Hillary Clinton Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research
Updated 1:51 PM EDT, Thu October 6, 2022
Hillary Clinton accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state was the first woman to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party.
Hillary Clinton accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 28, 2016. The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state was the first woman to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party.
Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Before marrying Bill Clinton, she was Hillary Rodham. Here she attends Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Her commencement speech at Wellesley's graduation ceremony in 1969 attracted national attention. After graduating, she attended Yale Law School.
Before marrying Bill Clinton, she was Hillary Rodham. Here she attends Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Her commencement speech at Wellesley's graduation ceremony in 1969 attracted national attention. After graduating, she attended Yale Law School.
Lee Balterman/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Rodham was a lawyer on the House Judiciary Committee, whose work led to impeachment charges against President Richard Nixon in 1974.
Rodham was a lawyer on the House Judiciary Committee, whose work led to impeachment charges against President Richard Nixon in 1974.
Getty Images
In 1975, Rodham married Bill Clinton, whom she met at Yale Law School. He became the governor of Arkansas in 1978. In 1980, the couple had a daughter, Chelsea.
In 1975, Rodham married Bill Clinton, whom she met at Yale Law School. He became the governor of Arkansas in 1978. In 1980, the couple had a daughter, Chelsea.
DONALD R. BROYLES/AP
Arkansas' first lady, now using the name Hillary Rodham Clinton, wears her inaugural ball gown in 1985.
Arkansas' first lady, now using the name Hillary Rodham Clinton, wears her inaugural ball gown in 1985.
A. Lynn/AP
The Clintons celebrate Bill's inauguration in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1991. He was governor from 1983 to 1992, when he was elected President.
The Clintons celebrate Bill's inauguration in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1991. He was governor from 1983 to 1992, when he was elected President.
Danny Johnston/AP
Bill Clinton comforts his wife on the set of "60 Minutes" after a stage light broke loose from the ceiling and knocked her down in January 1992.
Bill Clinton comforts his wife on the set of "60 Minutes" after a stage light broke loose from the ceiling and knocked her down in January 1992.
CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
In June 1992, Clinton uses a sewing machine designed to eliminate back and wrist strain. She had just given a speech at a convention of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union.
In June 1992, Clinton uses a sewing machine designed to eliminate back and wrist strain. She had just given a speech at a convention of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union.
LYNNE SLADKY/AP
During the 1992 presidential campaign, Clinton jokes with her husband's running mate, Al Gore, and Gore's wife, Tipper, aboard a campaign bus.
During the 1992 presidential campaign, Clinton jokes with her husband's running mate, Al Gore, and Gore's wife, Tipper, aboard a campaign bus.
STEPHAN SAVOIA/AP
Clinton accompanies her husband as he takes the oath of office in January 1993.
Clinton accompanies her husband as he takes the oath of office in January 1993.
TIM CLARY/AFP/Getty Images
The Clintons share a laugh on Capitol Hill in 1993.
The Clintons share a laugh on Capitol Hill in 1993.
Consolidated News Pictures/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Clinton unveils the renovated Blue Room of the White House in 1995.
Clinton unveils the renovated Blue Room of the White House in 1995.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Clinton waves to the media in January 1996 as she arrives for an appearance before a grand jury in Washington. The first lady was subpoenaed to testify as a witness in the investigation of the Whitewater land deal in Arkansas. The Clintons' business investment was investigated, but ultimately they were cleared of any wrongdoing.
Clinton waves to the media in January 1996 as she arrives for an appearance before a grand jury in Washington. The first lady was subpoenaed to testify as a witness in the investigation of the Whitewater land deal in Arkansas. The Clintons' business investment was investigated, but ultimately they were cleared of any wrongdoing.
AFP/Getty Images
The Clintons hug as Bill is sworn in for a second term as President.
The Clintons hug as Bill is sworn in for a second term as President.
Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images
The first lady holds up a Grammy Award, which she won for her audiobook "It Takes a Village" in 1997.
The first lady holds up a Grammy Award, which she won for her audiobook "It Takes a Village" in 1997.
KATHY WILLENS/AP
The Clintons dance on a beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands in January 1998. Later that month, Bill Clinton was accused of having a sexual relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
The Clintons dance on a beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands in January 1998. Later that month, Bill Clinton was accused of having a sexual relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images
Clinton looks on as her husband discusses the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on January 26, 1998. Clinton declared, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." In August of that year, Clinton testified before a grand jury and admitted to having "inappropriate intimate contact" with Lewinsky, but he said it did not constitute sexual relations because they had not had intercourse. He was impeached in December on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
