Fred Durhal Jr. facts for kids

Fred Durhal Jr. (December 27, 1951 – November 19, 2025) was an American politician. He served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He worked to improve his community and state.

Who Was Fred Durhal Jr.?

Early Life and Education

Fred Durhal Jr. was born on December 27, 1951. His birthplace was Rochester, New York. His parents were Doris Jean and Fred Durhal Sr. In 1952, his family moved to Detroit.

He attended schools in Detroit. He graduated from Detroit's Northwestern High School (Michigan). Later, he studied at Wayne State University. He also attended Wayne County Community College District and the University of Phoenix. His studies focused on Political Science and Government Administration. Fred Durhal Jr. was a father to six children.

A Career in Public Service

Fred Durhal Jr. dedicated his life to public service. He held many important roles. These roles helped communities and the state of Michigan.

Helping Communities Before Office

Before becoming a state representative, Durhal worked to help his community. He was the Executive Director of the Virginia Park Citizens District Council. This group worked to rebuild a Detroit neighborhood. This area had faced challenges during a difficult time in 1967.

He also served as an assistant to Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young. He was a District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Rose Collins. Durhal worked as a Community Development Specialist. He also managed programs for the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority. He was the first Black Political Director of the Michigan State Democratic Party.

Serving in the Michigan House

Fred Durhal Jr. was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2002. There was a legal disagreement about scheduling the election. Durhal took the matter to court and won the right for the election to happen. He then won the vacant seat.

He served for three and a half terms. This made him the "Dean" of the legislature. This title meant he had the most seniority among the members. He was re-elected in 2008. That year, Barack Obama was elected as the first Black U.S. President.

Important Laws and Achievements

During his time as a state representative, Durhal achieved many things. He was the Appropriations Chair of General Government. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Corrections Appropriations Sub Committee.

He helped create the Michigan Amber Alert Acts. These acts help find missing children quickly. He also sponsored the Detroit Bankruptcy 'Grand Bargain' Act. This act helped Detroit recover from a major financial challenge. It transferred state funds to the city. This helped save pensions for many city workers. Fred Durhal Jr. had many laws signed into effect.

Legacy and Passing

Fred Durhal Jr. was a dedicated public servant. He worked hard for the people of Michigan. He passed away on November 19, 2025. He was 73 years old. His work left a lasting impact on his community and state.