Mike Pence and Karen Pence – Together Since 1985
Mike Pence, the Indiana governor who went on to serve as Vice President, met Karen Sue Batten while attending Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Indianapolis. She was playing guitar at church and studying to be a teacher. They dated for about nine months, became engaged in 1984, and married a year later in Indiana. They have three children together: Michael, Charlotte, and Audrey.
Mike and Karen's shared evangelical Christian faith led them to household rules like him never attending events serving alcohol without his wife at his side. Also, before saying "yes" to Mike's proposal, Karen carried an engraved cross with the word "Yes" ready in her purse.
Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi – Together Since 1963
Nancy D'Alesandro Pelosi, the trailblazing U.S. Representative and first woman Speaker of the House, met Paul Francis Pelosi in 1961 during a summer class at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service. They exchanged vows two years later at Baltimore's Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.
Their five children, Alexandra, Jacqueline, Nancy Corinne, Christine, and Paul Jr., were all born between 1964 and 1970, during Nancy's rise from local politics to national leadership. In fact, her August 2024 memoir "The Art of Power" recounts how she and Paul leaned on each other through turbulence in Washington and the personal trials that come with raising a family.
Ted Cruz and Heidi Cruz – Together Since 2001
For Ted Cruz and Heidi Nelson, a Texas campaign trail led to their forever romance. Ted, the fiery U.S. Senator from Texas and 2016 presidential contender, met Heidi while working on George W. Bush's presidential campaign in 2000. They had their first date in Austin in January 2001 and married just five months later.
Heidi, a Goldman Sachs executive and former Treasury Department official under President Bush, often paused her career to manage crises on the campaign trail and spearhead donor fundraising. In 2021, the family faced backlash when they flew to Cancún during a Texas winter storm—an incident Heidi addressed amid headlines about their judgment and public image.
Mike Huckabee and Janet Huckabee – Together Since 1974
Mike Huckabee, the Baptist minister turned governor of Arkansas and U.S. Ambassador to Israel, met Janet McCain at Hope High School. They dated through senior year and married in 1974 at just 18 years old after one year of college. They have three children: John Mark, David, and Sarah, who became a White House press secretary and the 47th governor of Arkansas.
Janet later served as First Lady of Arkansas, championing Habitat for Humanity and Red Cross causes, and Mike relied on her strength during his political campaigns and health changes. On their 50th anniversary in May 2024, he tweeted, counting her as his daily inspiration.
Elizabeth Warren and Bruce H. Mann – Together Since 1980
A law conference in Florida led to decades of debates on love and bankruptcy for these two. In 1979, Elizabeth Warren, the law professor who became a U.S. Senator and consumer champion, met Bruce H. Mann, a Harvard legal historian, at a law and economics conference in Florida.
After a few conversations, she surprised him by proposing in a classroom in 1980, and he said yes. They married in July of that year and have no children together, though Bruce became stepfather to Elizabeth's two children from her first marriage. In 2018, the couple adopted Bailey, a golden retriever, on their 38th anniversary.
Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney – Together Since 1964
Dick Cheney probably never believed that a high school friend would be the one to stick around through history's biggest headlines. The former U.S. Vice President and long‑time politician first met Lynne Vincent in 1955 in Casper, Wyoming. She was the bright girl who caught his eye in high school, and they dated for eight years before exchanging vows in 1964. They also have two daughters.
Lynne went on to become a noted author, scholar, and public speaker. Dick remains a loving father. In fact, the family made headlines in 2012 when he publicly supported his daughter's marriage despite past political differences.
George W. Bush and Laura Bush – Together Since 1977
Who would've guessed a backyard BBQ in Texas could launch a First Couple? George Walker Bush, the 43rd U.S. president and former Texas governor, and Laura Lane Welch, a teacher‑turned‑librarian and later First Lady, crossed paths in Midland in July 1977 at a gathering hosted by mutual friends and hit it off over burgers and conversation.
They got engaged in September and married in 1977 before welcoming twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, in 1981 after years of fertility struggles. These two have navigated Texas politics, national campaigns, and two presidential terms. Laura also championed literacy and women's causes via the Bush Institute, earning the American Park Experience Award in 2025.
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff – Together Since 2013
A voicemail is all it takes to change your life, and this was the case for Kamala Harris, the lawyer who became California's attorney general and later U.S. vice president. In 2013, she met Doug Emhoff, a Los Angeles entertainment lawyer, on a blind first date arranged by a mutual friend.