Clinton looks on as her husband discusses the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on January 26, 1998. Clinton declared, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." In August of that year, Clinton testified before a grand jury and admitted to having "inappropriate intimate contact" with Lewinsky, but he said it did not constitute sexual relations because they had not had intercourse. He was impeached in December on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.
NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images
The first family walks with their dog, Buddy, as they leave the White House for a vacation in August 1998.
The first family walks with their dog, Buddy, as they leave the White House for a vacation in August 1998.
Roberto Borea/AP
President Clinton makes a statement at the White House in December 1998, thanking members of Congress who voted against his impeachment. The Senate trial ended with an acquittal in February 1999.
President Clinton makes a statement at the White House in December 1998, thanking members of Congress who voted against his impeachment. The Senate trial ended with an acquittal in February 1999.
SUSAN WALSH/AP
Clinton announces in February 2000 that she will seek the U.S. Senate seat in New York. She was elected later that year.
Clinton announces in February 2000 that she will seek the U.S. Senate seat in New York. She was elected later that year.
KATHY WILLENS/AP
Clinton makes her first appearance on the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Clinton makes her first appearance on the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Harry Hamburg/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images
Sen. Clinton comforts Maren Sarkarat, a woman who lost her husband in the September 11 terrorist attacks, during a ground-zero memorial in October 2001.
Sen. Clinton comforts Maren Sarkarat, a woman who lost her husband in the September 11 terrorist attacks, during a ground-zero memorial in October 2001.
Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Clinton holds up her book "Living History" before a signing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in 2003.
Clinton holds up her book "Living History" before a signing in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in 2003.
BILL PUGLIANO/AP
Clinton and another presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, applaud at the start of a Democratic debate in 2007.
Clinton and another presidential hopeful, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, applaud at the start of a Democratic debate in 2007.
Ronda Churchill/AP
Obama and Clinton talk on the plane on their way to a rally in Unity, New Hampshire, in June 2008. She had recently ended her presidential campaign and endorsed Obama.
Obama and Clinton talk on the plane on their way to a rally in Unity, New Hampshire, in June 2008. She had recently ended her presidential campaign and endorsed Obama.
The Washington Post/Getty Images
Obama is flanked by Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden at a news conference in Chicago in December 2008. He had designated Clinton to be his secretary of state.
Obama is flanked by Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden at a news conference in Chicago in December 2008. He had designated Clinton to be his secretary of state.
Charles Dharapak/AP
Clinton, as secretary of state, greets Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a meeting just outside Moscow in March 2010.
Clinton, as secretary of state, greets Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during a meeting just outside Moscow in March 2010.
Alexei Nikolsky/RIA Novosti/POOL/AP
The Clintons pose on the day of Chelsea's wedding to Marc Mezvinsky in July 2010.
The Clintons pose on the day of Chelsea's wedding to Marc Mezvinsky in July 2010.
Getty Images
In this photo provided by the White House, Obama, Clinton, Biden and other members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in May 2011.
In this photo provided by the White House, Obama, Clinton, Biden and other members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in May 2011.
Pete Souza/The White House/Getty Images
Clinton checks her Blackberry inside a military plane after leaving Malta in October 2011. In 2015, The New York Times reported that Clinton exclusively used a personal email account during her time as secretary of state. The account, fed through its own server, raises security and preservation concerns. Clinton later said she used a private domain out of "convenience," but admits in retrospect "it would have been better" to use multiple emails.
Clinton checks her Blackberry inside a military plane after leaving Malta in October 2011. In 2015, The New York Times reported that Clinton exclusively used a personal email account during her time as secretary of state. The account, fed through its own server, raises security and preservation concerns. Clinton later said she used a private domain out of "convenience," but admits in retrospect "it would have been better" to use multiple emails.
Kevin Lamarque/Pool/AP
Clinton arrives for a group photo before a forum with the Gulf Cooperation Council in March 2012. The forum was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Clinton arrives for a group photo before a forum with the Gulf Cooperation Council in March 2012. The forum was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Brendan Smialowski/AP
Obama and Clinton bow during the transfer-of-remains ceremony marking the return of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, who were killed in Benghazi, Libya, in September 2012.
Obama and Clinton bow during the transfer-of-remains ceremony marking the return of four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens, who were killed in Benghazi, Libya, in September 2012.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
Clinton ducks after a woman threw a shoe at her while she was delivering remarks at a recycling trade conference in Las Vegas in 2014.
