History of Sheldon Whitehouse in Timeline

Sheldon Whitehouse is an American lawyer and Democratic politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Rhode Island since 2007. Before his tenure in the Senate, he was the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island from 1993 to 1998 and the 71st Attorney General of Rhode Island from 1999 to 2003. Whitehouse first won his Senate seat in 2006 by defeating Republican incumbent Lincoln Chaffee. He has since been reelected in 2012 and 2018. As of 2024, he is campaigning for a fourth term, facing Republican nominee Patricia Morgan. Whitehouse's career is marked by his significant contributions to legal and political spheres in Rhode Island and his continued influence in the U.S. Senate.

October 20, 1955: Birth of Sheldon Whitehouse

Sheldon Whitehouse was born on October 20, 1955, in New York City. His parents were Mary Celine (née Rand) and Charles Sheldon Whitehouse, a career diplomat.

1970: Historical Context of Senate Seat

In 1970, Democrat John Pastore was the last Democrat to hold the U.S. Senate seat from Rhode Island that Sheldon Whitehouse would win in 2006.

1978: Graduation from Yale College

Sheldon Whitehouse graduated from Yale College in 1978, marking an important milestone in his academic journey.

1982: Juris Doctor from University of Virginia

In 1982, Sheldon Whitehouse earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, preparing for his career in law and politics.

1982: Clerkship with Justice Richard Neely

Sheldon Whitehouse worked as a clerk for Justice Richard Neely of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia from 1982 to 1983, gaining valuable legal experience.

1985: Special Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island

In 1985, Sheldon Whitehouse began working in the Rhode Island Attorney General's office as a special assistant attorney general, marking a significant step in his legal career.

1986: Marriage to Sandra Thornton

In 1986, Sheldon Whitehouse married Sandra Thornton, a marine biologist with notable family connections. They reside in Rhode Island and have two children, with Whitehouse being an Episcopalian.

1990: End of Role in Rhode Island Attorney General's Office

By 1990, Sheldon Whitehouse concluded his roles in the Rhode Island Attorney General's office, having served in various capacities since 1985.

1991: Executive Counsel to Governor Bruce Sundlun

In 1991, Sheldon Whitehouse began serving as executive counsel to Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun, a key advisory role during a crucial time for the state.

1992: Director of Business Regulation in Rhode Island

Sheldon Whitehouse was appointed Director of Business Regulation in Rhode Island in 1992, overseeing significant regulatory responsibilities including the state's workers' compensation insurance system.

1993: U.S. Attorney for District of Rhode Island

Sheldon Whitehouse served as the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island from 1993, a position he held until 1998.

1994: Appointed U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island

In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed Sheldon Whitehouse as the United States Attorney for Rhode Island, beginning a notable period of service in this federal role.

1996: Conviction of Gerard Ouimette

In 1996, Sheldon Whitehouse achieved a significant legal victory by securing the extortion conviction of mobster Gerard Ouimette, marking the first use of Clinton's 'three strikes law' against organized crime.

1998: Attorney General of Rhode Island

In 1998, Sheldon Whitehouse was elected as the Attorney General of Rhode Island, a position he held until 2003.

1999: Sheldon Whitehouse as Rhode Island Attorney General

Sheldon Whitehouse served as the Attorney General of Rhode Island starting in 1999, focusing on significant legal issues in the state.

January 2000: Criticism Over Cornel Young Jr. Shooting Investigation

In January 2000, Sheldon Whitehouse faced criticism for not appointing an independent prosecutor following the fatal shooting of Black Providence police officer Cornel Young Jr. by fellow officers.

2002: Governor Candidacy in Rhode Island

In 2002, Sheldon Whitehouse ran for the Democratic nomination for governor of Rhode Island but lost the primary election to Myrth York.

2003: End of tenure as Attorney General

Sheldon Whitehouse's term as the Attorney General of Rhode Island concluded in 2003, closing this chapter of his legal career.

April 4, 2005: Launch of Senate Campaign

On April 4, 2005, Sheldon Whitehouse launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Lincoln Chafee, emphasizing opposition to the Iraq War and foreign oil dependence.

2006: Election to U.S. Senate

In 2006, Sheldon Whitehouse won his first term as a U.S. senator from Rhode Island, defeating the Republican incumbent, Lincoln Chafee.

2006: Campaign Donations Received by Whitehouse

Since 2006, Sheldon Whitehouse has received significant campaign donations from environmental organizations like the League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, and individuals such as billionaire Tom Steyer.

2007: Sheldon Whitehouse becomes U.S. Senator

In 2007, Sheldon Whitehouse began serving as the junior United States senator from Rhode Island, marking the start of his tenure in the Senate.

2007: Ranking as Second-Most Liberal Senator

In 2007, the National Journal ranked Sheldon Whitehouse as the second-most liberal senator, highlighting his progressive political stance.

2007: Call for Attorney General's Resignation

In the spring of 2007, Sheldon Whitehouse joined other senators in calling for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's resignation amid controversy, marking his involvement in significant political discourse.

July 1, 2008: Supreme Court Overturns Lead Paint Lawsuit

On July 1, 2008, the Rhode Island Supreme Court overturned a lawsuit initiated by Sheldon Whitehouse against the lead paint industry, ruling that under state law, property owners are responsible for abating lead hazards.

September 16, 2008: Allegations of Insider Trading Against Sheldon Whitehouse

On September 16, 2008, Sheldon Whitehouse faced criticism for alleged insider trading after selling stocks following a briefing with top federal officials on the financial crisis. Despite accusations, his office denied involvement in insider trading, stating he did not direct any financial transactions nor used secret information.