They fell in love instantly, got engaged in March 2014, and tied the knot in August in a ceremony officiated by her sister Maya. Though they share no children, Kamala became stepmom to Doug's two children from a prior marriage. He also raised how she stepped up in their blended family at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Melania Trump and Donald Trump – Together Since 2005
Melania Trump, a Slovenian‑born former fashion model, and Donald Trump, a real estate mogul turned U.S. president, met in September 1998 at a Manhattan Fashion Week party and began dating shortly afterward. They married in 2005, in Palm Beach, Florida, and welcomed their only child, son Barron, a year later.
Melania gradually shifted from modeling into public life, supporting Donald's political career and launching the Be Best children's initiative as First Lady during his 2017–2021 tenure, then again when he reclaimed the presidency in 2025. Their marriage endured public scandal and two assassination attempts on Donald's life, events Melania recounts movingly in her memoir, published in 2024.
Mitt Romney and Ann Davies Romney – Together Since 1969
Love blossoms in grade school but shines brightest in adulthood, at least this couple seems to think so. Mitt Romney, businessman and politician, and Ann Davies Romney, author, philanthropist, and former First Lady of Massachusetts, first met in elementary school.
The pair reunited later in high school, and Ann converted to Mormonism in 1966 before they wed in 1969, three months after he returned from his mission in France. They have five sons: Tagg, Matt, Josh, Ben, and Craig. Mitt and Ann established the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases in 2014 and pledged $5 million in 2025 to fund research on MS, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
Meena Harris and Nikolas Ajagu – Together Since 2007
Here's how workplace chats about code turned into a lifelong love story for Meena Harris, Kamala's beloved niece. The lawyer, author, producer, and activist met Nikolas Ajagu in 2007 at Facebook, where he handled partnerships and she worked on strategy and communications. They got engaged in 2016 and married in 2014—yes, the Instagram announcements foreshadowed the rings.
Their daughters must be equally impressed by their parents' careers. Nikolas is a Princeton‑educated tech veteran who co-founded Code & Canvas and Barrel & Ink before going global at Facebook. Meena launched Phenomenal in 2017 and won Tony Awards for supporting Broadway's A Strange Loop.
Kevin McCarthy and Judy McCarthy – Together Since 1992
Who would've guessed a biology class crush would outlast Congress? Kevin McCarthy, the California-born politician who rose to U.S. House Speaker, met Judy Wages back in their Bakersfield High School biology class. She was the one his charm eventually won over. They married on August 29, 1992, and still live in their first Bakersfield home.
They also have two children: Connor and Meghan. Judy has served as a trustee at Ford's Theatre since 2014 and worked with the California Republican Party in fundraising roles. Over thirty years, they've faced political highs. Through it all, she and Kevin have kept the family grounded with modest faith and quiet strength.
Dana Perino and Peter McMahon – Together Since 1998
A chance airplane seat swap can rewrite your life forever. Yet, Dana Marie Perino, the savvy political commentator and former White House Press Secretary, didn't know this when she met Peter McMahon in 1997. She crossed paths with the British-born medical industry executive on a flight from Denver to Chicago.
He wasn't wearing a wedding ring and had a charming accent, so they struck up a conversation that turned into love. Dana accepted his proposal less than a year later, and they married in September 1998. They have no children together, but Peter has two adult children from a prior marriage.
Liz Cheney and Philip Perry – Together Since 1993
Sometimes, an alumni mixer at college sparks more than just memories. Liz Cheney, a lawyer and prominent U.S. Representative from Wyoming, first crossed paths with Philip Perry at a Colorado College alumni event where she graduated in 1988 and he in 1986. They began dating after that event and married in 1993 in Wyoming.
Philip, a distinguished attorney, held key roles during the George W. Bush administration, including general counsel at the Department of Homeland Security. He later returned to practice at Latham & Watkins. Over the years, he has quietly supported Liz's rising profile and their family life together with their five children.
John Kerry and Teresa Heinz – Together Since 1995
John Kerry, the decorated Vietnam War veteran, longtime Massachusetts senator, and U.S. Secretary of State, met Teresa Heinz at an Earth Day event in 1990 and again at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Their shared climate passion sparked a connection. They began dating in 1993 and married in 1995 in Nantucket.
Teresa, a Portuguese-born philanthropist and heiress to the Heinz fortune, had three sons from her first marriage to Senator John Heinz, but she and John share no children together. She also founded environmental and women's health initiatives after marrying Kerry, and co‑authored "This Moment on Earth" with him in 2004.
