Keith L. T. Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Keith Wright
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| Chair of the Manhattan Democratic Party | |
| Assumed office September 23, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Denny Farrell |
| Chair of the New York Democratic Party | |
| In office June 5, 2012 – May 21, 2014 Serving with Stephanie Miner (June 2012 – April 2014)
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| Preceded by | Jay Jacobs |
| Succeeded by | David Paterson |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 70th district |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – December 31, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Geraldine Daniels |
| Succeeded by | Inez Dickens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 3, 1955 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Susan Wright |
| Children | 2, including Jordan |
| Education | Tufts University (BA) Rutgers University, Newark (JD) |
Keith L. T. Wright, born on January 3, 1955, is an American politician. He used to be a member of the New York State Assembly. He was first chosen for the Assembly in 1992. He won his election eleven more times after that.
In 2007, he suggested a law about selling violent video games. This law would have limited sales to people under 18. This idea caused some debate among people who play video games. Mr. Wright also wrote a bill to apologize for African slavery in New York. New York was the first Northern state to do this. He also helped create the term "Super-Duper Tuesday". This term describes when many states hold their primary elections on the same day.
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Early Life and Education
Keith Wright went to the Fieldston School. After that, he studied at Tufts University. He did very well there and was on the Dean's Honor List. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1977.
He then continued his studies at Rutgers University. There, he earned a law degree called a Juris Doctor.
Before Becoming an Assembly Member
Before he was elected to the Assembly, Mr. Wright worked as a lawyer. He focused on business and stock market laws. In 1983, he joined the Human Resources Administration (HRA). He worked there as a special assistant.
Later, in 1986, he took an important job. He became the Director of the Uptown Office for David Dinkins. Mr. Dinkins was the Manhattan Borough President at that time. When Mr. Dinkins became Mayor of New York City, Mr. Wright left city government. He then worked for the New York City Transit Authority. He helped with their government relations.
Keith Wright's father, Bruce M. Wright, was also involved in politics. He was a New York State Supreme Court Justice. Keith Wright is married to Susan I. Gayles. They have two sons, Keith "Jared" and Jordan.
Work in the New York Assembly
As an Assemblyman, Keith Wright was a leader in the State Democratic party. He was the chairman of the New York State Assembly Housing Committee. During his time in the Assembly, he also led other important committees. These included committees for election law, social services, and labor.
Assemblyman Wright worked on many different issues. He supported the DREAM Act. This act helps young people who came to the U.S. as children. He also worked to help women and minorities get jobs in certain industries. He wanted to raise the age when young people are treated as adults in court. This would mean 16- and 17-year-olds would not be tried as adults. He also worked to make sure all children could get a good education.
Mr. Wright was a member of the Correction Committee. He was also part of the Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform. He was against the death penalty. He also opposed the Rockefeller Drug Laws. He strongly supported making changes to the justice system. After a sad event involving Alberta Spruill, he introduced a new law. This law aimed to change how "no-knock" search warrants are used. Keith Wright has always lived in Harlem. He is an active member of his community there.
Leadership in the Democratic Party
Keith Wright has been the Chair of the New York County Democratic Committee since September 2009. He also served as the New York County Leader for the Democratic Party. He took over these roles from Denny Farrell. Mr. Farrell had held the position for 28 years.
Supporting Candidates in Elections
In June 2023, Mr. Wright supported Yusef Salaam in the Democratic Primary. This election was for the Harlem City Council seat. Yusef Salaam won that election. He ran against two members of the New York State Legislature. These were Inez Dickens and Al Taylor.
