Alton Waldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alton Waldon
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| Judge of the New York Court of Claims | |
| In office January 10, 2000 – c. 2009 |
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| Appointed by | George Pataki |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 6th district |
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| In office June 10, 1986 – January 3, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph P. Addabbo |
| Succeeded by | Floyd Flake |
| Member of the New York Senate from the 10th district |
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| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Andrew Jenkins |
| Succeeded by | Malcolm Smith |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 33rd district |
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| In office January 1, 1983 – June 10, 1986 |
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| Preceded by | John T. Flack |
| Succeeded by | Barbara M. Clark |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alton Ronald Waldon Jr.
December 21, 1936 Lakeland, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | June 9, 2023 (aged 86) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | John Jay College (BS) New York Law School (JD) |
| Occupation | Judge |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1956–1959 |
| Rank | Specialist 4 |
Alton Ronald Waldon Jr. (born December 21, 1936 – died June 9, 2023) was an American politician and judge from New York. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the United States House of Representatives for a short time in 1986. He also worked in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 1986. Later, he was in the New York State Senate from 1991 to 2000.
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Early Life and School
Alton Waldon Jr. was born in Lakeland, Florida. He went to Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York. He finished high school in 1954.
He continued his education at John Jay College in New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree there in 1968. Then, he studied law at New York Law School in New York City. He received his law degree in 1973.
Career Highlights
Military Service and City Work
Alton Waldon served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959. After his military service, he worked for the government. In 1975, he became the Deputy Commissioner of Human Rights for New York State. He also worked as a lawyer for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Serving in the New York State Assembly
From 1983 to 1986, Waldon was a member of the New York State Assembly. This is part of New York's state government that makes laws. He was a delegate for the Democratic Party. This meant he helped choose the party's candidate for president in 1984 and 1988.
Working in the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1986, a special election was held. This was to fill a vacant seat in the United States House of Representatives. Alton Waldon won this election as a Democrat. He served in Congress from June 10, 1986, to January 3, 1987.
He made history as the first African-American person elected to Congress from Queens, New York. In September 1986, he tried to win a full term. However, he lost in the Democratic primary election to Floyd H. Flake. After this, Waldon was appointed to the New York State Commission of Investigation.
Serving in the New York State Senate
Alton Waldon continued his public service. He became a member of the New York State Senate in 1991. He served there until 1999. The State Senate is another part of New York's state government. In 1998, he tried again to win his old congressional seat. However, he was defeated by Gregory Meeks.
Becoming a Judge
In June 1999, Alton Waldon was nominated to become a judge. He was chosen to serve on the New York Court of Claims. This court handles cases where people sue the state of New York. The State Senate approved his nomination in December 1999.
See also