December 2009: Whitehouse Criticizes Opponents of Obamacare

In December 2009, Sheldon Whitehouse criticized opponents of Obamacare, including 'birthers' and those in right-wing militia groups, highlighting the divisive political climate surrounding healthcare reform.

November 2011: Introduction of the SAFE Act by Whitehouse

In November 2011, Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the Safeguarding America's Future and Environment (SAFE) Act to address climate change by requiring federal agencies to plan for long-term effects and form a science advisory board.

November 6, 2012: Second Senate Term Reelection

On November 6, 2012, Sheldon Whitehouse won reelection to a second term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican Barry Hinckley by a substantial margin.

2012: Reelection to U.S. Senate

In 2012, Sheldon Whitehouse was reelected to the U.S. Senate, continuing his service as a senator from Rhode Island.

2012: Weekly Climate Change Speeches Initiated by Whitehouse

Since 2012, Sheldon Whitehouse has been advocating for climate change action by speaking on the Senate floor every week the Senate is in session. His efforts culminated in his 250th speech in July 2019.

September 2014: Whitehouse Advocates for Change in FDA Policy

In September 2014, Sheldon Whitehouse joined other Congress members in requesting the FDA to revise its policy on tissue donation restrictions for men who have sex with men, aiming for more inclusive policies.

September 2014: Speculation for Attorney General Nomination

In September 2014, there was speculation that Sheldon Whitehouse might be nominated to replace Eric Holder as U.S. Attorney General, though he was ultimately not chosen.

May 29, 2015: Whitehouse Advocates RICO Prosecution for Fossil Fuel Industry

On May 29, 2015, Sheldon Whitehouse suggested prosecuting fossil fuel industry members under the RICO Act for misleading the public about climate change, as stated in a Washington Post editorial.

February 2016: Potential Nomination for Supreme Court

In February 2016, Sheldon Whitehouse was named as a potential nominee to fill the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy following Justice Antonin Scalia's death, though he was not nominated.

November 6, 2018: Third Senate Term Reelection

Sheldon Whitehouse was reelected to a third term in the U.S. Senate on November 6, 2018, defeating Republican Robert Flanders.

2018: Whitehouse Expresses Opposition to D.C. Statehood

In a 2018 interview, Sheldon Whitehouse opposed D.C. statehood, expressing skepticism about the need for representation in Congress for District residents.

2018: Third Term in U.S. Senate

Sheldon Whitehouse secured reelection for a third term in the U.S. Senate in 2018, maintaining his role in representing Rhode Island.

April 2019: Support for Maximum Funding for Carbon Capture

In April 2019, Sheldon Whitehouse supported maximum funding for carbon capture technology, arguing that it could stimulate American job growth. He expressed his stance in a bipartisan letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.

July 24, 2019: 250th Speech on Climate Change by Whitehouse

On July 24, 2019, Sheldon Whitehouse delivered his 250th speech on climate change in the Senate, continuing his weekly commitment to raise awareness on the issue during Senate sessions since 2012.

2019: Whitehouse Calls for Donor Disclosure in Supreme Court Briefs

In 2019, Sheldon Whitehouse announced plans to introduce legislation requiring amicus curiae briefs to disclose donors, aiming for greater transparency in the U.S. Supreme Court.

2019: Portrayal of Whitehouse in The Report

In 2019, actor John Rothman portrayed Sheldon Whitehouse in the film 'The Report', highlighting his role in a notable period of American political history.

July 2020: Whitehouse Cosponsors Senate Bill for D.C. Statehood

In July 2020, Sheldon Whitehouse cosponsored a Senate bill to grant statehood to Washington D.C., marking a shift from his previous stance on the issue.

2020: Advocacy Against Combining Carbon Capture Programs

In 2020, Sheldon Whitehouse opposed President Trump's proposal to combine federal carbon capture research programs. He highlighted the importance of separate funding for stimulating job growth and technological advancement.

March 2021: Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Supreme Court

In March 2021, Sheldon Whitehouse led a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on the influence of big money on the U.S. Supreme Court, alleging a covert operation affecting judicial integrity.

March 2021: Whitehouse Requests Investigation into Kavanaugh FBI Probe

In March 2021, Sheldon Whitehouse urged U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the FBI's handling of Brett Kavanaugh's misconduct allegations, suggesting political interference. This request faced criticism from some senators.

June 2021: Whitehouse Defends Membership in Bailey's Beach Club

In June 2021, Sheldon Whitehouse defended his family's membership in Bailey's Beach, an elite private club criticized for its lack of diversity. He faced scrutiny for the club's alleged all-white membership policy, which he and the club denied.

March 2022: Violation of the STOCK Act by Whitehouse

In March 2022, it was reported that Sheldon Whitehouse violated the STOCK Act by failing to disclose two personal stock purchases on time. His office cited a staff transition as the reason for missing the federal deadline.

September 2022: Investigation into Stock Trading by Sheldon Whitehouse

In September 2022, The New York Times investigated Sheldon Whitehouse for trading stocks related to his congressional duties. The investigation revealed stock trades that intersected with his committee work.

2023: Chair of Senate Budget Committee

In 2023, Sheldon Whitehouse became the chair of the United States Senate Committee on the Budget, a significant leadership role in the Senate.

July 9, 2024: Request for Special Prosecutor to Investigate Justice Clarence Thomas

On July 9, 2024, it was reported that Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Ron Wyden had requested Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for possible tax and ethics violations.

August 2024: Advocacy for Supreme Court Reform

In August 2024, Sheldon Whitehouse expressed confidence that Democrats would pass a Supreme Court reform bill if they gained control of the government, proposing term limits and ethics rules for justices.