Kevin Parker (New York politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kevin Parker
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NYS_Senator_Kevin_Parker_(cropped).jpg) |
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| Member of the New York State Senate from the 21st district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Carl Kruger |
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| Born | March 6, 1967 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Pennsylvania State University (BS) |
Kevin Parker (born March 6, 1967) is an American politician. He serves in the New York State Senate. He represents the 21st district. This district covers parts of Brooklyn neighborhoods. These include East Flatbush, Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Park Slope, and Windsor Terrace. Parker is a member of the Democratic Party. He was first elected to the Senate in 2002.
Parker also ran for other offices. He ran for New York City Council in 2001. In 2021, he ran for New York City Comptroller. He was not successful in these elections.
Parker is currently running for two positions. He is seeking to become the New York City Comptroller in 2025. He is also running for Brooklyn Borough President in 2025.
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Early Life and Education
Kevin Parker is the son of Sonie and Georgie Parker. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He went to P.S. 193 and Andries Hudde I.S. 240. He also attended Midwood High School.
Parker later studied at Pennsylvania State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree there. His degree was in Public Service.
Early Career in Public Service
Before becoming an elected official, Parker worked in public service. He was an aide to New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall. A Comptroller manages a government's money.
He also worked as a New York City Urban Fellow. This role was under Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger. A Borough President leads one of New York City's five main areas.
In 2001, Parker ran for the New York City Council. He ran in the Democratic primary election. He finished fifth in that race.
Serving in the New York State Senate
Senate Elections
In 2002, Kevin Parker ran for a new State Senate seat in Brooklyn. He won the Democratic primary against Noach Dear. This was a very close election. After winning the primary, he won the general election. This is how he first became a State Senator.
In 2008, Parker faced strong challenges. Two New York City Councilmembers ran against him. They were Simcha Felder and Kendall Stewart. Parker won the primary election. He received just under 50% of the votes.
Important Laws and Votes
As a State Senator, Kevin Parker has voted on many important laws. On June 24, 2011, he voted for the Marriage Equality Act. This law allowed same-sex marriage in New York. It was signed into law that same evening.
After Democrats gained control of the Senate in 2018, Parker became a leader. He was named Chair of the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications. This committee deals with energy and communication issues. By March 2019, he was also serving as Majority Whip.
In 2019, the State Senate passed the Reproductive Health Act. Parker voted in favor of this bill. Then-Governor Andrew Cuomo signed it into law. In May 2019, a bill Parker supported also passed. This bill aimed to ban firearms that cannot be detected.
In 2020, Parker sponsored a bill to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This law stopped utility companies from turning off services. It applied during the pandemic and other emergencies. Governor Cuomo signed it on June 17, 2020.
Another important bill Parker sponsored became law on October 14, 2020. This bill made Juneteenth (June 19) an official state holiday. Juneteenth celebrates the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. This happened more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
In 2021, Parker introduced a bill again. This bill would require NYPD officers to live in New York City.
2021 New York City Comptroller Campaign
Kevin Parker ran for New York City Comptroller in 2021. He announced his plan to run in the Democratic primary. Other candidates included NYS Senator Brian Benjamin and NYC Council member Brad Lander.
By January 15, 2021, Parker was fifth in fundraising. He had raised about $122,000. He finished sixth in the Democratic primary election. Brad Lander won that primary.
2025 New York City Comptroller Campaign
Kevin Parker has announced he is running for New York City Comptroller again. This election will take place in 2025.
Some political leaders had supported Parker before. However, New York County Democratic Party Chair Keith Wright and State Senator Robert Jackson changed their support. They now endorse New York City Councilman Justin Brannan for Comptroller.
