Malcolm Smith (American politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Malcolm Smith
Smith in 2013
President pro tempore of the New York State Senate
In office July 9, 2009 – December 31, 2010
Preceded by	Pedro Espada Jr.
Succeeded by	Dean Skelos
Acting Lieutenant Governor of New York
In office January 7, 2009 – June 8, 2009
Governor	David Paterson
Preceded by	Dean Skelos (acting)
Succeeded by	Pedro Espada Jr. (acting)
Majority Leader of the New York State Senate
In office January 7, 2009 – June 8, 2009
Preceded by	Dean Skelos
Succeeded by	Dean Skelos
Member of the New York Senate from the 14th district
In office January 1, 2003 – December 31, 2014
Preceded by	George Onorato
Succeeded by	Leroy Comrie
Member of the New York State Senate from the 10th district
In office January 1, 2000 – December 31, 2002
Preceded by	Alton R. Waldon Jr.
Succeeded by	Ada L. Smith
Personal details
Born	Malcolm Anthony Smith (1956-08-09) August 9, 1956 (age 69) New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Other political affiliations	Independent Democratic Conference (2011–2013)
Spouse	Michele Lisby
Children	4
Education	Fordham University (BA) Adelphi University (MBA)
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Malcolm Anthony Smith (born August 9, 1956) is a former American politician from New York. As a member of the Democratic Party, Smith served in the New York State Senate from 2000 to 2014, representing parts of Queens.

In 2009, Smith became the Senate Majority Leader and Temporary President of the Senate. He was the first African-American politician to hold these powerful jobs. His political career ended in 2014 after he faced serious legal problems.

Early Life and Career

Malcolm Smith was born and raised in Queens, New York. He earned a degree in business from Fordham University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Adelphi University.

Before entering politics, Smith worked in real estate. He started his own company, Smith Development Corporation, in 1991. His company built more than 100 homes in Queens and Brooklyn. He also worked on important community projects, like building a supermarket plaza and baseball fields at Roy Wilkins Park.

Entering Politics

Smith (right) with fellow senator Hiram Monserrate in 2009.

Smith began his political career working for Congressman Floyd H. Flake. He also worked for New York City Councilman Archie Spigner. In 1984, he was part of the team that helped Geraldine Ferraro during her campaign for vice president.

In 2000, Smith was elected to the New York State Senate. He quickly became an important figure. In 2007, his fellow Democrats chose him to be their minority leader.

A Leader in the Senate

After the 2008 elections, the Democratic Party won control of the State Senate for the first time in 40 years. Because of this victory, Smith was chosen as the Senate Majority Leader in January 2009. This made him one of the most powerful politicians in New York State.

However, a few months later, there was a major disagreement among the senators. This event was called the 2009 New York State Senate leadership crisis. For a month, it was unclear who was in charge. When the crisis ended, Smith was given the title of Temporary President of the Senate, while another senator became the Majority Leader.

Work as a Senator

During his time in office, Smith worked on many projects to help his community. He helped get money for a health clinic in Hollis, Queens. He also worked on a project to clean up toxic waste in Jamaica, Queens.

Smith cared about public safety. He helped pass new laws to protect children. He also created a special group to study ways to reduce gun violence and improve trust between the police and the public.

End of Political Career

In 2013, Smith wanted to run for mayor of New York City. Even though he was a Democrat, he tried to run as a member of the Republican Party. To do this, he needed special permission from Republican leaders.

Smith’s attempt to get this permission led to major legal trouble. He was accused of breaking the law to get on the ballot. Because of these issues, he lost his Senate seat in the 2014 election to Leroy Comrie. This marked the end of his career in politics.

Personal Life

Smith is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is married to Michele Lisby-Smith, and they have three children.

See also

• List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States