Joe Tate (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Tate
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Tate in 2016
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| 78th Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1, 2023 – January 8, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Jason Wentworth |
| Succeeded by | Matt Hall |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 9, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Bettie Cook Scott |
| Constituency | 2nd district (2019–2023) 10th district (2023–2025) 9th district (2025–present) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Joseph Allen Tate
December 13, 1980 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Michigan State University (BA) University of Michigan (MS, MBA) |
| Website | |
Joseph Allen Tate (born December 13, 1980) is an American politician and a former professional football player from Michigan. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Joe Tate has been a member of the Michigan House of Representatives since 2019. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. This is a very important leadership role in the state government.
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Joe Tate's Early Life
Joe Tate was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was the youngest of four children. His father was a firefighter in Detroit. Sadly, his father passed away when Joe was a baby. His mother was a public school teacher in Detroit.
Joe spent his early childhood in Detroit. Later, his family moved to Southfield, Michigan. He went to Southfield-Lathrup High School and graduated in 1999.
College and Football Career
Playing Football at Michigan State
Joe Tate received a football scholarship to attend Michigan State University. He played football for four years, from 2000 to 2003. For three of those years, he was a starting player at left guard.
He was also a great student. He was named Academic All-Big Ten twice. In 2003, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. That year, his team had a good season, winning 8 out of 12 games. They played in the Alamo Bowl against Nebraska.
Joe also helped his community while in college. He received MSU's Community Service and Leadership Award.
Continuing Education
After playing two seasons in the NFL, Joe Tate went back to Michigan State University. He studied for a master's degree in kinesiology. During this time, he also worked as a strength and conditioning assistant coach.
Later, Joe Tate attended the University of Michigan. He earned two master's degrees in 2017. He got an MBA (Master of Business Administration) and an MS (Master of Science).
Playing in the National Football League
Joe Tate finished his studies at Michigan State in 2003. He earned a degree in public policy. After college, he was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an offensive lineman. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons and the St. Louis Rams.
Serving in the Marine Corps
In 2009, Joe Tate decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He became an officer. He served two times in Afghanistan. He was a leader for his infantry unit during Operation Enduring Freedom.
After his time in the Marines, he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Michigan to continue his education.
Joe Tate's Political Career
Starting in Detroit
After finishing his degrees in 2017, Joe Tate worked for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. He was a program manager there. This organization helps Detroit's economy grow.
Becoming a Michigan Representative
On November 6, 2018, Joe Tate was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. He represented District 2. This district includes parts of Detroit and nearby areas like Grosse Pointe Park. He was re-elected for a second term in 2020.
In 2022, the Democratic Party gained control of the Michigan House of Representatives. Joe Tate was then chosen to be the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. He was the first African American to hold this important position.
Due to changes in district maps, Joe Tate ran in the 9th district for the 2024 election. He won re-election and continues to serve the people of Michigan.
