Sharon Ryer Davis (born May 6, 1954) is an American author who served as first lady of California from 1999 to 2003. She is the wife of former California governor Gray Davis. She previously served as second lady of California from 1995 to 1999. Davis is also a former Miss Santee and the author of the children's book, The Adventures of Capitol Kitty.[1][2]
Sharon Davis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 34th First Lady of California | |
| In role January 4, 1999 – November 17, 2003 | |
| Governor | Gray Davis |
| Preceded by | Gayle Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Maria Shriver |
| Second Lady of California | |
| In role January 2, 1995 – January 4, 1999 | |
| Governor | Pete Wilson |
| Preceded by | Jacqueline McCarthy |
| Succeeded by | Arcelia Bustamante |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Sharon Ryer May 6, 1954 Brentwood, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Gray Davis (m. 1980) |
| Profession | Writer, activist |
Early life
editDavis attended Santana High School in Santee, California. While there, she entered the Miss Santee contest and won. Shortly after high school she began working at Pacific Southwest Airlines as a flight attendant.[3]
Marriage
editSharon met Gray Davis in 1979 while he was Chief of Staff for then California Governor Jerry Brown.[citation needed]
First Lady of California
editAs First Lady, Davis was active in children's health and education, especially literacy, creating the Governor's Book Fund, which provided funds for school libraries. She wrote a children's book titled The Adventures of Capitol Kitty to help pay for the fund. She eventually helped raise 750,000 dollars.[4] During the 2000 United States presidential election, her husband was rumored to be a potential vice presidential running mate for Al Gore, but Davis turned it down,[citation needed] with the position eventually going to Joe Lieberman. Davis was also rumored to be a potential presidential candidate in 2004. She left the office of First Lady in November 2003, after her husband's recall.
References
edit- ^ "First Ladies of California". Archived from the original on 2013-01-22. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
- ^ Ainsworth, Bill. It's her policy to be involved:Sharon Davis plans to be player in education issues The San Diego Union - Tribune. San Diego, Calif.: Jan 4, 1999. pg. A.1
- ^ Lescher, Dave. Sharon Davis, From Santee to Sacramento, California's new leading lady. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, Calif.: Jan 1, 1999. pg. 1
- ^ "First Ladies of California". Archived from the original on 2013-01-22. Retrieved 2010-06-13.