Clinton ducks after a woman threw a shoe at her while she was delivering remarks at a recycling trade conference in Las Vegas in 2014.
Isaac Brekken/Getty Images
Clinton, now running for President again, performs with Jimmy Fallon during a "Tonight Show" skit in September 2015.
Clinton, now running for President again, performs with Jimmy Fallon during a "Tonight Show" skit in September 2015.
Douglas Gorenstein/NBC/Getty Images
Clinton testifies about the Benghazi attack during a House committee meeting in October 2015. "I would imagine I have thought more about what happened than all of you put together," she said during the 11-hour hearing. "I have lost more sleep than all of you put together. I have been wracking my brain about what more could have been done or should have been done." Months earlier, Clinton had acknowledged a "systemic breakdown" as cited by an Accountability Review Board, and she said that her department was taking additional steps to increase security at U.S. diplomatic facilities.
Clinton testifies about the Benghazi attack during a House committee meeting in October 2015. "I would imagine I have thought more about what happened than all of you put together," she said during the 11-hour hearing. "I have lost more sleep than all of you put together. I have been wracking my brain about what more could have been done or should have been done." Months earlier, Clinton had acknowledged a "systemic breakdown" as cited by an Accountability Review Board, and she said that her department was taking additional steps to increase security at U.S. diplomatic facilities.
Melina Mara/The Washington Post/Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders shares a lighthearted moment with Clinton during a Democratic presidential debate in October 2015. It came after Sanders gave his take on the Clinton email scandal. "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about the damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails. Let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America."
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders shares a lighthearted moment with Clinton during a Democratic presidential debate in October 2015. It came after Sanders gave his take on the Clinton email scandal. "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about the damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails. Let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America."
ADAM ROSE/CNN
Clinton is reflected in a teleprompter during a campaign rally in Alexandria, Virginia, in October 2015.
Clinton is reflected in a teleprompter during a campaign rally in Alexandria, Virginia, in October 2015.
Evan Vucci/AP
Clinton walks on her stage with her family after winning the New York primary in April.
Clinton walks on her stage with her family after winning the New York primary in April.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
After Clinton became the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, this photo was posted to her official Twitter account. "To every little girl who dreams big: Yes, you can be anything you want -- even president," Clinton said. "Tonight is for you."
After Clinton became the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, this photo was posted to her official Twitter account. "To every little girl who dreams big: Yes, you can be anything you want -- even president," Clinton said. "Tonight is for you."
@hillaryclinton/Twitter
Obama hugs Clinton after he gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The president said Clinton was ready to be commander in chief. "For four years, I had a front-row seat to her intelligence, her judgment and her discipline," he said, referring to her stint as his secretary of state.
Obama hugs Clinton after he gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The president said Clinton was ready to be commander in chief. "For four years, I had a front-row seat to her intelligence, her judgment and her discipline," he said, referring to her stint as his secretary of state.
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Clinton arrives at a 9/11 commemoration ceremony in New York on September 11. Clinton, who was diagnosed with pneumonia two days before, left early after feeling ill. A video <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/11/politics/hillary-clinton-health/index.html" target="_blank">appeared to show her stumble</a> as Secret Service agents helped her into a van.
Clinton arrives at a 9/11 commemoration ceremony in New York on September 11. Clinton, who was diagnosed with pneumonia two days before, left early after feeling ill. A video appeared to show her stumble as Secret Service agents helped her into a van.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Clinton addresses a campaign rally in Cleveland on November 6, two days before Election Day. She went on to lose Ohio -- and the election -- to her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
Clinton addresses a campaign rally in Cleveland on November 6, two days before Election Day. She went on to lose Ohio -- and the election -- to her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
After conceding the presidency to Trump in a phone call earlier, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/09/politics/clinton-to-offer-remarks-in-new-york-city/index.html">Clinton addresses supporters and campaign workers</a> in New York on Wednesday, November 9. Her defeat marked a stunning end to a campaign that appeared poised to make her the first woman elected US president.
After conceding the presidency to Trump in a phone call earlier, Clinton addresses supporters and campaign workers in New York on Wednesday, November 9. Her defeat marked a stunning end to a campaign that appeared poised to make her the first woman elected US president.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Hillary Clinton's life in the spotlight
CNN  — 