Kayleigh McEnany and Sean Gilmartin – Together Since 2015
Here's how a social media scroll led to a forever kind of love, at least for Kayleigh McEnany and Sean Gilmartin. She's the former White House Press Secretary turned Fox News host, and he's a Major League Baseball pitcher. Kayleigh first messaged Sean during her second year at Harvard Law School in 2015 while he was with the New York Mets.
They began dating then and exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in 2017. Despite demanding careers, these two have built a resilient, long-distance early marriage. In June 2025, the couple announced the birth of their third child live on Kayleigh's show "Outnumbered."
Joe Biden and Jill Biden – Together Since 1977
Who knew a blind date could be the beginning of a lifelong romance between a political power couple? Joe Biden, longtime U.S. senator and 46th president, and Jill Biden, a community‑college English teacher and author, met on a blind date arranged by Joe's brother in 1975 when he was 32 and she was 24.
They married on June 17, 1977, and share one daughter, Ashley, born in 1981. Jill became step‑mom to Beau and Hunter from Joe's first marriage. Their life together has seen political triumphs, including two terms as vice president and a presidential win in 2020, and Joe's troubling diagnosis, which was disclosed in May 2025.
Bernie Sanders and Jane O’Meara Sanders – Together Since 1988
Sometimes a political spark ignites not on the debate stage, but in the seat beside you. Bernie Sanders, iconic U.S. Senator and progressive leader, first caught Jane O'Meara Sanders' eye at a Burlington mayoral debate in 1981.
A year later, she helped organize his campaign, and their bond grew over seven years until their marriage in 1988, just as he served as mayor of Burlington. This was followed by a honeymoon delegation to the Soviet Union. They share no biological children, but Jane had three from her prior marriage, and Bernie formally adopted them and considers all six of their children as one family.
Chuck Schumer and Iris Weinshall – Together Since 1980
Who says a political greeting at a Brooklyn club can't be the start of a lifetime partnership? Chuck Schumer, the veteran U.S. senator and Senate Democratic leader, met Iris Weinshall in the late 1970s at a Mid‑Bay Independent Democrats meeting in Midwood, Brooklyn, when he was a young Assemblyman and she worked as a Citizens Union lobbyist.
They made things official in 1980 atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center, just weeks after Chuck secured the Democratic nomination for Congress. Their two daughters, Jessica and Alison, have pursued careers in tech and marketing at Amazon and Facebook. Schumer has called his wife's "wit and grit" his daily inspiration.
Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Riley Roberts – Together Since 2015
Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, the New York congresswoman and progressive icon, first met Riley Roberts at Boston University in 2011 when they attended a weekly discussion series called "Coffee & Conversations." They reconnected around 2015 after graduation and began dating in their 20s.
They became engaged in April 2022 during a trip to Puerto Rico and adopted Deco, a French bulldog, in 2020. Riley, a web developer and marketing consultant, quietly aids AOC's campaigns and stays out of the spotlight. She's also praised him as the kind of partner who "dives into the fray for himself," as Riley has grown alongside her public life, rather than just standing by as a witness.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama – Together Since 1992
Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. president and bestselling author, first met Michelle Obama, a lawyer, community advocate, and former first lady, in 1989 at a Chicago law firm where she was assigned to mentor him. They began dating that summer, got engaged in 1991, and married on October 3, 1992.
They share two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and their love has weathered life in the White House, IVF challenges, and marriage counselling during early parenthood. Despite all the noise about her splitting with Barack, Michelle dismissed divorce rumors in 2025, saying, "There hasn't been one moment…where I thought about quitting my man."
Newt Gingrich and Callista Bisek – Together Since 2000
Sometimes love blooms in the Capitol cafeteria between political pow‑wows. That's how it went for Newt Gingrich and Callista Bisek in 1993. The former Speaker of the U.S. House and conservative author met the love of his life while she was a congressional aide and he was a married House leader. Their long affair began then and lasted until his divorce in 1999.
They tied the knot in 2000 in Alexandria, Virginia. They have no children together, though Newt had two daughters from a prior marriage. Newt credits Callista with teaching him golf, introducing him to opera, and reshaping his vacation plans around her schedule.
Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Buttigieg – Together Since 2015
When your first FaceTime chat causes fireworks at a baseball game, you know you're onto something special. Pete Buttigieg, former South Bend mayor and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, first connected with Chasten Glezman Buttigieg on Hinge in summer 2015; they met in person that August while Chasten was in grad school in Chicago and Pete was mayor of his hometown.
They became engaged at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in December 2017 and married in 2018 in South Bend at the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint James. They adopted twins Joseph August "Gus" and Penelope Rose in August 2021, becoming first-time dads and navigating the challenges of hospital stays and toddler life.
