Born into an immigrant family on January 21, 1950, Locke spent the first six years in Seattle's Yesler Terrace, a public housing project for families of World War II veterans. He worked in his father's grocery store, became an Eagle Scout and graduated with honors from Seattle's Franklin High School in 1968. Locke and his wife, Mona Lee Locke, a former reporter a television news station in Seattle, were married on October 15, 1994. They are the parents of Emily Nicole, born on March 9, 1997, and Dylan James, born on March 13, 1999 (The State). When Gary Locke was elected to be the first Chinese-American governor in the U.S. on November 5, 1996 and then was re-elected to his second term in 2000. His political career started after he graduated from Yale University where he received a degree in Political Science, and then a law degree from Boston University in 1975. Afterwards, he worked for several years as a deputy prosecutor in King County, Washington. In 1982, he served on the House Judiciary and Appropriations committees in the Washington State House of Representatives (National).
Recent Election.
The race for the governorship in Washington was a rather easy one for the Democratic Party. According to the Washington Post, where they gave the state a CQ Risk Rating of Safe Democrat. In particular, Locke won 58% of the vote while his Republican competitor only received 40% (OnPolitics). Locke emphasized the states economy and education system as his accomplishment. Carlson, the Republican, used a strategy of painting Locke as a weak leader. On the campaign Locke in his incumbent position was much more laid back than " colorful, quick-witted candidate (Congressional)." In addition to the name recognition that he had, Locke had more money versus his opponent. Something that is odd considering that Republicans tend to outspend the Democrats.
Policy/Agenda Focus.
Locke has focused his agenda primarily on the education system.