Ginni Thomas is not your typical political spouse. She is an outspoken and influential activist who has been at the forefront of some of the most controversial issues in American politics. She is also the wife of Clarence Thomas, the longest-serving and most conservative member of the Supreme Court of the United States. How did she become such a powerful and polarizing figure? What are her views and values? And how does she balance her marriage and her activism? Here is a glimpse into the life and career of Ginni Thomas.
Early Life and Education
Ginni Thomas was born Virginia Lamp on February 23, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the youngest of four children of Donald and Marjorie Lamp, who were both engineers and members of the John Birch Society, an anti-communist and conservative political advocacy group. Ginni grew up in a devout Catholic and Republican household, and developed an interest in politics at an early age. She attended Westside High School in Omaha, where she was a member of the student government, the debate club, and the Republican club. She aspired to be elected to Congress someday.
She enrolled at Mount Vernon College for Women in Washington, D.C., because of its proximity to the Capitol. One of her classmates was Susan Ford, the daughter of then-President Gerald Ford. Ginni was active in the college’s Republican club and interned for Congressman Hal Daub, a Nebraska Republican. She later transferred to the University of Nebraska, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She then attended Creighton University School of Law, where she met her first husband, John Gardiner. They married in 1981 and divorced in 1983. Ginni graduated from law school in 1984 and moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in politics.
Career and Activism
Ginni Thomas began her career as a lawyer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she advocated for pro-business policies and regulations. She then worked as a labor policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Labor under President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, she joined the staff of Congressman Dick Armey, a Texas Republican and a leader of the conservative movement. She worked as his legislative director and helped him craft the Contract with America, a policy agenda that helped the Republicans win the House of Representatives in 1994.
In 1987, Ginni married Clarence Thomas, whom she met at a conference of young conservatives. Clarence Thomas was then a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and a rising star in the conservative legal circles. He was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the Supreme Court in 1991, and faced a contentious confirmation process that included allegations of sexual harassment by his former colleague, Anita Hill. Ginni stood by her husband and defended him against the accusations, which he denied. He was eventually confirmed by a narrow margin of 52-48.
Ginni continued to work for Congressman Armey until 1998, when she joined the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, as a senior fellow. She was a liaison between the foundation and the George W. Bush administration, and advised the president on judicial nominations, among other issues. She also became involved in various conservative causes and organizations, such as the Federalist Society, the Council for National Policy, and the Tea Party movement. She founded Liberty Central, a nonprofit group that opposed the Obama administration’s policies on health care, taxes, and immigration. She later founded Liberty Consulting, a lobbying and consulting firm that offered “advice for governmental affairs efforts” and “media strategies”.
Ginni Thomas was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump during his presidency, and offered him recommendations on individuals to hire through her work with the conservative Groundswell group. She also urged him and his allies to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Joe Biden. She sent text messages to Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and to state lawmakers in Arizona and Wisconsin, asking them to overturn the election and appoint alternate electors. She also endorsed the Trump rally that preceded the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, although she later apologized for contributing to a rift among her husband’s former Supreme Court clerks over the riot.
Marriage and Family
Ginni Thomas has been married to Clarence Thomas for 34 years, and they have no children together. Clarence Thomas has a son, Jamal Adeen Thomas, from his previous marriage to Kathy Ambush, whom he divorced in 1984. Ginni and Clarence live in McLean, Virginia, and have a farm in Georgia. They are both devout Catholics and attend Mass regularly. They share conservative views on most issues, but Ginni has said that they do not discuss cases that are pending before the Supreme Court. She has also said that her activism has no influence on her husband’s judicial decisions, and that he respects her independence and freedom of speech.
Ginni Thomas has faced criticism and scrutiny for her political involvement, especially because spouses of Supreme Court justices typically avoid public controversy and partisan activities. Some legal experts and commentators have questioned whether her actions pose a conflict of interest or an appearance of impropriety for her husband, and whether they undermine the credibility and impartiality of the Supreme Court. Ginni Thomas has dismissed these concerns, and has said that she is exercising her constitutional rights and fulfilling her civic duty. She has also said that she loves her country and her husband, and that she is proud of both.
Trivia
| Name | Virginia Lamp Thomas |
|---|---|
| Age | 66 |
| Height | 5’4″ |
| Partner | Clarence Thomas (second husband) |
| Children | None (stepson Jamal Adeen Thomas) |
| Education | Creighton University School of Law (JD), University of Nebraska (BA), Mount Vernon College for Women |
| Favorite Food | Steak |
| Net Worth | $3 million (estimated) |
| Sex | Female |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Sibling | Three older siblings |
| Favorite TV Show | The Crown |
| Pet | None |
Conclusion
Ginni Thomas is a remarkable woman who has carved a niche for herself in the American political landscape. She is a passionate and principled conservative who has championed various causes and movements that reflect her values and vision. She is also a loyal and supportive wife who has stood by her husband through thick and thin. She is a force to be reckoned with, and a person of interest for anyone who follows the Supreme Court and the conservative movement.
