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 Marie McMahon is an American politician and business executive, notable for her role in professional wrestling and subsequent government service. A Republican, she served as the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. Since 2025, she has served as the 13th United States Secretary of Education.

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. She is an American politician, business executive, and former professional wrestling executive.

Others born on this day/year

August 26, 1966: Married Vince McMahon

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

1969: Graduated from East Carolina University

In 1969, Linda McMahon graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in French.

1969: Moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland

In 1969, the McMahons moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland, where Linda worked at a corporate law firm.

1970: Birth of Son Shane

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

1976: Birth of Daughter Stephanie

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

1976: Filed for Bankruptcy

In 1976, after failed business ventures, including financing Evel Knievel's Snake River Canyon Jump, and while pregnant with Stephanie, Linda McMahon and her husband filed for bankruptcy.

1983: Moved to Greenwich, Connecticut

In 1983, the McMahons moved to Greenwich, Connecticut.

January 2009: Appointed to Connecticut State Board of Education

In January 2009, Linda McMahon was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Education by Governor Jodi Rell.

September 16, 2009: Resigned as CEO of WWE

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

2009: Left WWE to Run for Senate

In 2009, Linda McMahon left WWE to pursue a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut as a Republican.

April 1, 2010: Resigned from the State Board of Education

On April 1, 2010, Linda McMahon resigned from the State Board of Education after a state election commission's legal opinion disallowed board members from soliciting campaign contributions, as she had entered the race for U.S. Senate.

2010: Lost Senate Election

In 2010, Linda McMahon, running as a Republican, lost the Senate election in Connecticut to Democrat Richard Blumenthal.

September 20, 2011: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On September 20, 2011, in Southington, Connecticut, Linda McMahon officially announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate.

2012: Lost Another Senate Election

In 2012, Linda McMahon was the Republican nominee for Connecticut's other Senate seat but lost to Democrat Chris Murphy.

2012: Hinted at Running Again for Senate

In 2012, immediately after her loss to Blumenthal, Linda McMahon hinted that she would run again for Senate. She maintained a high profile, running television ads, campaigning for politicians, and making frequent media appearances.

2015: Attended Meeting Hosted by Joe Ricketts

In early 2015, Linda McMahon attended a daylong meeting near Jackson, Wyoming, hosted by TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, along with other donors and prospective political candidates.

2016: Attended Meeting Hosted by Joe Ricketts

In early 2016, Linda McMahon attended a daylong meeting near Jackson, Wyoming, hosted by TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, along with other donors and prospective political candidates.