Dan Blue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dan Blue
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| Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate | |
| In office March 2, 2014 – January 1, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Martin Nesbitt |
| Succeeded by | Sydney Batch |
| Member of the North Carolina Senate from the 14th district |
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| Assumed office May 19, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Vernon Malone |
| Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1, 1991 – January 1, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Josephus Mavretic |
| Succeeded by | Harold Brubaker |
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office November 2, 2006 – May 19, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Bernard Allen |
| Succeeded by | Rosa Gill |
| Constituency | 33rd district |
| In office January 1, 1981 – January 1, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | William Creech Robert Farmer William Holroyd Joseph Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Bernard Allen (redistricted) |
| Constituency | 15th district (1981–1983) 21st district (1983–2003) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 18, 1949 Lumberton, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Edna |
| Education | North Carolina Central University (AB) Duke University (JD) |
Daniel Terry Blue Jr. (born April 18, 1949) is an important American politician and lawyer. He currently serves in the North Carolina Senate, representing the 14th district. He is also the leader of the minority party in the Senate.
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Early Life and Education
Dan Blue was born in Lumberton, North Carolina. He went to North Carolina Central University. Later, he studied law at the Duke University School of Law. After finishing school, he started his own law practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is also a member of a fraternity called Alpha Phi Alpha.
Political Career
Dan Blue has had a long and important career in North Carolina politics. He has served in both the state's House of Representatives and the Senate.
Serving in the North Carolina Senate
In 2009, Dan Blue was chosen by local Democrats to join the North Carolina Senate. He took the place of Senator Vernon Malone, who had passed away. Blue officially joined the Senate on May 19, 2009.
In 2014, his fellow Democratic senators chose him to be the minority leader. This happened when Senator Martin L. Nesbitt had to step down due to health issues. After the 2014 elections, Blue was elected to a full term as minority leader.
Serving in the North Carolina House
Before joining the Senate, Dan Blue served in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He was a member from 1981 to 2002. He returned to the House from 2006 until he moved to the Senate in 2009. He represented parts of Raleigh, the state capital.
From 1991 to 1994, Blue was the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives. This is a very powerful position. He was the first—and so far, the only—African American to hold this job in North Carolina.
From 1998 to 1999, Blue also served as the first African-American President of the National Conference of State Legislatures. This is a group that helps state lawmakers across the country.
In 2002, he ran for the U.S. Senate but did not win. In 2006, he returned to the North Carolina House. He was chosen to fill the seat after his successor, Bernard Allen, passed away. Governor Mike Easley officially appointed Blue to the legislature on November 2, 2006. He served the rest of Allen's term and then began a full term in January 2007.
Other Work and Leadership
Beyond his work in the legislature, Dan Blue has held other important roles. He serves on the board of trustees for Duke University. In 2009, he was elected chairman of Duke's board. He was the first African American to lead Duke's board.
After leaving the North Carolina House of Representatives for a time, Blue returned to his law practice. He also worked as a lobbyist, helping cities with issues related to energy.
Personal Life
Dan Blue is married to Edna, and they have three children. His daughter, Kanika, is a law professor at Campbell Law School. Kanika is married to Jeff Capel III, who is a college basketball coach. Blue's son, Dan III, ran for North Carolina State Treasurer in the 2016 elections.
