Willie Brown (politician)

Willie Lewis Brown Jr. (born March 20, 1934^[1]) is an American politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Brown was in the California State Assembly for thirty years, spending 15 years as its speaker and later as the 41st mayor of San Francisco.

Willie Brown
Brown in 2013
41st Mayor of San Francisco
In office January 8, 1996 – January 8, 2004
Preceded by	Frank Jordan
Succeeded by	Gavin Newsom
58th Speaker of the California Assembly
In office December 2, 1980 – June 5, 1995
Preceded by	Leo McCarthy
Succeeded by	Doris Allen
Member of the California Assembly from the 13th district
In office 1992–1995
Preceded by	Barbara Lee
Succeeded by	Carole Migden
Member of the California Assembly from the 17th district
In office 1974–1992
Preceded by	John Miller
Succeeded by	Dean Andal
Member of the California Assembly from the 18th district
In office 1964–1974
Preceded by	Edward M. Gaffney
Succeeded by	Leo T. McCarthy
Personal details
Born	Willie Lewis Brown Jr. (1934-03-20) March 20, 1934 (age 91) Mineola, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Blanche Vitero (Separated)
Education	San Francisco State University (BA) University of California, Hastings (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army United States Army National Guard
Unit	Reserves

Brown was the first African American Mayor of San Francisco.^[2]

The San Francisco Chronicle called Brown "one of San Francisco's most famous mayors" who had "celebrity beyond the city's boundaries."^[3]