Jack Jackson Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jack Jackson Jr.
Member of the Arizona Senate from the 2nd district
In office January 10, 2011 – July 1, 2013
Preceded by	Albert Hale
Succeeded by	Carlyle Begay
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 2nd district
In office January 12, 2003 – January 10, 2005
Personal details
Born	Navajo Nation, Arizona
Political party	Democratic
Residence	Window Rock, Arizona

Jack C. Jackson Jr. is an American lawyer and politician from Arizona. He is a member of the Navajo Nation. As a Democrat, he served in the Arizona Senate. He represented the state's 2nd district in northern Arizona from 2011 until July 2013. He then took a job with the U.S. Department of State. Before that, he was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives. He served there from January 2003 to January 2005.

His father, Jack C. Jackson Sr., also served in the Arizona House. They were the first father and son to serve in the state legislature at the same time.

About Jack C. Jackson Jr.

Jack C. Jackson Jr. has had an important career in law and politics. He has worked to help Native American communities.

Early Life and Education

Jack C. Jackson Jr. was born on the Navajo Nation. His mother's family belongs to the Tó’áhaní (Near The Water) clan. His father's family belongs to the Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) clan. His grandfathers were from the Tábaahá (Water’s Edge) and Áshiihí (Salt) clans. His father, Jack Jackson Sr., was also a politician. He served in the State Legislature for many years.

Jack Jr. went to college and then earned a law degree. He graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in New York in 1989. After law school, he moved to Washington, D.C. There, he began his career helping Native American groups.

Working for Native American Communities

For 12 years, Jack Jackson Jr. worked in Washington, D.C. He represented tribal governments and organizations. He mainly worked with the federal government. He started as a Legislative Associate. He later became Deputy Director for the Navajo Nation Washington Office.

He also worked for other important groups. He was a Legislative Analyst at the National Indian Education Association. He was also the Director of Governmental Affairs for the National Congress of American Indians. In 2000, he was appointed to a special council by President Bill Clinton. This council advised on health issues.

Serving in the Arizona Legislature

In 2002, Jack Jackson Jr. successfully ran for the Arizona State House of Representatives. He served one term from 2003 to 2005. During this time, he worked alongside his father, Jack C. Jackson Sr. His father had served in the Arizona State Legislature since 1985. They made history as the first father and son to serve together in the Arizona State Legislature.

In 2005, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Jackson to a new role. He became the Executive Director of the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs. This office helps Arizona's 22 Indian Nations and Tribes.

In 2010, Jackson Jr. ran for the Arizona Senate. He won the election and took over his father's former Senate seat. In 2010, Legislative District 2 included parts of Flagstaff. It also covered the Navajo Nation and the Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes.

In 2012, Jackson was re-elected to the Senate. He represented the newly drawn Arizona Legislative District 7. This district included all of the state's northern tribes. These were the Hualapai, Havasupai, Kaibab Paiute, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni Pueblo tribes. It also included the White Mountain and San Carlos Apache reservations.

Jackson also served on the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Board. During his time on the board, the Navajo Nation opened its first two casinos. In 2013, he tried to change a state law about marriage. This effort did not pass.