Patrick J. Kennedy

Patrick Joseph Kennedy (b. July 14, 1967) is the son of Edward Kennedy and Joan Bennett. He serves as U.S. Representative from Rhode Island, representing the first district.

Patrick J. Kennedy became the youngest member of his family to hold elected office in 1988, when he won election to the Rhode Island State Assembly. Kennedy is the youngest member of his family to be elected to public office, winning a seat in the Rhode Island State House at age 21.

Kennedy won his seat on the U.S. House of Representatives in November 1994, and continues to hold this office. Kennedy currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittees on Labor/HHS and on Commerce, Justice and State. From 1999 to 2001, he served as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

In 2000, Kennedy was accused of pushing a security guard at Los Angeles International Airport. City prosecutors ultimately decided not to bring criminal charges against him and he paid an undisclosed settlment to the alleged victim almost two years later.