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 68) 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 an American politician from New York. He was a member of the New York State Senate. He represented the 10th district from 2000 to 2002. Later, he represented Senate District 14 from 2003 to 2014.

Smith also served as the New York State Senate Majority Leader in 2009. From 2009 to 2010, he was the Temporary President of the New York State Senate. He was the first African-American to hold these important leadership roles. His political career ended in 2014 due to legal challenges.

Early Life and Education

Malcolm Smith grew up in Queens, New York. He went to Fordham University and earned a degree in business administration. He then continued his studies at Adelphi University. There, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He was even recognized for his academic success at Adelphi.

Before becoming a politician, Smith worked in real estate development. In 1985, he became president of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica. He later started his own company, Smith Development Corporation, in 1991. His company built many homes in Queens and Brooklyn. He also worked on big commercial projects. These included the Pathmark Plaza and baseball fields at Roy Wilkins Park.

Political Career Highlights

Smith (right) with Hiram Monserrate in 2009.

Malcolm Smith started his political journey working for Congressman Floyd H. Flake. This was from 1986 to 1991. He also worked for City Councilman Archie Spigner.

Smith was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2000. He became the minority leader in January 2007. After the 2008 elections, Democrats gained more seats in the State Senate. This was the first time in 40 years they had a majority. Smith was then chosen as Majority Leader and Temporary President in January 2009. He made history as the first African American to hold this position.

In June 2009, there was a disagreement about who should lead the Senate. This led to a period of uncertainty. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Smith kept the title of Temporary President of the Senate.

Focus on Community Issues

As a senator, Smith worked on several important issues. He helped start programs to prevent people from losing their homes. These programs offered help and advice across the state.

Smith also worked to reduce gun violence. After a serious shooting incident, he created a special task force. This group looked at ways to improve trust between the public and law enforcement. Some of their ideas were later passed into state law.

Later Political Years

Smith was re-elected to his State Senate seat in 2012. After this, he joined with another group of senators. They formed a partnership with Senate Republicans. This group worked together to govern the Senate.

Smith showed interest in running for mayor of New York City in 2013. However, his attempt to run for mayor faced legal challenges. These challenges led to the end of his political career. In September 2014, Leroy Comrie defeated Smith in the Democratic primary election.

Personal Life

Malcolm Smith is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is married to Michele Lisby-Smith. They have three children named Tracey, Julian, and Amanda.

See also

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