Randy Daniels facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Randy Daniels
Daniels receiving awards from the New York Sergeant's Benevolence Association during 2007 Support the Troops gala
61st Secretary of State of New York
In office 2001 – 2005
Governor	George Pataki
Preceded by	Alexander Treadwell
Succeeded by	Christopher Jacobs
First Deputy Mayor of New York City
In office 1992 – 1992
Mayor	David Dinkins
Preceded by	William Lynch Jr.
Personal details
Born	1950 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Republican (since 2002)
Other political affiliations	Democratic (1986–2002)
Spouse	Sallie Manzanet-Daniels
Children	2 and 1 step-daughter
Residences	Westchester, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Southern Illinois University (BA)

Randy Daniels (born 1950) is an American businessman, politician, and journalist. He served as the Secretary of State of New York from 2001 to 2005.

Daniels was chosen to join the board of trustees for the State University of New York in 1997. He is currently the vice chairman of this board. Before that, he was a senior leader at the Empire State Development Corporation, working on economic growth. Former governor George Pataki nominated him for both these important jobs. In 2006, Daniels tried to become the Governor of New York for the Republicans, but he was not chosen.

Daniels also worked as a communications director for the New York City Council President's Office from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, he became the press secretary for the prime minister of the Bahamas. For a short time in 1992, he was the Deputy Mayor of New York City under Mayor David Dinkins. Before working in government, Daniels was a reporter for CBS News and taught journalism at a university.

Early Life and Education

Randy Daniels grew up in Chicago in a public housing area with his nine brothers and sisters. His family later moved to Markham, Illinois. He earned a bachelor's degree in government and journalism from Southern Illinois University. He started his career as a journalist and later worked in public relations.

His wife, Sallie Manzanet-Daniels, was appointed as a New York State Judge in 2009 by Governor David Paterson.

Career Highlights

Journalism and Teaching

Daniels began his journalism career in Chicago as a reporter for WVON radio. He then joined CBS News in the 1970s. He worked as a war correspondent, reporting from different war zones. In 1977, he became their Africa Bureau Chief, leading news coverage from Africa. He was often seen on the evening news, covering eight wars and the Iranian Revolution. During this time, he also taught journalism part-time at the City College of New York and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

Public Service and Politics

In 1986, Daniels became the communications director for Andrew Stein, who was the president of the New York City Council. Later, in 1988, he became the press secretary for the prime minister of the Bahamas.

Daniels started his political career as a Democrat. However, in 2002, he changed his political party to Republican. He briefly served as the deputy mayor of New York City under former mayor David Dinkins. In 2001, he was appointed as the Secretary of State for New York by Governor Pataki, serving until 2005. He was also considered as a possible running mate for Governor Pataki in 2002, to run for lieutenant governor.

In 2006, Daniels ran for the Republican nomination for Governor of New York. He was known as a strong speaker and gained support from party leaders in Central New York, especially in Syracuse. He also received support from leaders of the state's Conservative Party.

On April 9, 2006, it was reported that Daniels would end his campaign and support John Faso for governor. He stated he was not trying to become Faso's running mate for lieutenant governor. Faso later chose C. Scott Vanderhoef as his running mate.

Daniels was thought to be a possible future candidate for Governor of New York. However, he has said he does not plan to run for office again. He prefers to support Republicans from the private business world.

Business Ventures

From 2007 to 2015, Daniels was the vice chairman of Gilford Securities Incorporated. He now works as a managing director at Pickwick Capital Partners, LLC. This company is an investment banking firm located in White Plains, New York, which helps businesses with financial matters.