The surprising link between political strategy and health policies
Harry Martz became Montana's first gentleman in 2001 when Governor Judy Martz took office. She served until 2005.
John Whitman became New Jersey's first gentleman from 1994 to 2001, with Governor Christine Todd Whitman.
Chuck Hunt was Massachusetts's first gentleman from 2001 to 2003 under acting Governor Jane Swift. At 36, Swift became the youngest female governor in US history.
Albert L. Roy served as New Hampshire's first gentleman from 1982 to 1983 when his wife Vesta M. Roy became governor. Later, between 1997 and 2003, Bill Shaheen served with his wife, Governor Jeanne Shaheen (pictured with Bill). From 2013 to 2017, Thomas Hassan supported Governor Maggie Hassan.
From 2009 to 2013, Bob Eaves served as North Carolina's first gentleman with Governor Bev Perdue. She was the first, and to date, the only female governor of North Carolina.
Daniel Mulhern served as Michigan's first gentleman from 2003 to 2011 with Governor Jennifer Granholm (pictured with her husband). Marc Mallory followed in his footsteps in 2019 with Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
From 2011 to 2019, Wade Christensen served as Oklahoma's first gentleman under Republican Governor Mary Fallin.
Chuck Franco served as New Mexico's first gentleman from 2011 to 2019 under Governor Susana Martinez (pictured with Chuck). In 2022, Manuel Cordova assumed the role with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
William J. Hochul Jr. became New York's first gentleman under Governor Kathy Hochul in 2021. They're members of the Democratic Party.
Frank L. Roberts served as Oregon's first gentleman with Governor Barbara Roberts from 1991 to 1995. Later, Dan Little assumed the role with Governor Kate Brown (pictured), between 2015 and 2023.
Andrew Moffit became Rhode Island's first gentleman in 2015 under Governor Gina Raimondo. The tenure ended in 2021.
A member of the Republican Party, Bryon Noem has been serving as South Dakota's first gentleman since 2019 with Governor Kristi Noem.
Michael Haley served as South Carolina's first gentleman from 2011 to 2017, alongside Governor Nikki Haley. During the Trump administration, Nikki later served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations.
Myron Walker served as Utah's first gentleman under Governor Olene Walker between 2003 and 2005.
Todd Palin served as Alaska's first gentleman in 2006 when his wife, Sarah Palin, became governor. During the 2008 presidential election, his role gained national attention as Sarah ran for vice president with John McCain.
Terry Hull became Arizona’s first gentleman from 1997 to 2003 under Governor Jane Dee Hull (pictured with her husband, George W. Bush, and Laura Bush). Later, John Brewer served from 2009 to 2015 with Governor Jan Brewer. Patrick Goodman assumed the role in 2023 with Governor Katie Hobbs.
The role of the first gentleman is a unique yet evolving position in the US political landscape, serving as the supportive partner to governors. While traditionally focused on first ladies, several states have welcomed first gentlemen who actively contributed to their partners' initiatives, advocating for community issues, engaging in public service, and representing the state at various functions.
From Democrats to Republicans, click on to discover the states that've had first gentlemen.
George Wallace became Alabama's first gentleman in 1967 when his wife, Lurleen Wallace, assumed the governorship. Wallace, a former governor himself, supported Lurleen during her short term, as she pursued reforms in jobs and education. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 1968.
Bryan Sanders became Arkansas's first gentleman in 2023, with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Before her governorship, Sarah served as the White House Press Secretary during the Trump administration.
Democrat Kathleen Blanco (pictured center with her husband beside her) served as Governor from 2004 to 2008. Her husband, Raymond Blanco was first gentleman.
Marlon Reis became Colorado's first gentleman in 2019 when Governor Jared Polis took office. As an animal rights advocate and LGBTQ+ representative, Reis champions environmental and social causes alongside Polis's progressive policy goals.
Spencer Finney Jr. served as Kansas's first gentleman from 1991 to 1995 under Governor Joan Finney. Later, from 2003 to 2009, K. Gary Sebelius served under Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Since 2019, Ted Daughety has been serving with Laura Kelly (both pictured).
Thomas Grasso was Connecticut's first gentleman from 1975 to 1980 with Governor Ella T. Grasso (both pictured). Later, Lou Rell served from 2004 to 2011 with his wife, Governor Jodi Rell.
Bill Collins became Kentucky's first gentleman in 1983 as the husband of Governor Martha Layne Collins. They served until 1987.
A member of the Republican Party, Kevin Reynolds became Iowa's first gentleman in 2017 under Governor Kim Reynolds.
James E. Ferguson became Texas's first gentleman in 1925 with Governor Miriam A. Ferguson. The first female governor of Texas, Ferguson served two non-consecutive terms from 1925 to 1927, and from 1933 to 1935.
From 1985 to 1991, Arthur Kunin served as Vermont's first gentleman with Democratic Governor Madeleine M. Kunin.
Bill Orr was Nebraska's first gentleman from 1987 to 1991 under Governor Kay A. Orr, Nebraska's first female governor. She's pictured here next to George H. W. Bush.
Jeff Hollister served as Ohio's first gentleman briefly in 1998 with his wife, Governor Nancy Hollister. The short tenure ended in 1999.
Michael Gregoire served as Washington's first gentleman under Governor Christine Gregoire from 2005 to 2013.
Sources: (CBS News) (The Denver Post) (ABC News)
See also: Unforgettable presidential campaign moments in US history
US states that already had first gentlemen
These states have experienced first gentlemen through their governors
LIFESTYLE Us politics
The role of the first gentleman is a unique yet evolving position in the US political landscape, serving as the supportive male partner to governors. While traditionally focused on first ladies, several states have welcomed first gentlemen who actively contributed to their partners' initiatives, advocating for community issues, engaging in public service, and representing the state at various functions.
From Democrats to Republicans, click on to discover the states that've had first gentlemen.