Karen Humphrey

Karen Humphrey is a former local news reporter, who later served as mayor of Fresno, California between 1989 and 1993. She was the first female mayor of Fresno, and as of 2019, the last Democratic mayor the city has had.[1] She lost re-election to businessman Jim Patterson, not only losing in the primary, but only receiving 18% of the vote, and finishing third overall.

Karen Humphrey
21st Mayor of Fresno
In office
May 9, 1989 – May 11, 1993
Preceded byDale Doig
Succeeded byJim Patterson
Personal details
Born
Karen Humphrey

(1945-01-01) January 1, 1945
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseKen Clarke (m. 1972) (Died 2019)
EducationUniversity of Southern California (BA)
California State University, Sacramento (MPP), (MWS)

Education

Humphrey obtained a bachelor's degree in Humanities from the University of Southern California and a master's Degree in public policy and women's studies from California State University, Sacramento.[2]

Careers

The start of Humphrey's career and professional life began when she was a news reporter and anchor for local news stations in Eureka and Fresno, California. She was the first woman reporter on air in Fresno. In 1979 she decided to take her talents elsewhere and was elected to the Fresno City Council, where she served two terms.[2]

After her career as mayor, Humphrey worked in educational policy at the state level. She became Executive Director of the California Postsecondary Education Commission in 2009, and served in that role until 2011 when the commission was disbanded.[3][4][1][2]

Since her move to Sacramento, she has focused her attention on getting more women into public office.[5][6]

Electoral history
1989 Fresno mayoral election[7]
Candidate Votes  %
Karen Humphrey 24,187 52.30
Tony Capozzi 19,682 42.60
Mike Eagles 543 1.1
Anthony G. Garza 507 1.0
Michael Escandon 419 0.9
Edmund D'Arcy-Clarke 310 0.6
Fred Askew 305 0.6
Gabriel Cervantes 221 0.4
Esteban Martinez 0 0.0
Total votes 46,174 100
Voter turnout 31.70%
1993 Fresno mayoral election[8]
Candidate Votes  %
Jim Patterson 31,405 46.60
Brian Setencich 21,325 31.60
Karen Humphrey 11,391 16.9
Others 3,304 4.9
Total votes 67,425 100
Voter turnout 31.70%

Family

Humphrey was married to Ken Clarke, and she resides in Sacramento.[2]

References
  1. Johnson, Kelly (February 11, 2009). "Humphrey named education commission leader". Sacramento Business Journal. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  2. "Executive Director Biography". Postsecondary Education Commission. Archived from the original on 26 February 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  3. http://www.sheeo.org/sites/default/files/publications/Public_Policy_Higher_Ed_Lingenfelter_Mingle_062014.pdf Archived 2018-11-18 at the Wayback Machine p. 33.
  4. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/SB_0087_Line_Item_Veto.pdf%5B%5D (p.7)
  5. Moore, Joe (April 12, 2016). "Karen Humphrey: Fresno's First Woman Mayor To Celebrate League's 75th Birthday". Valley Edition. Fresno, California: Valley Public Radio. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  6. Schlesinger, Paul (April 20, 2016). "Fresno's first female mayor says nation may be ready for woman president". Fresno Bee. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  7. "Results of the March 4, 1989 Mayoral Election | County of Fresno". www.newspapers.com. The Fresno Bee. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  8. "Results of the March 2, 1993 Mayoral Primary Election | County of Fresno". www.newspapers.com. The Fresno Bee. Retrieved 10 October 2023.


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