry's campaign. The group questioned Kerry's war record and military awards through press conferences, ads, and a book. The controversy led to the political term "swiftboating."

2004: Posting Military Records

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

2005: Raised Funds Through Keeping America's Promise

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

2005: Released Military and Medical Records

In 2005, John Kerry released his military and medical records to the representatives of three news organizations.

October 30, 2006: Kerry Speaks at Campaign Rally for Phil Angelides

On October 30, 2006, Kerry spoke at a campaign rally for Democratic California gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, stating, "If you don't study hard, you get stuck in Iraq."

2006: Generated Funds for Democratic Candidates

During the 2006 election cycle, John Kerry's campaign operation generated more than $10 million for various party committees and candidates, focusing on the midterm elections.

January 10, 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama for President

On January 10, 2008, John Kerry endorsed Illinois Senator Barack Obama for president.

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: Re-elected to the Senate

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

2008: Possible Contender for 2008 Nomination

In 2008, some Democrats mentioned John Kerry as a possible contender for the Democratic nomination.

January 2009: Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee

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

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's Diplomatic Efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan

In May 2011, Kerry undertook another trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan, acting as an envoy during a time of crisis. Kerry sought and retrieved from the Pakistanis the tail-section of the U.S. helicopter which had had to be abandoned at Abbottabad during the bin Laden strike.

2011: Supported American Military Action in Libya

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

December 15, 2012: Reports of Nomination for Secretary of State

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

2012: Debate Prep for Obama

During the 2012 Obama reelection campaign, John Kerry participated in debate preparation with the president, impersonating Mitt Romney.

January 2013: Nomination as Secretary of State

In January 2013, John Kerry was nominated by President Obama to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.

January 24, 2013: Confirmation Hearing

On January 24, 2013, John Kerry's confirmation hearing took place before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

January 29, 2013: Confirmed as Secretary of State

On January 29, 2013, John Kerry was confirmed as Secretary of State by the full Senate 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: Israeli-Palestinian Negotiators Met

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.

August 21, 2013: Advocacy for military force against Syria

Following the chemical weapons attack on Ghouta suburbs of Damascus on August 21, 2013, John Kerry became a leading advocate for the use of military force against the Syrian government.

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, marking the highest-level direct contact between the United States and Iran in six years.

November 2013: Remarks on the Monroe Doctrine

In November 2013, John Kerry stated before the Organization of American States that the era of the Monroe Doctrine was over, emphasizing equality and shared responsibility among American states.

2013: Secretary of State

In 2013, John Kerry became the 68th United States Secretary of State, serving under President Barack Obama until 2017.

2013: Kerry Discusses Peace Process with Pakistani Army Chief

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

January 2014: Meeting with Vatican Secretary of State

In January 2014, John Kerry met with Vatican Secretary of State Archbishop Pietro Parolin to discuss issues including the situation in Syria and the Pope's support for the Geneva II process.

July 20, 2014: Declaration on Syria chemical weapons deal

On July 20, 2014, John Kerry declared that a deal was struck to remove 100 percent of the chemical weapons out of Syria.

2014: Initiation of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks

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

2014: Ranked in Ivory Tower Survey

In 2014, John Kerry tied for 11th place in Foreign Policy Magazine's Ivory Tower survey of international relations scholars, when asked about the most effective U.S. Secretary of State in the past 50 years.

September 2015: Unveiling of "Global Connect" initiative

In September 2015, the U.S. Department of State unveiled "Global Connect", an initiative to provide internet access to over 1.5 billion people globally within five years.

2015: Signing of the Paris Agreement

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

April 2016: Signing of the Paris Climate Accords

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

November 11, 2016: Visit to Antarctica

On November 11, 2016, John Kerry became the first Secretary of State and highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Antarctica, where he spent two days meeting with researchers.

December 28, 2016: Criticism of Israel's settlement policies

On December 28, 2016, John Kerry criticized Israel's settlement policies following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. This led to mixed reactions, including criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and distancing from UK Prime Minister Theresa May.

2016: Investment in wireless broadband network in India

In 2016, John Kerry announced a $171 million investment with OPIC to enable a low-cost wireless broadband network in India through Tikona Digital Networks.

January 20, 2017: End of diplomatic work and participation in Women's March

On January 20, 2017, John Kerry retired from diplomatic work following the end of the Obama administration and took part in the 2017 Women's March in Washington, D.C.

2017: End of Secretary of State Tenure

In 2017, John Kerry concluded his service as the U.S. Secretary of State, a position he had held since 2013 during Obama's second term.

2017: Reversal on nuclear power stance

In 2017, John Kerry reversed his position on nuclear power due to increasing climate change concerns, supporting fourth-generation nuclear energy.

2017: End of term as Secretary of State

In 2017, John Kerry's tenure as the 68th United States Secretary of State came to an end after serving since 2013 in the Obama administration.

November 23, 2020: Appointment as special envoy for climate

On November 23, 2020, Joe Biden's transition team announced that John Kerry would take a full-time position as a special envoy for climate, serving on the National Security Council.

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

In January 2021, John Kerry returned to government as the first person to hold the position of U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate under President Joe Biden.

January 20, 2021: Assumption of office as special envoy for climate

On January 20, 2021, John Kerry assumed office as special envoy for climate following Joe Biden's inauguration.

2021: U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

In 2021, John Kerry became the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

June 2023: Visits to Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates

In June 2023, John Kerry visited Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the need for climate legislation and the renewal of the "Memorandum of understanding between Israel and the United States Environmental Protection Agency".

July 2023: Visit to China for climate cooperation

In July 2023, John Kerry visited China to advance climate cooperation. The visit resulted in some progress regarding "methane reduction commitments; reducing China's reliance on coal; China's objections to trade restrictions on solar panel and battery components; and climate finance."

July 2023: Visit to India on Climate Action

In July 2023, John Kerry visited India where he declared the US commitment to deliver 100 billion dollars for climate action to low income countries.

January 13, 2024: Revelation of plans to step down as U.S. climate envoy

On January 13, 2024, sources revealed that John Kerry would step down as U.S. climate envoy by the upcoming spring, planning to remain active in climate finance.