Gordon Fox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gordon Fox
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| 222nd Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| In office February 11, 2010 – March 22, 2014 |
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| Deputy | Charlene Lima |
| Preceded by | William J. Murphy |
| Succeeded by | Nicholas Mattiello |
| Majority Leader of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| In office January 2003 – February 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Gerard Martineau |
| Succeeded by | Nicholas Mattiello |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 4th district |
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| In office January 5, 1993 – January 2015 |
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| Preceded by | K. Nicholas Tsiongas |
| Succeeded by | J. Aaron Regunberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gordon Dennis Fox
December 21, 1961 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Marcus LaFond (2013–present) |
| Residence | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Alma mater | Rhode Island College (BA) Northeastern University (JD) |
| Profession | Attorney Nightclub owner Politician |
Gordon Dennis Fox (born December 21, 1961) is an American attorney and politician from Providence, Rhode Island. He used to be the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party and was first elected to the state legislature in 1992. Fox resigned from his position in 2014.
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Who is Gordon Fox?
Gordon Fox was elected Speaker on February 11, 2010. He was the first openly gay man from Rhode Island to hold that important office. Fox resigned from the Speakership on March 22, 2014, after an investigation into his actions. He left public office in 2015.
Early Life and Education
Gordon Dennis Fox was born on December 21, 1961, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was one of six children. His mother, Mary Fox, had Cape Verdean heritage, and his father was of Irish-American descent. His father worked as a jewelry polisher, and his mother worked in private homes and later at a golf ball factory. Fox's father passed away when Gordon was eighteen years old.
As a child, Fox and his family lived in Providence. Their home had a view of the Statehouse. Fox went to Classical High School in Providence. He then studied history and political science at Rhode Island College. After that, he earned his law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. While studying, he also worked at a Carvel ice cream shop. He later became an attorney.
Start in Politics
In the mid-1980s, Fox tried to run for the Providence City Council but was not successful. Later, he helped with the campaigns of state representatives Ray Rickman and Patrick J. Kennedy.
Providence Board of Licenses
In 2001, Mayor Buddy Cianci appointed Fox to the Providence Board of Licenses. This board handles permits and rules for businesses. In 2006, he became the vice-chairman of the board. Fox left the Board of Licenses in December 2009.
Serving in the Rhode Island House
Fox was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in November 1992. He represented the 4th district, which included parts of the East Side of Providence. These areas included the Mount Hope, Summit, and Blackstone neighborhoods.
In 1993, Fox supported John B. Harwood for Speaker. He said he supported Harwood because he was different from the previous House leaders. Also, Fox's mentor, George Caruolo, supported Harwood.
In October 2001, Fox became the chairman of the House Finance Committee. This committee handles money matters for the state. A year later, in late 2002, Fox was elected Majority Leader. This meant he was a key leader for his political party in the House.
In 2004, Fox publicly shared that he was gay at a rally supporting marriage equality at the State House. At that time, he was the only openly gay member of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
During his time in the House, Fox worked on several important laws. These included a statewide smoking ban, a program for historic tax credits, and a fund for affordable housing. He also helped pass a mental health equality law and protections for victims of domestic violence. In 2004, he supported a law that made it easier to see what lobbyists were doing.
Becoming Speaker of the House
When William J. Murphy decided to step down as Speaker, Fox showed interest in the job. In October 2009, Murphy supported Fox to take his place. Fox ran against Gregory Schadone and Robert A. Watson. The election was held on February 11, 2010. Fox won with 51 votes. He became the state's first African-American and first openly gay Speaker of the House. He was also the first openly gay house speaker in the United States.
While Fox was Speaker, the General Assembly voted to legalize marriage equality. They also changed the state's pension law, which helped reduce its debt. The Assembly also voted to give a loan to 38 Studios, a video-game company.
End of His Political Career
On March 21, 2014, Gordon Fox's office and home were searched by federal officials. Soon after, on March 22, 2014, Fox resigned as Speaker. Nicholas Mattiello became his successor. Fox remained a member of the House for a short time but did not run for reelection.
In March 2015, Fox admitted to certain actions related to his conduct while in office. He left public office in 2015.
Personal Life
Gordon Fox married Marcus LaFond on November 12, 2013, in Fox's state house office. The couple had a private ceremony in 1998. After Rhode Island passed its marriage equality law, they had an official ceremony. William Guglietta, a Chief Magistrate, performed the ceremony. Their friend Steven M. Costantino was a witness.
Mr. LaFond-Fox works as a hair stylist in Providence.
