Meet Mitch McConnell's Wife, Elaine Chao, First Asian-American Woman In A Cabinet, A Powerful Leader

Mitch McConnell is a well-known name in U.S. politics as the longest-serving senator of Kentucky, a position he has held since 1985. Having been in the public eye for so long, Senator McConnell's professional life is known to many people. However, very few are aware of his personal life. The veteran politician's wife, Elaine Chao, is also a political figure and has held many key positions in the cabinet. Hence, here's everything to know about Mitch McConnell's wife, Elaine. 

Elaine Chao immigrated from Taiwan and later became a trailblazer for Asian-American women 

Elaine Chao was born in March 1953, Taiwan. She was just eight years old when she travelled to the U.S.A. with her sisters and mother for 37 days on a cargo ship. Elaine's father, who had been living in the U.S. for three years before their arrival, worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. As a result, she has always given credit to her parents for inspiring her to rise above her humble beginnings and chase her ambitions. Talking about her parents, Elaine had said in an interview with News12:

"Our initial days in America were very, very tough. My father held three jobs to make ends meet. We lived in a small one-bedroom apartment in Queens... I think to myself, if my father could have emerged from this tough, modest environment and get to where he is today, his blood runs in my veins, I surely have the courage to overcome and not succumb to the challenges I am facing now."

Elaine Chao proved that she has her parents' resilience when she became a pioneer for Asian-American women. As a little girl, she had struggled to learn English from her father; however, decades later, she graduated with an MBA degree from Harvard Business School. Elaine not only made her parents proud but has also inspired many more Asian-Americans with similar immigrant stories. 

Elaine Chao was the first Asian-American woman to serve in a U.S. President's cabinet when she was the Secretary of Labour under George W. Bush. Prior to that, she was also the first in her community to serve as the CEO and President of United Way of America. Under her, the Labour Department's work during the hurricanes, such as Katrina and Wilma, was widely recognised. The department also recorded higher workplace safety in the country during Elaine's tenure. She was also the Secretary of Transportation from 2017 to 2021. 

Elaine Chao and Mitch McConnell tied the knot in 1993 

Mitch McConnell was first married to Sherrill Redmon from 1968 to 1980. The two share three daughters. After his divorce from his first wife, Senator McConnell tied the knot with Elaine in 1983. The two were known as the most powerful couple of Washington, D.C. As per an ETimes report, they both met at a dinner party hosted by a mutual friend. Even though it wasn't love at first sight, their connection deepened gradually. In a speech, the Senator talked about his wedding and said:

"My wife Elaine and I got married on President Reagan’s birthday, February 6th. It’s probably not the most romantic thing to admit, but Reagan meant a great deal to both of us."

Elaine Chao and Senator McConnell do not have any children together. In an interview with CNN, Elaine subtly hinted that she does regret that fact and tries to let other young women know that there are some sacrifices in life. Elaine had shared:

“I try not to have too many regrets. But I will say to young women that they will have to be, regardless as to whether they want it or not, there are tradeoffs and sacrifices in life.”

What are your thoughts on Mitch McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao? Let us know. 

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