Cynthia McKinney

Guide Note

Cynthia McKinney was a long-standing Democrat serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993-2003 for the state of Georgia. She is currently registered as a member of the Green Party and is running for President in the 2008 election.

Fast Facts

1. Born: March 17, 1955 in Atlanta, Georgia
2. Assumed office: January 5, 1993
3. Party: Green Party
4. Spouse: Coy Grandison (divorced)
5. Alma mater: University of Southern California

After receiving an international relations degree from USC, McKinney earned a Master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Her father, Billy McKinney, was a social activist in Atlanta who was eventually elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, inspiring her future political career.

McKinney was elected to the Georgia House in 1988. In 1992, she became the first African-American woman in Georgia to be elected to the U.S. House. McKinney's time in office came to an end when Denise Majette defeated her in the 2002 primary election.