James Sanders Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Sanders Jr.
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_NY_State_Senator_James_Sanders_Jr._during_Senate_Session_at_the_NY_State_Capitol,_Albany_NY_(cropped).jpg) |
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| Member of the New York State Senate from the 10th district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Shirley Huntley |
| Member of the New York City Council from the 31st district |
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| In office January 1, 2002 – January 1, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Juanita Watkins |
| Succeeded by | Donovan Richards |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Sanders Jr.
August 14, 1957 Far Rockaway, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Andrea Stevenson-Sanders |
| Residence | New York City |
| Alma mater | Brooklyn College |
James Sanders Jr. was born in 1957. He is a politician who has served in the New York State Senate since January 2013. He represents the 10th district. This area includes several neighborhoods in Queens, like Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, and parts of Far Rockaway.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Sanders Jr. was born in Far Rockaway, New York. He grew up in the Hammel Houses. He went to public schools in the Rockaways. Later, he attended Brooklyn College. Before his political career, Sanders served in the Marines.
Political Career
James Sanders Jr. has had a long career in public service. He has served in both the New York City Council and the New York State Senate.
New York City Council
In 2001, Sanders was elected to the 31st district of the New York City Council. This was a big win for him. He became the first African-American to lead the Economic Development Committee. This committee helps improve the economy of the city.
In 2009, he ran for reelection and won. He received 40% of the votes. His former District Manager, Donovan Richards, now holds his old council seat.
Supporting Presidential Campaigns
Sanders has also been involved in national politics. In 2007, he supported then-Senator Barack Obama for President. He traveled to different states to help Obama's campaign. He became a delegate for Obama. This meant he represented his district at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Later, in 2015, Sanders supported Senator Bernie Sanders for President. He supported Bernie Sanders again in the 2020 primary elections.
New York State Senate
In 2012, James Sanders Jr. ran for the New York State Senate. He won the election with 56% of the votes. He has been reelected without opposition in the general election ever since.
In 2019, Democrats gained control of the state senate. Sanders was then chosen to be the chairman of the Committee on Banks. This committee deals with laws related to banks.
In 2019, Sanders also introduced a special resolution. This resolution was to recognize October 1 as "China Day" in New York State. This date is the National Day of the People's Republic of China. China's counsel general for New York State, Huang Ping, attended the event and praised the resolution.
Personal Life
In 2005, James Sanders Jr. married his former chief of staff. He has two children from a previous marriage.
