Craig Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Craig Anthony Washington
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 18th district |
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| In office December 9, 1989 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Mickey Leland |
| Succeeded by | Sheila Jackson Lee |
| Member of the Texas Senate from the 13th district |
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| In office January 11, 1983 – January 23, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | Walter Mengden |
| Succeeded by | Rodney Ellis |
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 86th district |
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| In office January 9, 1973 – January 11, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Finnell |
| Succeeded by | Larry Q. Evans |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Craig Anthony Washington
October 12, 1941 Longview, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 5 |
| Residence | Houston, Texas |
| Education | Prairie View A&M University (BS) Texas Southern University (JD) |
| Occupation | Attorney |
Craig Anthony Washington, born on October 12, 1941, is an American lawyer and politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He served in important government roles in Texas, including the Texas State Senate and the United States House of Representatives.
Craig Washington's parents were Roy and Azalia Washington. He finished his studies at Prairie View A&M University in 1966. He first wanted to become a doctor. However, he decided to study law instead. He went to law school at Texas Southern University.
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Political Career
Starting in the Texas House
In 1972, Texas changed how it elected members to its state government. For the first time, people voted for representatives in smaller areas called "single-member districts."
Craig Washington was one of five minority candidates who ran for seats in the Texas House of Representatives. This group was sometimes called the "People's Five." Washington won his election. He represented District 86 in the Texas House from 1973 to 1982.
Moving to the Texas Senate
After serving in the House, Craig Washington was elected to the Texas State Senate. He represented District 13 in the State Senate. He served in this role from 1983 until 1989.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
In 1989, Craig Washington was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He won a special election on December 9, 1989. This election was held to fill a vacant seat for Texas's 18th congressional district. The previous representative, Mickey Leland, had passed away.
Washington was re-elected two more times. He served in the U.S. Congress from December 9, 1989, to January 3, 1995. He sometimes took stands against big government projects. For example, he opposed some spending on the International Space Station.
After Congress
In March 1994, Craig Washington ran for re-election but lost the Democratic primary. He was defeated by Sheila Jackson Lee. She then won the main election in November. Sheila Jackson Lee held the seat until her passing on July 19, 2024.
Since leaving Congress, Craig Washington has continued his work as a lawyer. He practices law in Houston and Bastrop, Texas.
See also
Images for kids
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Craig Washington in 1991, during his time in the U.S. Congress.
