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 |
| Education | Tufts University (BA) Rutgers University, Newark (JD) |
Keith L. T. Wright (born 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 was re-elected eleven times, serving for many years.
In 2007, he suggested a law to limit the sale of violent video games to people under 18. This idea caused a lot of discussion among gamers. Wright also wrote a bill to apologize for African slavery in New York. New York was the first Northern State to make such an apology. He also created the phrase "Super-Duper Tuesday". This term is now used nationwide for a special election primary date.
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Keith Wright's Early Life and Career
Education and First Jobs
Keith Wright went to the Fieldston School. After that, he studied at Tufts University. He did very well there and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977. He then continued his studies at Rutgers University. There he earned a law degree.
Before becoming a politician, Wright worked as a lawyer. He focused on business and financial laws. Later, he joined the Human Resources Administration (HRA). He helped the main lawyer there from 1983 to 1986.
Working for the City
In 1986, Wright took an important job. He became the Director of the Uptown Office for David Dinkins. Dinkins was the Manhattan Borough President at the time. When Dinkins became Mayor of New York City, Wright moved on. He worked for the New York City Transit Authority. He helped with 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.
Keith Wright in the New York Assembly
Leading Important Committees
As an Assemblyman, Keith Wright was a leader in the State Democratic party. He chaired the New York State Assembly Housing Committee. This committee works on housing issues for people in New York. During his time in the Assembly, he also led other key committees. These included committees for election law, social services, and labor.
Making a Difference with New Laws
Assemblyman Wright worked on many different issues. He supported the DREAM Act. This act helps young people get an education. He also worked to help women and minorities get jobs in different industries. He wanted to raise the age when 16- and 17-year-olds are treated as adults in court. This would help them avoid being prosecuted as adults.
Wright also worked to improve education for all children. He was against the death penalty. He also pushed for fairer laws in the justice system. He introduced a law to change "no knock" search warrants. This was after a case where police mistakenly entered the wrong apartment. Keith Wright has always lived in Harlem. He is an active member of his community.
Leading the Democratic Party
Since September 2009, Keith Wright has been the Chair of the New York County Democratic Committee. He also serves as the New York County Leader for the Democratic Party. He took over this role from Denny Farrell, who had held it for 28 years.
In 2023, Wright supported Yusef Salaam. Salaam won the Democratic Primary for the Harlem City Council seat.
