James Florio

American politician and lawyer

James Joseph Florio (born August 29, 1937) is a Democratic politician. He served as the 49th Governor of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994, the first Italian American to hold the position (he is of half Italian ancestry). He also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for 15 years between 1975 and 1990.

Jim Florio
Florio in 2000
49th Governor of New Jersey
In office
January 16, 1990 – January 18, 1994
Preceded byThomas Kean
Succeeded byChristine Todd Whitman
Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 1st district
In office
January 3, 1975 – January 16, 1990
Preceded byJohn E. Hunt
Succeeded byRob Andrews
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
from 5th Legislative District
In office
January 8, 1974 – January 3, 1975
Serving with Ernest F. Schuck
Preceded byDistrict created
Succeeded byRonald J. Casella
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
from Legislative District 3D
In office
January 13, 1970 – January 8, 1974
Serving with John J. Horn
Preceded byLee B. Laskin
Succeeded byDistrict dissolved
Personal details
Born
James Joseph Florio

(1937-08-29) August 29, 1937 (age 86)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Lucinda Florio
Alma materThe College of New Jersey (B.A.)
Rutgers School of Law–Camden (J.D.)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service1955-1975
RankLieutenant Commander

Florio was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His father was of Italian descent and his mother was of Scottish, Irish, and German descent.[1] In Brooklyn, he attended Erasmus Hall High School.[2]

References change

  1. Kerr, Peter (May 20, 1990). "READ HIS LIPS: MORE TAXES". The New York Times.
  2. Boyer, David. "NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: FLATBUSH; Grads Hail Erasmus as It Enters a Fourth Century", The New York Times, March 11, 2001. Retrieved December 1, 2007.