McCarthy, Leo T., 1930-2007

Biography

Leo T. McCarthy, Democrat, was a State Assembly Member, 1969-1982. From 1969-1974, he represented the 19th District, which included portions of San Francisco County. After redistricting in 1974, McCarthy's 18th District included portions of San Francisco and San Mateo Counties.

McCarthy was born in 1930 in Auckland, New Zealand; he moved to San Francisco with his parents in 1934. In San Francisco, he attended St. James and St. Ignatius schools, then received his B.A. in history from the University of San Francisco and his LL.B at San Francisco Law School. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, 1951-1952. On December 17, 1955, he married Jacqueline Lee Burke. They have four children: Sharon, Conna, Adam and Niall.

Prior to serving in the State Assembly, McCarthy was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1963 and 1967. He was a member of the California Commission on Aging, 1963-1967. In 1968, he was elected for the first time to the State Assembly where he served until 1983. He was the Democratic Whip in 1971 and 1972. In 1975, he became the first Speaker elected from San Francisco since 1927. Under his leadership, the Assembly increased Democratic membership to a record level for the twentieth century. He continued serving as Speaker until 1981. He was Speaker Pro Tempore in 1981 and 1982.

According to the California Legislature at Sacramento (Handbooks), McCarthy served on the following committees:

In 1982, McCarthy was elected Lieutenant Governor; he held this office from 1983 through 1994. As Lieutenant Governor, he also served as a University of California Regent, a State University Trustee, Chair of California's Economic Development Commission, and a member of the State Land Commission. In 1992, he lost a primary bid for U.S. Senate.

In 1995, McCarthy created an investment and consulting company, The Daniel Group, in San Francisco. He also served on several corporate and mutual fund boards. After leaving office, McCarthy has continued to be active in public affairs. He served on the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, 1997-1999 and has been vocal concerning tribal gaming in California and the negative impact of gambling on society. He has also been involved in the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good, located at the University of San Francisco. The McCarthy Center supports both undergraduate and graduate programs in government and community service.

From the guide to the McCarthy (Leo T.) Papers, 1972-1980, (California State Archives)