Joe Manchin and Gayle Conelly Manchin – Together Since 1967
Joe Manchin, the longtime West Virginia governor turned U.S. Senator, met Gayle Conelly at West Virginia University in the mid‑1960s while she was studying education. They married in 1967 while still in college and later welcomed three children.
Gayle built a distinguished career in education and state service with the support of her husband.
She served as First Lady of West Virginia for five years, chaired the state Board of Education, and held statewide arts and education posts through 2018. Thanks to their shared values, familial affection, and unwavering partnership, her union with Joe has endured over half a century.
Ben Carson and Candy Carson – Together Since 1975
Who would've thought Yale dorm halls would nurture a future neurosurgeon's greatest partnership? Ben Carson, the pioneering pediatric neurosurgeon and former HUD Secretary, met Lacena "Candy" Rustin at Yale in the early 1970s. They married in 1975 during his medical school years and have three sons: Murray, Benjamin Jr., and Royceon.
Together, Ben and Candy co‑founded the Carson Scholars Fund in 1994. Since then, the fund has awarded over $8 million in scholarships and installed more than 250 reading rooms nationwide to reward academic excellence. Candy, a former violinist and educator, has also co‑authored several bestselling books, including the 2016 "A Doctor in the House: My Life with Ben Carson."
Amy Klobuchar and John Bessler – Together Since 1993
If there's something these two can claim boldly, it's that a night out with lawyers can end with a marriage proposal in a bookstore aisle. Amy Klobuchar, the Minnesota senator and bestselling author, met John Bessler at Minneapolis's Coyote Cafe in the early 1990s while she was practicing law. He proposed in the nonfiction aisle of Hungry Mind bookstore on Lincoln's birthday, and they tied the knot in 1993.
They have one daughter: Abigail, born in 1995, who graduated from Yale in 2017 and works in public service while moonlighting as a stand-up comedian. John has also authored several books, often focusing on capital punishment and American legal history.
Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton – Together Since 1975
When it comes to devotion, it doesn't get any better than these two. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a lawyer, U.S. senator, secretary of state, and First Lady, and Bill Clinton, a governor turned 42nd president, first met as law students at Yale in 1971, bonding over political debates and working on George McGovern's 1972 campaign.
They wed on October 11, 1975, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with just 15 friends and family in their living room. They share one daughter, Chelsea, born in February 1980. In their decades together, Hilary has supported Bill's ambitions through thick and thin and led major children's health initiatives, including CHIP, which covers about eight million children.
Al Gore and Elizabeth Keadle – Together Since 2012
Here's a partnership built on shared values, environmental zeal, and a mutual commitment to public service. Al Gore, the former U.S. vice president, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and environmental activist, began dating Elizabeth Keadle, a California-based Democratic donor and conservationist, in spring 2012 after his divorce from Tipper Gore two years before.
Though they have no children together, Al has four grown children from his previous marriage.
Elizabeth participated in a January 2012 awareness trip to Antarctica with him and other VIPs. Like Al, she has also supported environmental projects and political fundraising, including early investments in his media ventures such as Current TV.
Joseph P. Kennedy III and Lauren Anne Birchfield – Together Since 2006
Joseph Patrick Kennedy III, the former U.S. Representative and envoy to Northern Ireland, met Lauren Anne Birchfield at Harvard Law School in 2006 while both studied under Elizabeth Warren. They dated for six years, got engaged in January 2012, and married in December of that year at the Community Church in Corona del Mar, California. Lauren's father, Reverend Jim Birchfield, officiated the ceremony shortly after his election victory.
They have two children together. Lauren supported Joseph's run for Congress in 2012 and helped design his office culture to include paid family leave, something she championed before motherhood. Theirs is a story of family-first values and enduring love.
Rand Paul and Kelley Paul – Together Since 1990
Rand Paul, the Kentucky ophthalmologist turned U.S. Senator known for his libertarian views, first met Kelley Ashby at an oyster roast in Atlanta in 1988 when he was finishing medical school. She thought he was a teenager. He called the next day, and they began dating. After two years together, they exchanged vows in Kentucky in 1990. They have three sons together.
Kelly is an author and political consultant who wrote "True and Constant Friends" in 2015, while also serving as his campaign speechwriter and fundraising strategist. Interestingly, Donald Trump once called her "beautiful" during a budget clash in June 2025—the only thing Rand agreed with him on.
