Peter Groff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Groff
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| Member of the Colorado Senate from the 33rd district |
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| In office February 17, 2003 – May 9, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Penfield Tate III |
| Succeeded by | Mike Johnston |
| Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 7th district |
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| In office January 10, 2001 – February 14, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Ben Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Terrance Carroll |
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| Born | April 21, 1963 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Regina |
| Education | University of Redlands (BA) University of Denver (JD) |
Peter C. Groff (born April 21, 1963) is an American politician and lawyer. He served in the Colorado government for many years. He was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives and later the Colorado Senate.
Mr. Groff made history as the first African-American to lead the Colorado Senate. This important role is called the Senate President. Later, he worked for President Barack Obama in the U.S. Department of Education.
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Peter Groff's Early Life and Education
Peter Groff was born in Chicago, Illinois. He went to college at the University of Redlands. There, he studied communications and political science. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1985.
Later, he went to law school at the University of Denver. He earned his law degree in 1992. This education helped him prepare for his career in public service.
First Steps in Public Service
After law school, Peter Groff worked for the city of Denver, Colorado. He was an assistant to a city council member. Then, he worked for Denver's mayor, Wellington Webb.
In 1997, Mr. Groff helped start a special center. It was called the Center for African American Policy. This center is at the University of Denver. He has been its executive director. He also worked as a lawyer.
Peter Groff's Family Life
Peter Groff is married to Rev. Dr. Regina C. Groff. She is a pastor. They have two children together. Their names are Malachi Charles and Moriah Cherie.
Peter Groff's Political Career
Peter Groff was very active in politics in Colorado. He helped with many political campaigns in the 1990s. He worked on campaigns for governors and city council members.
In 2000, he decided to run for office himself. He was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. He was re-elected in 2002.
Joining the Colorado Senate
In 2003, Peter Groff was chosen to join the Colorado Senate. He filled a vacant seat. This made him one of only a few African-American state senators in Colorado's history. He took over the seat that his father, Senator Regis Groff, once held.
He represented Colorado's 33rd Senate district. This district covers parts of northeastern Denver, Colorado.
Leading the Colorado Senate
Peter Groff was known as a thoughtful and effective leader. In 2005, he became the Senate president pro tempore. This is a high-ranking position in the Senate.
In 2008, he became the Senate President. This was a very important moment. He was the first African-American to lead either part of the Colorado General Assembly. This made him the highest-ranking African-American elected official in Colorado.
Work in the Obama Administration
In 2009, Peter Groff was chosen by President Barack Obama. He was asked to lead a special center. This center focused on faith-based initiatives. It was part of the U.S. Department of Education. This was a big step in his career, moving from state to national government.
