List of United States political families (C)
This page lists prominent political families in the United States whose surnames begin with the letter "C". A political family is defined as a family with multiple members who have achieved prominence in politics, often across multiple generations. Inclusion on this list generally requires demonstrable influence on local, state, or national political discourse and/or holding significant elected or appointed office.
Cabot Family: A prominent Boston Brahmin family, the Cabots have been involved in various aspects of American political and social life. Notable members include George Cabot, a Federalist Senator from Massachusetts.
Calhoun Family: Best known for John C. Calhoun, a prominent South Carolina politician who served as Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and a U.S. Senator. He was a leading advocate of states' rights and nullification.
Cannon Family: Joseph Gurney Cannon, known as "Uncle Joe" Cannon, was a Republican politician from Illinois who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1903 to 1911. His powerful leadership style shaped congressional procedures.
Cardin Family: Ben Cardin is a Democratic Senator from Maryland, having previously served as a U.S. Representative and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Carlson Family: A Minnesota political family. Elmer L. Andersen was a Republican governor of Minnesota. Arne Carlson, also a Republican, served as governor of Minnesota as well.
Carper Family: Thomas Carper has served as the Governor and a U.S. Senator for Delaware. He also served as a U.S. Representative for Delaware's at-large congressional district.
Carter Family: Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States. His administration focused on human rights and peace negotiations.
Case Family: A prominent family in Hawaii politics. Steve Case is more known for his business acumen, founding AOL, but his family has deep roots in Hawaiian politics.
Chafee Family: John Chafee was a Republican Senator from Rhode Island. His son, Lincoln Chafee, also served as a Republican Senator and later as an independent Governor of Rhode Island.
Chandler Family: A significant family in California politics and media. Harry Chandler was a powerful publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and his family wielded considerable influence.
Cheney Family: Dick Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush. He also previously served as Secretary of Defense and a U.S. Representative. His daughter, Liz Cheney, served as a U.S. Representative from Wyoming.
Chisholm Family: Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress, representing New York's 12th congressional district. She also sought the Democratic nomination for President in 1972.
Clay Family: Henry Clay was a prominent figure in American politics during the first half of the 19th century. He served as a U.S. Senator, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State, and was a leading figure in the Whig Party.
Clinton Family: Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States. His wife, Hillary Clinton, served as First Lady, a U.S. Senator from New York, and Secretary of State. She was also the Democratic nominee for President in 2016.
Cochran Family: Thad Cochran served as a Republican U.S. Senator from Mississippi for over 40 years.
Collins Family: Susan Collins is a Republican Senator from Maine.
Comer Family: James Comer is a Republican U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 1st congressional district, and previously served as Kentucky's Agriculture Commissioner.
Conkling Family: Roscoe Conkling was a powerful Republican politician from New York during the Gilded Age. He served as a U.S. Senator and was a leader of the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party.
Connally Family: John Connally served as Governor of Texas and as Secretary of the Treasury under President Richard Nixon.
Coolidge Family: Calvin Coolidge served as the 30th President of the United States.
Coons Family: Chris Coons is a Democratic Senator from Delaware.
Corzine Family: Jon Corzine served as a U.S. Senator and Governor of New Jersey.
Cotton Family: Tom Cotton is a Republican Senator from Arkansas.