Charniele Herring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charniele Herring
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Herring in 2010
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| Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Terry Kilgore |
| In office January 8, 2020 – January 12, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Todd Gilbert |
| Succeeded by | Terry Kilgore |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates | |
| Assumed office January 26, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Brian Moran |
| Constituency | 46th district (2009–2024) 4th district (2024–present) |
| Chair of the Virginia Democratic Party | |
| In office December 8, 2012 – March 15, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Brian Moran |
| Succeeded by | Dwight Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charniele LeRhonda Herring
September 25, 1969 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | George Mason University (BA) Catholic University (JD) |
Charniele Herring (born September 25, 1969) is an American politician. She has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2009. This is a group of people who make laws for the state of Virginia. She represents the 4th district, which includes parts of Alexandria and Fairfax County. These areas are close to Washington, D.C..
Charniele Herring is currently the Majority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates. This means she is a very important leader for the Democratic Party in the House. She became the first African-American person to lead the Democratic Party of Virginia in 2012. In 2020, she also became the first woman and first African-American to be the Majority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates.
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About Charniele Herring
Charniele Herring was born in the Dominican Republic. Her father was in the Army, so her family moved around a lot when she was a child. When she was 16, her mother lost her job. They lived in a homeless shelter for about six months.
Education and Early Life
Charniele Herring studied ballet for three years. She went to George Mason University and earned a degree in economics in 1993. Later, she studied law at The Catholic University of America and became a lawyer in 1997. She also volunteered with a program called AmeriCorps VISTA. This program helps communities in need.
Her Journey in Politics
Charniele Herring started getting involved in politics at a young age. When she was 13, she spoke to a government group. She talked about health care for children whose parents were in the military.
Starting in Virginia Politics
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine chose Charniele Herring to be part of the state's Council on the Status of Women. This council works on issues important to women. In 2006, she attended a special program at the University of Virginia. It helps people learn how to be political leaders.
Joining the Virginia House of Delegates
In 2008, a delegate named Brian Moran left his seat in the House. Charniele Herring decided to run for the open position. She won the Democratic nomination. In a special election in January 2009, she won by a very small number of votes. She officially became a delegate on January 26, 2009.
Charniele Herring was the first African-American woman elected to represent Northern Virginia in the General Assembly. She was chosen to lead the Democratic Party in Virginia from 2012 to 2014. In 2015, she became the Chair of the House Democratic group. When the Democratic Party gained control of the House in 2019, she was elected as the Majority Leader. She held this role until 2021.
Current Roles and Focus
Currently, Charniele Herring leads the Courts of Justice Committee. She is the first woman and first African-American to hold this important role. This committee deals with laws about courts and justice. She is also a member of other important committees.
Charniele Herring has worked for many years to improve criminal justice laws in Virginia. She was the Chair of the Crime Commission in 2020. This group studies crime and suggests new laws.
Images for kids
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Herring in 2010
