Who Is Pete Wilson? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on August 23, 1933, Pete Wilson is an iconic political figure who served as the 36th Governor of California from 1991 to 1999. He is known for his significant contributions to California's economic policies and his impact on the state's political landscape. As of 2025, Pete Wilson is 91 years old. His long and storied career also includes serving as a United States Senator and mayor of San Diego.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1933 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Pete Wilson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While detailed physical statistics for Pete Wilson in 2025 are not commonly documented, his presence and leadership traits have been noteworthy throughout his life. As a public figure, he has maintained an active demeanor throughout his years in politics.
- Height: Approximately 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Body Measurements: Not publicly available
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pete Wilson has been married twice; his first marriage to Kathy Wilson lasted from 1963 to 1967. He later married his second wife, Gail, in 1973, and they have been together ever since. As of 2025, Wilson remains married to Gail Wilson, with whom he shares a deep commitment. The couple has maintained a strong bond throughout their decades together, supporting each other's endeavors.
His parents were James Boone Wilson and Margaret (Callaghan) Wilson. His father sold college fraternity jewelry to work his way through University of Illinois, and later became a successful advertising executive. The Wilson family settled in St. Louis, Missouri, when Pete was in elementary school.
He then attended the private, non-sectarian preparatory middle school John Burroughs (grades 7–9) in Ladue, and then St. Louis Country Day School, an exclusive private high school, where he won an award in his senior year for combined scholarship, athletics, and citizenship.
In the fall of 1951, Pete Wilson enrolled at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where he received a United States Navy Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, majored in English, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. In his junior year he elected to join the Marine Corps upon his graduation.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Pete Wilson's estimated net worth ranges between $8 million and $12 million. Much of his wealth comes from his political career and various business ventures, including his involvement in consulting and speaking engagements. His lucrative career has secured him a comfortable retirement.
Despite his belief in fiscal conservatism, Wilson raised the sales tax to reduce the state deficit, including imposing a new sales tax on newspapers and a sales tax on "snack" foods.
He also raised car license fees and college tuition; by 1991, tuition fees at the University of California rose by 40%, while they rose by 24% at California State University. Additionally, he raised the income tax in the top bracket temporarily.
However, by 1993, the snack tax was repealed by the Democratic state legislature and the sales tax increase expired. On April 26, 1991, Wilson proposed an increase in sales tax by 1 1/4 cents and state taxes by $6.7 billion (equivalent to $ in ) as part of plan to reduce the state's budget deficit.
The revenue gap had increased by $5 billion (equivalent to $ in ) in the four months of his governorship.
In response to the April 1991 proposal, the Los Angeles Times wrote of Wilson, "He has done what has been asked of him, but thought near-impossible for any Republican centrist: constructing a revenue and spending plan that will hurt almost everyone and help almost no one, but that will also – for the first time in a long time – put the state on
a sounder fiscal footing." In July 1991, the Senate voted 28 to 9 in favor of a bipartisan tax plan that would have increased taxes on the wealthiest Californians, boosted the corporate tax rate, and imposed a tax increase on telecommunication services by 2%.
Wilson returned the budget bill to the legislature without his signature, revoking a prior commitment to vetoing the measure.
Career, Business, and Investments
Pete Wilson's career spans decades of public service and substantial contributions to California's governance. After serving in the U.S. Senate from 1983 to 1991, he successfully transitioned to governorship, where he implemented several key policies aimed at economic growth. Post-governorship, Wilson has been involved in various consulting roles and has worked with several organizations. His notable investments include contributions to real estate and his advisory work within business sectors related to public policy.
After passing the bar exam on his fourth attempt, Wilson began his practice as a criminal defense attorney in San Diego, but he found such work to be low-paying and personally repugnant.
He later commented to the Los Angeles Times, "I realized I couldn't be a criminal defense lawyer – because most of the people who do come to you are guilty." Wilson switched to a more conventional law practice and continued his activity in local politics, working for Barry Goldwater's unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1964.
Wilson's liking for politics and managing the day-to-day details of the political process was growing.
He put in long hours for the Goldwater campaign, earning the friendship of local Republican boosters so necessary for a political career, and in 1966, at the age of thirty-three, he ran for, and won a seat in the California State Assembly, succeeding Clair Burgener.
Social Network
Pete Wilson maintains a relatively low profile on social media. While not heavily active on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, he occasionally shares insights related to political policy and governance through official channels and interviews. His public appearances are frequently covered by news outlets, reflecting his ongoing influence in California politics.
Education
Pete Wilson graduated from Stanford University in the early 1950s, earning a degree in political science. During his time at Stanford, he was actively involved in student government and campus activities, laying the groundwork for his future political career.
In conclusion, Pete Wilson remains a respected figure in California's political history as of 2025, with a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of leaders. His personal life, professional achievements, and enduring wealth are testaments to his impact and resilience throughout the years.
Born in Lake Forest, Illinois, Wilson graduated from the UC Berkeley School of Law after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He established a legal practice in San Diego and campaigned for Republicans such as Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater.
Wilson won election to the California State Assembly in 1966 and became the mayor of San Diego in 1971. He held that office until 1983, when he became a member of the United States Senate. In 1982, he defeated then-incumbent Governor Jerry Brown to become the United States senator from California.
In the Senate, Wilson supported the Strategic Defense Initiative and the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, while he opposed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
