Ralph Northam

Ralph Northam

Ralph Shearer Northam (born September 13, 1959) is an American physician, veteran, and politician who served as the 73rd Governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Northam was the Virginia Lieutenant Governor from 2014 to 2018 under Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Born in Nassawadox, Virginia, Northam grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating in 1981 with a degree in biology. After VMI, Northam went on to Eastern Virginia Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1984. He then served eight years in the United States Army, treating soldiers wounded in the Gulf War, before returning to Virginia to practice pediatric neurology.

Northam entered politics in 2007, winning a seat in the Virginia Senate representing the 6th district. During his time in the state senate, Northam focused on issues related to healthcare, education, and the environment. In 2013, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, and in 2017, he won the governorship, defeating Republican nominee Ed Gillespie in a closely watched race.

As governor, Northam focused on a wide range of issues including expanding Medicaid in Virginia, increasing funding for public schools, and implementing measures to combat climate change. His tenure was marked by significant legislative achievements, but also by controversy, particularly regarding a 2019 scandal involving a racist photo on his medical school yearbook page, which he initially admitted to being in before later denying it.

Northam's administration also saw the passage of landmark legislation in the areas of gun control, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. He signed bills that instituted universal background checks for gun purchases, made Election Day a state holiday, and abolished the death penalty in Virginia, making it the first Southern state to do so.

Despite the controversies, Northam left office with high approval ratings and was succeeded by Glenn Youngkin in January 2022. After leaving office, Northam returned to practicing medicine and has remained active in various civic and community projects.

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