Thurman, Karen L. (Karen Loveland), 1951-

Karen L. Thurman (born January 12, 1951) is an American teacher and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, she served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 5th Congressional district from 1993 to 2003.

Born Karen Loveland in Rapid City, South Dakota, she grew up in Florida, receiving her associate’s degree from Santa Fe Community College in Stark, Florida and BA from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. After graduation, she worked as a middle school math teacher. In 1973, she married John Thurman. Karen Thurman was first elected to public office in 1974, when she won a seat on the city council of Dunnellon, Florida, on which she served until 1983. She served as Mayor of Dunnellon from 1979 to 1981. She served in the Florida State Senate from 1983 to 1993.

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