Joe Neal (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Neal
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| President pro tempore of the Nevada Senate | |
| In office 1991–1991 |
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| Member of the Nevada Senate from the 4th district |
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| In office 1973–2004 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | July 28, 1935 Mound, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 31, 2020 (aged 85) Henderson, Nevada, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Estelle DeConge |
| Education | Southern University (BA) |
Joseph M. Neal Jr. (born July 28, 1935 – died December 31, 2020) was an important American politician. He served in the Nevada Senate for many years, from 1973 to 2004. He made history as the very first African-American state senator in Nevada. During his time, he held important leadership roles, like being the Minority Floor leader and the President pro tempore.
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Who Was Joe Neal?
Joseph M. Neal Jr., often known as Joe Neal, was a respected figure in Nevada politics. He was born on July 28, 1935, and passed away on December 31, 2020. For over 30 years, he worked as a state senator, helping to make laws and represent the people of Nevada. His long career showed his dedication to public service.
Early Life and Education
Joe Neal was born in a place called Mound, Louisiana. When he was younger, he served in the United States Air Force, which is a branch of the U.S. military. After his military service, he moved to Nevada in 1964. He continued his education at Southern University, where he studied political science and history. These studies helped prepare him for his future in government.
A Long Career in Public Service
Joe Neal's political journey was remarkable. He became a member of the Nevada Senate in 1973. A state senator is someone elected by citizens to represent their district in the state's government. They help create and vote on laws that affect everyone in the state. Joe Neal was the first African-American person to hold this position in Nevada, which was a very significant achievement.
During his time in the Senate, he took on leadership roles. In 1989, he was the Minority Floor leader, which means he led the senators from the political party that had fewer members. In 1991, he became the President pro tempore. This role means he was a temporary president of the Senate, stepping in when the main president was not available.
Joe Neal retired from the Senate in 2004. At that time, he had served longer than any other state senator in Nevada's history! In 2005, he was honored by being inducted into the Nevada Senate Hall of Fame, a special recognition for his many years of service. In 2002, he also ran for the position of Governor of Nevada, though he was not elected.
Family and Legacy
Joe Neal married Estelle Ann DeConge in 1965. They had five children together: Charisse, Tania, Withania, Dina Amelia, and Joseph. Estelle passed away in 1997.
His family's involvement in public service continued. His daughter, Dina Neal, followed in his footsteps. She served in the Nevada Assembly, another part of the state government, from 2010 to 2020. In 2020, Dina Neal was elected to her father's former seat in the Nevada Senate, continuing the family's legacy of serving the people of Nevada.
Joe Neal passed away on December 31, 2020, at the age of 85, after a period of illness. He is remembered for his pioneering work and his dedication to his state.
