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Beau Biden

Beau Biden was an American lawyer, politician, and Army National Guard officer who served as the 44th attorney general of Delaware from 2007 to 2015.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Beau Biden was an American lawyer, politician, and Army National Guard officer who served as the 44th attorney general of Delaware from 2007 to 2015. He was the eldest son of Joe Biden and Neilia Hunter Biden, and he died in 2015 at age 46 from brain cancer.

Early life and education

Beau Biden was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1969. He studied law and later became a lawyer, following a legal career path similar to that of his father.

Military service

Biden served as an officer in the Delaware Army National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq during the Iraq War and received recognition for his service.

Attorney general of Delaware

He served as attorney general of Delaware from 2007 to 2015. In that role, he was the state's chief law-enforcement officer and legal adviser.

Death and legacy

Biden died in Bethesda, Maryland, in May 2015 after battling brain cancer. His death drew national attention because of his family connection to Joe Biden and his own public career.

Key facts

  • Beau Biden was the eldest child of Joe Biden and Neilia Hunter Biden.
  • He served as Delaware attorney general from 2007 to 2015.
  • He was a member of the Democratic Party.
  • He served in the Delaware Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq.
  • He died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Beau Biden?
Beau Biden was an American lawyer, politician, and Delaware Army National Guard officer who served as attorney general of Delaware from 2007 to 2015.
What was Beau Biden's full name?
His full name was Joseph Robinette Biden III.
When was Beau Biden born?
He was born on February 3, 1969, in Wilmington, Delaware.
How did Beau Biden die?
He died on May 30, 2015, from brain cancer complications.
What office did Beau Biden hold?
He served as the 44th attorney general of Delaware.
How was Beau Biden related to Joe Biden?
He was Joe Biden's eldest son.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beau_Biden
    Supports: Birth date and place, occupations, family relationship, attorney general role, death date
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Beau-Biden
    Supports: Biographical overview, attorney general service, birth and death details
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32949891
    Supports: Death from brain cancer, age at death, family relationship
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/history-culture/beau-biden
    Supports: Law career, National Guard service, death details