Maxine Waters and Sidney Williams – Together Since 1977
Who would imagine a political firebrand and a former NFL linebacker make such a steady pair? Believe it or not, Maxine Waters and Sidney Williams have been together longer than most. She's the longtime U.S. congresswoman from California known for bold advocacy, and he's a former NFL player and later U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.
They met in Los Angeles in the mid‑1970s while working for the city council. They walked down the aisle in 1977 when Maxine served in the California Assembly and Sidney shifted from football to civic work. They share two children from her previous marriage, whom her husband treats as his own.
Nikki Haley and Michael Haley – Together Since 1996
Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants who became South Carolina's governor and U.S. Ambassador to the UN, first met Michael Haley in 1989 at Clemson University when she was 17. He was attending nearby Anderson University. They married in 1996 in matching Sikh and Methodist ceremonies in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
They have two kids. Michael joined the state of Carolina's Army National Guard in 2006, deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, and served in Djibouti in 2023, returning home after a year away—a moment Nikki called "the end of a year-long prayer." Nikki credits Michael with influencing her conversion to Christianity and calls him her "rock."
Tammy Duckworth and Bryan Bowlsbey – Together Since 1993
Sometimes a ROTC tiff leads to a life-saving love story, and this was the case for Tammy Duckworth, the Iraq War veteran turned U.S. Senator who lost both legs in combat. She met Bryan Bowlsbey in the ROTC program at George Washington University while earning her master's degree in international affairs around 1992.
He made a comment that she didn't love, but he later apologized and helped clean her M16. They married in 1993. Bryan stood by Tammy during her recovery at Walter Reed and remains her steady partner. With two daughters to their name, Tammy also happens to be the first sitting U.S. Senator to give birth in office.
Gretchen Whitmer and Marc Mallory – Together Since 2011
Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan's governor and former state senate leader, married Dr. Marc Mallory in 2011, the same year she became Senate Democratic Leader. Marc, a lifelong Michigander with a Michigan State zoology degree and a University of Michigan Doctor of Dental Surgery, opened a dental practice in Lansing in 1986.
They share no biological children, yet their blended family includes five kids: her two daughters from a previous marriage and his three sons from his prior marriage. Marc retired early from dentistry after threats tied to a 2020 kidnapping conspiracy against the governor, as recounted in Gretchen's memoir "True Gretch," released in July 2024.
Susan Rice and Ian O. Cameron – Together Since 1992
Susan Elizabeth Rice, renowned U.S. diplomat, national security expert, and national security advisor under President Obama, met Ian Officer Cameron at Stanford University during her first year and his senior year. They exchanged vows in 1992 in the chapel at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. They also have two children.
Ian, a Canadian-born executive producer for ABC News's "This Week," became Susan's steadfast partner and is often described as the stay-at-home parent while she tackled global crises. In her memoir "Tough Love," she credits his dry humor and calm presence for keeping her sane during the Benghazi controversy and Paris climate negotiations.
Adam Schiff and Eve Schiff – Together Since 1995
Sometimes a good tennis serve leads to lifelong love at the net. Adam Bennett Schiff, the longtime U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from California, met Eve Sanderson at a double tennis match arranged by a mutual friend in 1990. There were a lot of witty "Adam and Eve" jokes, and they began dating before tying the knot in 1995 in California.
They have two children together. Eve, a former tennis player turned social worker and volunteer, maintained a low profile while supporting Adam's career through House and Senate leadership. In 2025, Adam celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Facebook, wearing the same shirt from their first date.
Al Franken and Franni Bryson Franken – Together Since 1975
Al Franken, comedian on Saturday Night Live, author, and U.S. Senator, met Franni Bryson during his first year at Harvard in 1969. He spotted her organizing friends at a mixer and asked her to dance, sparking a romance that led to marriage in 1975.
They have two adult children and four grandchildren.
Franni supported Al's political rise and even served as an instrumental presence during his Senate campaigns, being called his "political soul mate." After announcing his resignation in 2017 amid misconduct allegations, he emotionally thanked Franni for being by his side through every step of this journey. Little wonder their steadfast devotion has lasted so long.
Jen Psaki and Gregory Mecher – Together Since 2010
What happens when a wrong set of directions over the phone leads to a lifetime of love? Jen Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host, first met Gregory Mecher in 2006 while both worked at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He was leading finance, and she organized events, and an accidental wrong address marked their introduction.
They dated for four years and married in May 2010 at Woodlawn Farm in Maryland. Gregory later served as chief of staff for Reps. Steve Driehaus and Joe Kennedy III. Jen often praises him as being "so comfortable in his own skin." The couple has two children.