Mark Ridley-Thomas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mark Ridley-Thomas
Ridley-Thomas in 2013
Member of the Los Angeles City Council
In office December 14, 2020 – March 17, 2022 (in suspension Oct. 20, 2021 – Mar. 17, 2022)
Preceded by	Herb Wesson
Succeeded by	Herb Wesson
Constituency	10th district
In office July 1, 1991 – December 1, 2002
Preceded by	Robert C. Farrell
Succeeded by	Bernard Parks
Constituency	8th district
President Pro Tempore of the Los Angeles City Council
In office July 1, 2001 – December 1, 2002
Preceded by	Ruth Galanter
Succeeded by	Cindy Miscikowski
Member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from the 2nd District
In office December 1, 2008 – December 6, 2020
Preceded by	Yvonne Brathwaite Burke
Succeeded by	Holly Mitchell
Chair of Los Angeles County
In office December 6, 2016 – December 5, 2017
Preceded by	Hilda Solis
Succeeded by	Sheila Kuehl
In office December 4, 2012 – December 3, 2013
Preceded by	Michael D. Antonovich (Mayor)
Succeeded by	Don Knabe
Chair Pro Tem of Los Angeles County
In office December 8, 2015 – December 6, 2016
Preceded by	Hilda Solis
Succeeded by	Sheila Kuehl
In office December 6, 2011 – December 4, 2012
Preceded by	Zev Yaroslavsky
Succeeded by	Don Knabe
Member of the California State Senate from the 26th district
In office December 4, 2006 – November 30, 2008
Preceded by	Kevin Murray
Succeeded by	Curren D. Price Jr.
Member of the California State Assembly from the 48th district
In office December 2, 2002 – November 30, 2006
Preceded by	Roderick Wright
Succeeded by	Mike Davis
Personal details
Born	Mark Thomas (1954-11-06) November 6, 1954 (age 70) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Avis Ridley-Thomas
Children	Sebastian and Sinclair Ridley-Thomas
Residences	Los Angeles County, California
Alma mater	Immaculate Heart College University of Southern California

Mark Ridley-Thomas (born November 6, 1954) is an American politician who served in various important roles in California. He was a member of the Los Angeles City Council for two different districts, first from 1991 to 2002, and again from 2020 to 2022. He also served on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 2008 to 2020. Before that, he was a California State Senator from 2006 to 2008 and a California State Assemblyman from 2002 to 2006.

Mark Ridley-Thomas's Early Life and Education

Mark Ridley-Thomas grew up in Los Angeles. He went to Manual Arts High School. After high school, he continued his education at Immaculate Heart College. There, he earned degrees in Social Relations and Religious Studies. Later, he received a Ph.D. in Social Ethics and Policy Analysis from the University of Southern California in 1989.

Before becoming a politician, Ridley-Thomas worked as a high school teacher for a short time. He then became the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles from 1981 to 1991. During this period, he also hosted a public affairs radio show on Pacifica Radio station KPFK-FM in Los Angeles.

Mark Ridley-Thomas's Political Journey

Mark Ridley-Thomas dedicated many years to public service, holding several key positions in California's government.

Serving on the Los Angeles City Council

Ridley-Thomas with San Francisco Mayor Feinstein, Supervisor Burke, and Los Angeles Mayor Riordan in 1984

Ridley-Thomas began his political career on the Los Angeles City Council in 1991. He represented the city's 8th Council District for three terms. During his time on the council, he created the Eighth District Empowerment Congress. This group helped local communities have a stronger voice. In 2002, he also started the African American Voter Registration, Education, and Participation (AAVREP). This was a large effort to help African American and urban voters register and participate in elections in California. He also served as the president pro tem of the council, which is a leadership role.

Representing California in the State Assembly

Due to term limits, Ridley-Thomas could not run for the City Council again in 2003. So, he decided to run for a seat in the California State Assembly. He represented California's 48th district. In the 2002 election, he won with more than 80% of the votes.

In the Assembly, Ridley-Thomas led the Democratic caucus. He strongly supported bringing an NFL team to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This stadium is located in his district. He also helped pass a law to improve Exposition Park. As chairman of the Select Committee on the Los Angeles County Health Care Crisis, he worked to solve problems in Los Angeles hospitals and healthcare. He sponsored a bill to create an Office of Inspector General. This office would help prevent fraud and waste in government agencies.

Becoming a California State Senator

In 2006, Ridley-Thomas ran for the California State Senate. He sought the 26th Senate district seat. He won the Democratic primary with over 87% of the vote. He then faced no Republican opponent in the general election.

As a State Senator, Ridley-Thomas worked with other lawmakers to fight gang violence. They introduced laws to allow tougher sentencing and asset seizures against gang members. He also wrote a bill to help law enforcement deal with racially motivated gang activity. He chaired the Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development. He also served on several other important Senate committees.

Leading as a Los Angeles County Supervisor

Ridley-Thomas with three of his Supervisor colleagues and Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2015

Mark Ridley Thomas Bridge, which comprises part of the Park to Playa Trail, Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles County, California

In 2007, Ridley-Thomas announced he would run for the Second District seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. This seat was being left open by Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke. His main opponent was former LAPD police chief Bernard C. Parks.

Ridley-Thomas received support from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and labor unions. He won the primary election in June by a small margin. Since neither candidate got a majority, they went to a runoff election in November. Ridley-Thomas won the runoff with 62% of the votes. He became the first black man ever elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. In 2012, he won a second term without any opposition. Voters later approved term limits for Supervisors, allowing three terms. In 2015, Ridley-Thomas won his third and final term.

Back to the City Council

In 2020, Mark Ridley-Thomas was elected to the Los Angeles City Council for a fourth time. He represented Council District 10. In October 2021, he announced he would step back from his duties. Two days later, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend him from his role. In March 2022, he was formally removed from the council. Herb Wesson was then appointed to take his place.

Images for kids

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  Ridley-Thomas with San Francisco Mayor Feinstein, Supervisor Burke, and Los Angeles Mayor Riordan in 1984

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  Ridley-Thomas with three of his Supervisor colleagues and Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2015

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  Mark Ridley Thomas Bridge, which comprises part of the Park to Playa Trail, Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles County, California