Claude R. Kirk Jr.
Claude R. Kirk Jr. | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 1967 | |
| 36th Governor of Florida | |
| In office January 3, 1967 – January 5, 1971 | |
| Lieutenant | Vacant Ray C. Osborne |
| Preceded by | W. Haydon Burns |
| Succeeded by | Reubin Askew |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Claude Roy Kirk Jr. January 7, 1926 San Bernardino, California, U.S. |
| Died | September 28, 2011 (aged 85) West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Resting place | South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (1960–1978, 1990–2011) |
| Other political affiliations | Democratic (before 1960, 1978–1990) |
| Spouses | Sarah Stokes
(m. 1948; div. 1950)
(m. 1951; div. 1966)Erika Mattfeld (m. 1967) |
| Children | 7 |
| Relatives | Ander Crenshaw (son-in-law) |
| Alma mater | Duke University (BS) University of Alabama (JD) |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1943–1952 |
| Rank | First lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
Claude Roy Kirk Jr. (January 7, 1926 – September 28, 2011) was an American businessman, politician, and Marine Corps veteran who served as the 36th governor of Florida from 1967 to 1971. A member of the Republican Party for most his career, he was the first Republican governor of Florida since Reconstruction.
In 1943, Kirk enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in the American theater during World War II. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama, Kirk was recalled to the Marine Corps to serve in the Korean War. In 1956, Kirk established a life insurance company in Jacksonville. In 1964, he was the Republican nominee for U.S. senator, losing to incumbent Democratic senator Spessard Holland.
In 1966, Kirk was elected governor, defeating Democratic nominee and Miami mayor Robert King High. His tenure occurred during a tumultuous time in American history, serving during the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, desegregation, massive population growth in Florida, and the Apollo 11 launch from Merritt Island. His governorship coincided with the 1967 Tampa riots, the ratification of 1968 Florida Constitution, the court-ordered remapping of state legislative districts, the downfall of the Pork Chop Gang, a statewide teachers' strike, and the re-creation of the office of Lieutenant Governor of Florida. After narrowly winning the Republican primary, Kirk was defeated for re-election by state senator Reubin Askew in 1970.
Returning to the Democratic Party, Kirk ran for governor in 1978, for president in 1984, and for U.S. senator in 1988. Kirk rejoined the Republican Party in 1990, and was nominated for Florida education commissioner that same year, losing to incumbent Democrat Betty Castor. On September 28, 2011, Kirk died in his sleep, at the age of 85, at his home in West Palm Beach.