Patrick J. Kennedy

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Patrick J. Kennedy
Kennedy in 2016
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 1st district
In office January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by	Ronald Machtley
Succeeded by	David Cicilline
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
In office January 3, 1999 – January 3, 2001
Leader	Dick Gephardt
Preceded by	Martin Frost
Succeeded by	Nita Lowey
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 9th district
In office January 1, 1989 – January 1, 1993
Preceded by	John Skeffington
Succeeded by	Anastasia P. Williams
Personal details
Born	Patrick Joseph Kennedy II (1967-07-14) July 14, 1967 (age 56) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Amy Savell ​ (m. 2011)​
Children	4
Parent(s)	Ted Kennedy Joan Bennett
Relatives	See Kennedy family
Education	Providence College (BS)
Website	Official website

Patrick Joseph Kennedy II (born July 14, 1967) is an American retired politician and mental health advocate.^[1] From 1995 to 2011, he served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 1st congressional district, and was the first Generation X member of congress when he was elected in 1995.^[2] He is the youngest child and second son of the long-time Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, and is a nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and former U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Since retiring from public service, Kennedy has primarily focused on opposing marijuana legalization as co-founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). He views legalization as a significant threat to public health and safety and has strongly criticized the Democratic Party for supporting it.^[3]