Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), is considering a run for the U.S. Senate representing Connecticut. If she pursues the Senate bid, she would step down from her CEO role, with Vince McMahon assuming the position in addition to his current role as WWE Chairman.
McMahon's Background in Business and Politics
Linda Marie McMahon, born October 4, 1948, in New Bern, North Carolina, is an American administrator and business executive. She is a member of the Republican Party. McMahon, along with her husband Vince McMahon, founded Titan Sports, which later became World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She served as the president and later chief executive officer of WWE from 1980 to 2009. During her tenure, the company expanded from a regional business in the northeast into a large multinational corporation. She also initiated civic programs for the company, including Get R.E.A.L. and SmackDown! Your Vote.
McMahon has held several political appointments. She served as the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from February 14, 2017, to April 12, 2019, under President Donald Trump. She was also a Member of the Connecticut State Board of Education from February 28, 2009, to April 1, 2010, an appointment made by Jodi Rell. More recently, she assumed office as the 13th United States Secretary of Education on March 3, 2025, also under President Donald Trump.
The McMahon Family and WWE
Linda McMahon is married to Vince McMahon, and they have two adult children, Shane and Stephanie. The McMahon family has been deeply involved in the operations and creative direction of WWE. Vince McMahon is known for his visionary and dictatorial control over the company's creative side. He has also appeared as a character, "Mr. McMahon," a billionaire owner who disdained fans and mistreated employees, including coercing female wrestlers into sexual situations. Vince McMahon has stated that some aspects of this character were true, describing him as "the most reprehensible individual on the planet," "uncaring, a power monger, manipulative."
The company's narratives often incorporated family members. Shane and Stephanie McMahon were written into wrestling storylines. One plot involved a wrestler named Triple H drugging Stephanie and marrying her inert body; Triple H and Stephanie are now married in reality.
Transition from Business to Public Service
While building WWE, Linda McMahon reportedly confided to a colleague that she would never get into the ring or go into politics. However, her career path has since included significant political roles. Donna Goldsmith, a former chief operating officer, described Linda McMahon as intuitive, respectful, valuing others, and kind, contrasting her with Vince McMahon. WWE personnel noted that Linda McMahon cultivated a maternal air, even exchanging letters with one wrestler and signing hers "Mom."
Her potential Senate run would mark another significant step in her political career, requiring her to step down from her previous role as CEO of WWE. Vince McMahon would then take on the CEO responsibilities in addition to his Chairman position.
Key Facts
- Linda McMahon is considering a U.S. Senate run for Connecticut.
- She served as WWE CEO from 1980 to 2009.
- If she runs for Senate, Vince McMahon would become CEO in addition to Chairman.
- McMahon was the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019.
- She became the 13th United States Secretary of Education in 2025.
- Linda McMahon is married to Vince McMahon, and they have two children, Shane and Stephanie.