Here’s a look at the life of Hillary Clinton, 2016 Democratic nominee for President. The first woman in American history to be nominated by a major party, Clinton is also a former secretary of state.

Personal

Birth date: October 26, 1947

Birth place: Chicago, Illinois

Birth name: Hillary Diane Rodham

Father: Hugh Rodham, a businessman

Mother: Dorothy (Howell) Rodham

Marriage: Bill Clinton (October 11, 1975-present)

Children: Chelsea

Education: Wellesley College, B.A., 1969; Yale University Law School, J.D., 1973

Religion: Methodist

Other Facts

Hillary and Bill Clinton met in the Yale Law Library in the early 1970s.

The first former First Lady to be elected to the US Senate and to hold a federal cabinet-level position.

Timeline

1964 - Works on the presidential campaign of Republican candidate Barry Goldwater.

1968 - Switches to the Democratic Party and campaigns for Eugene McCarthy.

1970 - Works as a summer intern for civil rights lawyer Marian Wright Edelman.

1973-1974 - Works as an attorney for the Children’s Defense Fund.

January 1974 - Begins working for John Doar, the special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee, who oversees the inquiry into the possible impeachment of President Richard Nixon.

August 1974 - Moves to Arkansas to teach at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

1974-1977 - Director of Legal Aid Clinic at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

1974-1977 and 1979-1980 - Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

1976-1992 - Attorney at Rose Law Firm, Little Rock, Arkansas. Is named partner in 1979.

1978 - President Jimmy Carter appoints Clinton to the board of directors of the Legal Services Corp., an organization that provides federal funds to legal-aid bureaus throughout the United States.

1978 - Bill Clinton is elected governor of Arkansas. Hillary Clinton continues to work at Rose Law Firm, making her the first First Lady of Arkansas to continue working while her husband is governor.

1979 - Governor Clinton appoints her chairperson of the Rural Health Advisory Committee, whose members deal with the issue of providing health care in isolated areas.

1979 - The Whitewater Development Corp. is formed by the Clintons and James and Susan McDougal.

1980 - Governor Clinton loses the 1980 gubernatorial election. He returns to office in 1982, and is reelected in 1984, 1986 and 1990.

1983 - Governor Clinton appoints his wife to head the Arkansas Education Standards Committee.

1988 and 1991 - Hillary Clinton is named one of the 100 most influential US lawyers by the National Law Journal.

1992 - Bill Clinton is elected president.

January 1993 - The president names Clinton to lead the Task Force on National Health Care Reform.

September 28, 1993 - Testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of President Clinton’s health care package. The health care reform bill is later defeated by Congress.

February 6, 2000 - Announces her candidacy for the US Senate.

May 16, 2000 - Accepts the nomination of the New York State Democratic Party for the US Senate.

September 20, 2000 - Independent counsel Robert Ray announces that the evidence found in the Whitewater case is insufficient to prove that the Clintons knowingly participated in any criminal conduct.

November 7, 2000 - Is elected to the US Senate with 56% of the vote.

February 13, 2001 - Makes her first address on the floor of the Senate.

June 9, 2003 - Her memoir, “Living History,” is published. The book sells over 200,000 copies on its first day of release.

November 7, 2006 - Clinton is reelected for a second term.

January 20, 2007 - Announces she is creating an exploratory committee for the 2008 presidential race.

January 8, 2008 - Wins the New Hampshire Democratic primary with 39% of the vote.

June 7, 2008 - Suspends her presidential campaign and endorses Barack Obama.

August 27, 2008 - Clinton is formally nominated as a candidate for president at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. She receives 341 votes before interrupting the roll call to ask that Obama be nominated by acclamation.

January 21, 2009 - Is confirmed as secretary of state.

October 15, 2012 - During an interview with CNN, Clinton takes responsibility for the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya. She claims as head of the State Department the security of more than 60,000 people in 275 posts is her responsibility.

December 15, 2012 - Sustains a concussion after becoming dehydrated and fainting.

December 30, 2012 - Is hospitalized after doctors discover a blood clot during a follow-up exam related to the concussion. Doctors announce on December 31 that the clot is located in between Clinton’s brain and skull, but they are confident she will make a full recovery.

January 2, 2013 - Is released from the hospital.

January 23, 2013 - Secretary Clinton testifies for more than five hours before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

February 1, 2013 - Resigns as secretary of state.

