VAL MARMILLION

Personal History

Born Valsin A. Marmillion on April 16, 1950 in Cleveland, Miss. When he was 4, family moved to Houma, La., about 45 miles from New Orleans in Cajun country. The middle of five children, his father was a high school teacher and football coach and his mother a housewife, both descendants of French immigrants. Early interest in politics. Attended Catholic schools for 7 years; graduated from public high school, where he was student body president. Graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where he was president of student union. He is a Catholic.

Work

Went to Capitol Hill in Washington after college as aide to Senate President Pro Tem Allen J. Ellender (D-La.) in 1972. Worked briefly for Sen. Elaine S. Edwards, wife of ex-Louisiana Gov. Edwin W. Edwards, and for 7 years for Rep. John B. Breaux, also a Louisiana Democrat. Respected as Breaux’s administrative assistant. Moved to Los Angeles in 1981 as public relations manager for Atlantic Richfield Co. In 1983, co-founded Hunt/Marmillion/Associates, a Westwood consulting firm specializing in marketing, public relations and public affairs. Firm sold to Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency last month. Will return as senior vice president if he loses primary.

Political Career

Was Louisiana coordinator of President Carter’s 1980 reelection campaign and a floor whip at the Democratic National Convention that year. Directed Breaux’s U.S. Senate race in Louisiana in 1986; credited with running a brilliant campaign to pull off major upset. Ran Democrat Jim Brown’s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in Louisiana in 1987 (Brown finished last in five-person field). Active in Los Angeles arts community. Served on Mayor Bradley’s blue-ribbon Los Angeles Task Force on the Arts formed to consolidate policy of public support for the arts. This is first bid for public office.

Home Life

Lives by himself in one-bedroom condominium in West Hollywood. Seeks to become the first openly homosexual candidate elected to first term in Congress. Personal interests include attending UCLA football and basketball games (he is a major contributor to the university) and racquetball, skiing and swimming. Enjoys California wines and Cajun cooking. Describes himself as tri-coastal: Gulf Coast, East Coast and West Coast.