Governor John J. Gilligan inauguration photograph   Save
Robert E. Daley Collection
Description: Photograph showing John J. Gilligan surrounded by his family and political supporters at his inauguration as governor of Ohio, 1971. Seated next to Gilligan (far right) is his wife Mary Kathryn, and his children Kathleen, John, Ellen and Donald stand in the back row. Gilligan started his political career in 1953 when he campaigned and won a seat in the Cincinnati City Council. Later, Gilligan ran for the United States House of Representatives and served for one term. However, he was not re-elected and suffered two more political defeats in running for the United States Senate. Despite these failed endeavors, Gilligan won the office of Governor of Ohio in 1971. He served as governor until 1975. Gilligan's governorship is remembered for several successes, such as the beginning of the state lottery, the graduated state income tax, the voting age lowered to eighteen, and an improved transportation infrastructure. After his term, Gilligan focused his political efforts towards international development and also taught at the collegiate level. Influenced by her father's political career and ambitions, Gilligan's daughter Kathleen (Gilligan) Sebelius served as governor of Kansas from 2003 until 2009. Under President Barack Obama, she was appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services. On the front-right corner of the photograph, there is a brand label that reads: "Photo|Paul Beck|Photo." View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AV155_B01_F19_03
Subjects: Governors; Inaugurations--Governors--Ohio; Gilligan, John Joyce, 1921-; Political elections
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)