Later Career
The latter part of Cavanagh's second term was also difficult for him personally, in addition to the pressure from the aftermath of the riots. Cavanagh ran for the United States Senate in 1966 but lost in the Democratic primary to former governor G. Mennen Williams. In July 1967, Cavanaugh's wife Mary Helen filed for separation, and the couple split the custody of their eight children. In October, Cavanaugh counter-sued, and in 1968 the couple went through an embarrassing public divorce trial.
After Cavanaugh left office, he returned to his private law practice in Detroit and taught law at the University of Michigan. In 1974, Cavanagh again ran for office, this time for Governor, but lost in the primary election to Democrat Sander Levin, who later lost in the general election to Republican William Milliken. It was Cavanagh's last attempt at political office.
Jerry Cavanagh died of a heart attack on November 27, 1979 at St. Joseph Hospital on Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, Kentucky. He is buried in Mt. Elliott Cemetery in Detroit.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Louis Miriani |
Mayor of Detroit January 2, 1962 – January 5, 1970 |
Succeeded by Roman Gribbs |
Read more about this topic: Jerome Cavanagh
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