Leah Landrum Taylor facts for kids

Leah Landrum Taylor (born August 23, 1966) is an American politician from the Democratic Party. She served in the Arizona State Legislature, which is like the state's law-making body, for sixteen years. She was first in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2007. After that, she moved to the Senate and served there from 2007 to 2015.

During her time in the legislature, she represented different areas called districts. These districts were the 23rd, 16th, and 27th. The district lines were changed, or redrawn, at the start of each new decade. From January to October 2013, Leah Landrum Taylor was the Senate minority leader. This means she was the main spokesperson for the political party that had fewer members in the Senate. In her last term, she was the only African-American person serving in the Arizona Legislature.

Who is Leah Landrum Taylor?

Leah Landrum Taylor was born on August 23, 1966. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, which is also where she lives now. She went to Arizona State University for her education. After college, she worked as a businesswoman and an educator, which means she taught people. She is married to Gregory.

What is a State Legislature?

A state legislature is a group of elected people who make laws for a state. It's similar to the U.S. Congress, but it works at the state level. Most state legislatures, like Arizona's, have two parts: a House of Representatives and a Senate.

The House of Representatives

The Arizona House of Representatives is usually the larger part of the legislature. Its members are elected to represent smaller areas within the state. They propose new laws and vote on them.

The State Senate

The Arizona Senate is typically the smaller part. Its members represent larger areas or districts. The Senate also votes on laws and often has special powers, like approving certain appointments made by the state's governor.

What is a Political District?

A political district is an area on a map that is drawn for elections. People living in that district vote for someone to represent them in the legislature. The number of people in each district is usually about the same.

Why are Districts Redrawn?

Districts are redrawn every ten years after the U.S. Census. The Census counts how many people live in different areas. If some areas grow or shrink a lot, the district lines need to be changed. This makes sure that each person's vote counts equally.

What is a Minority Leader?

In a legislature, the minority leader is the main leader of the political party that has fewer members. Their job is to speak for their party, organize their members, and try to influence new laws. They work to make sure their party's ideas are heard.

Community Involvement

Leah Landrum Taylor is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, which is a sorority. Sororities are social and service organizations, often for college women, that focus on friendship, community work, and personal growth.