Carolyn McCarthy

Carolyn McCarthy 2012 portrait

Carolyn McCarthy (born January 5, 1944) is an American nurse and politician who served as a United States Representative for New York's 4th congressional district from 1997 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, McCarthy was known for her advocacy on gun control and education issues, stemming from personal tragedy when her husband was killed and her son was injured in the Long Island Rail Road shooting in 1993.

Early Life and Education

Carolyn McCarthy was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Mineola, New York. She trained as a nurse, graduating from Glen Cove Nursing School, and worked for more than 30 years in the health care field before entering politics. Her career in nursing, combined with her personal experiences, deeply influenced her legislative priorities, particularly in health care and gun violence prevention.

Political Career

McCarthy's entry into politics was spurred by the tragic shooting on the Long Island Rail Road in December 1993, which resulted in the death of her husband, Dennis, and severe injury to her son, Kevin. Frustrated by the lack of action from elected officials on gun control, she decided to run for office. In 1996, McCarthy ran for the U.S. House of Representatives against a Republican incumbent, winning the seat and subsequently being re-elected to eight more terms.

Throughout her tenure in Congress, McCarthy focused on gun control legislation, advocating for measures such as background checks, restrictions on high-capacity magazines, and the renewal of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Her efforts made her one of the leading voices in Congress on gun safety.

In addition to gun control, McCarthy was also a strong advocate for education and health care. She worked on legislation to improve the quality of education, increase funding for schools, and support individuals with disabilities. Her background as a nurse informed her approach to health care policy, where she supported reforms aimed at expanding access to care and improving the health care system.

Legacy

Carolyn McCarthy's legacy in Congress is marked by her relentless advocacy for gun control and her efforts to bring attention to public health and education issues. Her personal experience with gun violence gave her a unique perspective among lawmakers and fueled her commitment to making legislative changes to prevent future tragedies.

Retirement

In 2014, McCarthy announced she would not seek re-election, citing health reasons. She retired from Congress in January 2015, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and dedication to the issues she cared deeply about.

See Also

• Gun control in the United States
• Long Island Rail Road shooting
• Democratic Party