Controversial Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh gave an unprecedented sit-down TV interview yesterday, as his nomination seems increasingly imperiled by multiple claims that he committed sexual assault as a teenager. At his side was his wife, Ashley Estes Kavanaugh, who has voiced support for her husband. Beyond that, what do we know about her?
She has been married to Brett Kavanaugh since 2004
The couple recently celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters. Ashley Estes, who was born in 1975, grew up in Abilene, Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin.
She was President George W. Bush’s personal secretary
Ashley Estes Kavanaugh served as personal secretary to President George W. Bush during his first term, from 2001 to 2005. She was previously Bush’s secretary when he was governor of Texas when he was governor of Texas, from 2000 to 2005, and during his presidential campaign.
She met Brett Kavanaugh in the Oval Office
Kavanaugh was serving as White House counsel while Ashley Estes was working as Bush’s secretary. The proximity led to their relationship, and President George W. Bush and Laura Bush attended their wedding.
She is currently a public official
This year, Ashley Kavanaugh began serving as town manager of Chevy Chase Section Five, Maryland, where the family resides. The Washington Post reports that as one of her duties, Kavanaugh “organizes their neighborhood’s Fourth of July parade, a procession that lasts for all of two blocks and ends with a barbecue.”
She spoke out this week
During Brett Kavanaugh’s interview on Fox News this week, Martha McCallum asked Ashley Kavanaugh if she doubted her husband. “No,” Ashley Kavanaugh replied. I mean, I know Brett — I’ve known him for 17 years. And this is not at all characteristic. It’s really hard to believe. He’s decent. He’s kind. He’s good. I know his heart. This is not consistent with Brett.”
