Harold Metts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harold Metts
President pro tempore of the Rhode Island Senate
In office January 3, 2017 – January 5, 2021
Preceded by	William Walaska
Succeeded by	Hanna Gallo
Member of the Rhode Island Senate from the 6th district
In office January 2005 – January 5, 2021
Preceded by	Dominick J. Ruggerio
Succeeded by	Tiara Mack
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 19th district
In office January 1985 – December 31, 1998
Preceded by	???
Succeeded by	Aisha Abdullah-Odiase
Personal details
Born	(1947-10-06) October 6, 1947 (age 78) Lexington, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Roger Williams University (BA) Bryant University Rhode Island College (MEd)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1970–1976
Unit	Rhode Island National Guard

Harold M. Metts (born October 6, 1947) is an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Rhode Island Senate for District 6 from January 2005 to January 2021. Harold Metts was the second African American person to serve in the Rhode Island Senate, following Charles D. Walton. Before joining the Senate, Metts also served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from January 1985 to December 31, 1998.

About Harold Metts

Early Life and Education

Harold Metts was born in Lexington, Virginia. He studied at several universities. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Roger Williams University. He also received his teaching certificate from Bryant College, which is now known as Bryant University. Later, he earned his Master of Education (MEd) degree from Rhode Island College.

Political Career in Rhode Island

Harold Metts had a long career in politics in Rhode Island. He first served in the Rhode Island General Assembly as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He was elected to represent House District 19 in 1984. He was re-elected several times, serving until the end of 1998.

After a break, Metts returned to the General Assembly in 2005. This time, he was elected to the Rhode Island Senate for District 6. He served in the Senate for many years, from January 2005 until January 2021. During his time in the Senate, he held an important leadership position. From 2017 to 2021, he was the President pro tempore of the Rhode Island Senate. This role means he was a leader who could step in if the main President of the Senate was not available.

In 2020, Harold Metts ran for re-election in the Democratic primary. However, he was challenged by Tiara Mack and did not win the primary election. His term in the Senate ended in January 2021.

More Information

• Official page: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/senators/Metts at the Rhode Island General Assembly
• Harold Metts at Ballotpedia
• Harold M. Metts at the National Institute on Money in State Politics