Barbara Boxer was born on November 11, 1940. She began her career in politics in 1983 when she became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, eventually working her way up to becoming a senator. She was elected for five consecutive terms under her slogan — Barbara Boxer Gives a Damn. She often campaigned for social issues such as supporting gay marriage and protecting the rights of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community. She showed support for reproductive rights. Boxer also helped pass a federal ban on several semi-automatic firearms.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Barbara Sue Levy Boxer
Nickname:
Barb
Birth date:
November 11, 1940
Age:
83 years, 10 months
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Height:
4' 10.6"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$1.5 million
Background
Barbara Sue Levy Boxer was born on November 11, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents Sophie and Ira Levy were Jewish immigrants. She graduated from George W. Wingate High School. She attended Brooklyn College where she was a cheerleader and joined the Delta Phi Epsilon, graduating with a Bachelor’s in economics. Upon graduation, she married Stewart Boxer. Boxer entered the workforce as a stockbroker while her husband attended law school. The family relocated to California and had two children, Doug and Nicole.Boxer’s political career began in 1972 when she ran for office and lost. Afterward, she pursued a career in journalism and worked for “Pacific Sun” for a member of Congress, John Burton. In 1976, she was elected to the Marin County Board of Supervisors as the Board’s first female president where she served for the next six years. Boxer’s political career continued to flourish as she became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1983 and continued serving until 1993. That year, senator Alan Cranston retired, creating an open seat contest. Boxer beat the republican Mel Levine and was elected as a U.S. Senator. That year was called the Year of the Woman. She was re-elected for a second and third term against republican runners.During her time in office, Boxer fought for reproductive rights and L.G.B.T.Q.+ rights. She authored a bill to protect against commercial airline attacks by shoulder-fired missiles. She co-sponsored the Title X Family Planning Services Act of 2005 to improve women’s access to health care and allow them emergency contraception, as well as establishing teen pregnancy prevention programs. She retired from the senate at 76 years old.
Career timeline
Boxer becomes a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California’s sixth district.
Boxer becomes the United States Senator of California.
While running for her third term as a U.S. Senator, she becomes the first person to get more than six million votes.
Boxer receives two Doctor of Law honorary degrees.
Boxer co-sponsors the Matthew Shepard Act, which included discriminating against someone for their sexual orientation as a hate crime.
Barbara Boxer FAQs
Who is Boxer’s husband?
She is married to a lawyer called Stewart Boxer.
What does Boxer do now?
She is co-chairwoman of Mercury Public Affairs.
What political affiliation is Boxer?
Boxer is a democrat.
5 Surprising Facts
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One of the first female senators
Boxer and Dianne Feinstein were the first female U.S. Senators.
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She appeared on several T.V. shows
Boxer appeared as herself in "Murphy Brown," "Gilmore Girls," "Traffic," "Parks and Recreation," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm.
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She is a published author
Boxer co-wrote many books such as "A Time to Run" and "Strangers in the Senate," sharing her experience of being a woman in politics.
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Uses a footstool when giving speeches
Being 58.6 inches tall has no disadvantage for Barbara; she simply uses a footstool — often referred to as the 'Boxer Box' — when giving a speech.
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Her daughter married Hillary Clinton’s brother
Boxer’s daughter Nicole married Hillary Clinton’s brother, Tony Rodham.
Why We Love Barbara Boxer
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She is progressive
Boxer’s voting record shows that her progressive thinking helps protect all individuals. She allows everyone the freedom of choice.
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She advocated for women’s rights
Struggling to make it in politics as a woman herself, Boxer made a legacy in helping women. She wrote multiple legislations that give women rights over their bodies. Her support for victims of sexual assaults inspired many women to speak up.
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She helped fight against climate change
Boxer helped stop oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She also introduced the National Oceans Protection Act.
Barbara Boxer’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 11 | Friday |
| 2023 | November 11 | Saturday |
| 2024 | November 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 11 | Wednesday |
