LeRoy J. Jones Jr. facts for kids

LeRoy J. Jones Jr. is an American politician born on September 5, 1957. He served four terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 27th Legislative District. Currently, he is the Chair of the New Jersey Democratic Party. He also leads the Democratic Party in both East Orange and Essex County, New Jersey. Mr. Jones is also a partner at 1868 Public Affairs, a company that helps with government and public issues.

About LeRoy Jones

His Early Life and Education

LeRoy Jones Jr. was born in 1957. He went to Seton Hall University and earned a degree in accounting. Later, he received a master's degree in Business Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Starting His Career

Before his political career, Jones worked as the City Administrator for East Orange, New Jersey for seven years. In this role, he was in charge of the city's $100 million yearly budget. He also held several positions at Public Service Electric and Gas, including Business Development Manager. Today, he is a founding partner of 1868 Public Affairs, a company that advises on government and public relations.

His Time in Government

Serving Essex County and New Jersey

LeRoy Jones served two terms on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1988 to 1993. This board is similar to county commissioners. After that, he served four terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, which is part of the state's law-making body. He represented the 27th Legislative District from 1994 to 2000.

While in the Assembly, Jones was part of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Committee. He also served as Deputy Minority Leader from 1996 to 1998. He was first elected in 1993 alongside Nia Gill, and they were re-elected three more times.

Laws He Proposed

In 1995, Jones suggested a law that would stop the sale of box cutters to anyone under 18 years old. Breaking this rule could lead to a fine and jail time. In 1998, he proposed another law. This law would require children up to age 14 to wear ski helmets when skiing. It would also make ski areas provide helmets for young skiers.

Working for Fairness

In 1998, Jones and Senator Shirley Turner asked for a special group to look into "racial profiling." This means when police unfairly stop or treat people because of their race. Their request was not approved. So, Jones and Turner introduced a bill to create a task force. This group would hold public meetings to investigate racial profiling and unfair job practices within the State Police. Jones believed it was important to challenge unfair procedures.

In 1999, LeRoy Jones Jr. was part of the "New Jersey Legislative Black and Latino Caucus." This group included fifteen Assembly members and five state senators. They held public hearings in different cities to gather information. They also set up a phone number for people to report unfair treatment by the State Police. Many people called to share their experiences. In August 1999, the Caucus released a report about unfair practices within the New Jersey State Police.

Later Political Roles

After the 2000 United States census, the legislative districts changed. Both Jones and Nia Gill were placed in the 34th Legislative District. In 2001, Jones ran for Mayor of East Orange but did not win. In 2003, he ran for a seat in the New Jersey Senate against Gill. Even though he spent more money on his campaign, Gill won the election.

Jones is the Democratic Chairman for both East Orange and Essex County. He was first elected as the East Orange Democratic Municipal Committee Chairman in 2002 and still holds that position. In October 2013, he became the Essex County Democratic Chairman after Phil Thigpen passed away.

In 2009, Jones was the Essex County Campaign Director for Governor Jon Corzine's re-election. He helped Governor Corzine win a large number of votes in New Jersey. He also served as Co-Campaign Chairman for Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo.

In 2012, New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver appointed Jones as a Commissioner of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

In June 2021, Jones was chosen to be the Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. He took over from John Currie. He was re-elected for a full two-year term in January 2022.

Personal life

LeRoy Jones lives in East Orange with his wife, Jacqueline, and their children.