March 18, 2013 - Clinton announces that she supports marriage rights for same-sex couples. In the 2008 presidential primaries she supported civil unions and partner benefits, but not same-sex marriage.

March 2, 2015 - The New York Times reports that Clinton exclusively used a personal email account during her time as secretary of state. The account, fed through its own server, raises security and preservation concerns. The House committee investigating the attack on the US consulate in Libya discovered the personal account when the Department of State – through Clinton – provided those emails to the committee.

March 10, 2015 - During a press conference, Clinton says she used a private domain for her official work during her time at the State Department out of “convenience,” but admits in retrospect “it would have been better” to use multiple emails.

April 12, 2015 - Clinton officially announces a second bid for the White House. The initial word comes in an email to supporters from John Podesta, a longtime Clinton ally, then a video launched on YouTube and a newly minted Facebook page. Shortly after declaring her candidacy for president, she resigns from the Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton Foundation’s board of directors, according to foundation officials.

August 11, 2015 - Clinton’s spokesman announces that she will turn over her private email server and a flash drive to Justice Department officials, as an ongoing probe into the handling of classified information continues. Inspector General I. Charles McCullough III notifies Congress that two of Clinton’s emails contained top secret materials.

October 22, 2015 - Clinton testifies for 11 hours before the congressional panel investigating the attacks on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, that led to the deaths of four Americans.

May 25, 2016 - A State Department Inspector General report states that Clinton failed to follow the rules or inform key department staff regarding her use of a private email server, according to a copy of the report obtained by CNN.

June 6, 2016 - According to CNN’s delegate and superdelegate count, Clinton has clinched the Democratic presidential nomination and will become the first woman in the history of the United States to lead the presidential ticket of a major political party.

July 5, 2016 - FBI Director James Comey states that he would not recommend charges against Clinton for her use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state. However, Comey does note that Clinton and her aides were “extremely careless” handling classified information.

July 6, 2016 - US Attorney General Loretta Lynch makes it official that Clinton will not be charged for her use of a personal email server during her tenure as secretary of state.

July 22, 2016 - Names US Senator Tim Kaine as her vice-presidential running mate.

July 26, 2016 - Officially becomes the Democratic Party nominee for president.

October 28, 2016 - In a letter to Congress, Comey says the FBI is reviewing new emails related to Clinton’s time as secretary of state, according to a letter sent to eight congressional committee chairmen. The emails are discovered as part of an investigation into Anthony Weiner and were sent or received by Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

November 6, 2016 - Based on a review of the newly discovered emails, Comey tells lawmakers that the agency has not changed its opinion that Clinton should not face criminal charges.

November 8, 2016 - Loses her bid to become the first woman president of the United States.

September 12, 2017 - Her third memoir, “What Happened,” is published, which explores the events of the 2016 presidential election. She reflects on the FBI investigation into her private email server, Russian meddling, and fellow candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, as well as her marriage to Bill Clinton.

March 27, 2018 - The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia dismisses a wrongful death lawsuit against Clinton brought by the parents of two of the Americans killed in the Benghazi terror attack. The parents claimed that Islamic terrorists intercepted information from messages Clinton had sent using a private email server, which they then used to orchestrate and execute the attack, resulting in the death of their sons.

October 1, 2019 - “The Book of Gutsy Women,” co-written with her daughter, Chelsea, is published.

October 17, 2019 - In a podcast interview, Clinton suggests that the Russians are “grooming” a current Democratic presidential candidate to run as a third-party and champion their interests. The comment appears to be directed at Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has previously been accused of being boosted by Russia. In her response, Gabbard calls Clinton “the queen of warmongers,” and concluded, “It’s now clear that this primary is between you and me. Don’t cowardly hide behind your proxies. Join the race directly.”

October 18, 2019 - The State Department releases details of an investigation saying that there was no “persuasive evidence” of widespread mishandling of classified information in the controversy surrounding Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

January 22, 2020 - Gabbard files a defamation lawsuit against Clinton, alleging that she “lied” about Gabbard’s ties to Russia. The lawsuit is dropped May 27.

September 29, 2020 - Clinton’s podcast, “You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton,” launches via iHeartMedia, the company producing the series.

October 12, 2021 - “State of Terror,” co-written with novelist Louise Penny, is published.

March 22, 2022 - Announces that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.

September 9, 2022 - Apple TV premiers Clinton and her daughter Chelsea’s eight-episode documentary series, “Gutsy.”

Related