Early Life and Education of Linda McMahon: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Linda McMahon. From birth to education, explore key events.

Linda McMahon is an American politician and business executive. She is the current U.S. Secretary of Education since 2025. Prior to this role, she served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. McMahon is also known for her prior career as a professional wrestling promoter. She is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (4)

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

October 4, 1948: Linda McMahon's birth

On October 4, 1948, Linda Marie Edwards (later McMahon) was born.

Others born on this day/year

August 26, 1966: Marriage to Vince McMahon

On August 26, 1966, Linda Edwards married Vince McMahon when she was 17 and he was 21.

1966: Enrolled at East Carolina University

In 1966, after marrying Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon enrolled at East Carolina University.

1969: Graduated from East Carolina University

In 1969, Linda McMahon stated on a vetting questionnaire that she graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in education. However, her degree was actually in French.

1969: Moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland

In 1969, the McMahons moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland. Linda worked as a receptionist at a corporate law firm, translated documents, trained as a paralegal, and studied intellectual property rights.

1970: Birth of son Shane McMahon

In 1970, Linda and Vince McMahon's son, Shane McMahon, was born.

1976: Filed for Bankruptcy

In 1976, Linda McMahon and her husband filed for bankruptcy after a series of failed business ventures.

1976: Birth of daughter Stephanie McMahon

In 1976, Linda and Vince McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahon, was born.

1983: Moved to Greenwich, Connecticut

In 1983, the McMahons moved to Greenwich, Connecticut.

September 16, 2009: Resigned as CEO of WWE

On September 16, 2009, Linda McMahon resigned from her position as CEO of WWE to run for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut.

2009: Left World Wrestling Entertainment

In 2009, Linda McMahon left World Wrestling Entertainment to run for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut as a Republican.

2009: Sat on Connecticut Board of Education

In 2009, Linda McMahon sat on the Connecticut Board of Education for one year. She stated she had a lifelong interest in education and once planned to become a teacher.

2015: Attended Republican Donors Meeting

In 2015, Linda McMahon attended a daylong meeting near Jackson, Wyoming, with other donors and prospective political candidates. The meeting was hosted by Joe Ricketts and his son Todd and featured Republican donors who favored same-sex marriage and immigration reform.

2016: Attended Republican Donors Meeting

In 2016, Linda McMahon attended a daylong meeting near Jackson, Wyoming, with other donors and prospective political candidates. The meeting was hosted by Joe Ricketts and his son Todd and featured Republican donors who favored same-sex marriage and immigration reform.