Elizabeth Dole | United States Senator - Encyclopedia Britannica

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2000 presidential bid and Senate career

Known for her down-to-earth style of political communication, Dole was catapulted into national consciousness at the 1996 Republican National Convention when she gave a speech on behalf of her husband’s presidential bid. Her ability to connect with her audience—both television and live—established her national reputation and opened the door for her own presidential run in 2000.

Dole’s attempt to secure the 2000 Republican Party presidential nomination uncovered some of the barriers for women seeking election to the highest political office in the United States. She garnered less media coverage than expected for the second most popular Republican candidate and was less likely than other candidates to be mentioned first in news stories or be included in front-page articles. The press also discussed her personality and physical features in disparaging, gendered ways and repeatedly talked about Dole as the “first woman” to be a serious presidential candidate, suggesting that she was a novelty in the race. Failing to close the gap between her and Texas Gov. George W. Bush and lacking in campaign funds, Dole quit the race in October 1999.

Quick Facts In full: Mary Elizabeth Alexander Dole (Show more) Née: Elizabeth Hanford (Show more) Born: July 29, 1936, Salisbury, North Carolina, U.S. (age 89) (Show more) Title / Office: United States Senate (2003-), United States (Show more) Political Affiliation: Republican Party (Show more) Notable Family Members: spouse Bob Dole (Show more) See all related content Show More

In 2002 Dole went on to win a seat in the U.S. Senate from North Carolina. She served as the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2005 to 2007 and left the Senate in 2009 after an unsuccessful bid for reelection. In 2012 she established the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to support the caregivers of injured soldiers. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Pres. Joe Biden in 2024.

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