Victoria Jackson-Stanley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Victoria Jackson-Stanley
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Jackson-Stanley in 2018
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| 19th Mayor of the City of Cambridge | |
| In office July 21, 2008 – January 4, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Cleveland Rippons |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Bradshaw |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 20, 1953 USA |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jerome Tollifer Stanley |
| Children | Ericca Louise Stanley |
| Profession | Social worker |
Victoria Jackson-Stanley, born on August 20, 1953, is an American politician. She made history as the first African-American and the first woman to become the mayor of Cambridge, Maryland. A mayor is the leader of a city or town. She helped lead her hometown for many years.
Early Life and Education
Victoria Jackson-Stanley grew up in Cambridge, Maryland. When she was young, schools were separated by race. This meant black students and white students went to different schools.
In the 1970s, schools in Cambridge began to integrate. This meant students of all races could go to the same schools. Victoria Jackson-Stanley was one of the first black students to attend Cambridge High School, which used to be only for white students.
Before becoming mayor, she worked for the Dorchester County Department of Social Services. She was the deputy director there. Victoria Jackson-Stanley lives in Cambridge with her husband, Jerome. They have a daughter and a grandson.
Becoming Mayor
On June 10, 2008, Victoria Jackson-Stanley ran for mayor of Cambridge. This was a non-partisan election, meaning candidates did not run as part of a political party. She faced the current mayor, Cleveland Rippons, in a first round of voting called a primary election.
In the primary, Jackson-Stanley and Rippons received the most votes. This meant they would go on to a second, final election. On July 8, 2008, voters chose Jackson-Stanley to be their new mayor. She won with more votes than Rippons.
People in Cambridge felt that important issues like growing the local economy were more important than a candidate's gender or race. Victoria Jackson-Stanley was sworn in as mayor on July 21, 2008.
Serving as Mayor
Victoria Jackson-Stanley served as mayor for several terms. She won her second term in July 2012. She then served a third term from 2016 to 2020.
In 2020, she ran for re-election but was defeated. Andrew Bradshaw, a local businessman, won the election. Victoria Jackson-Stanley's term as mayor ended on January 4, 2021.
Later Public Service
In June 2024, Victoria Jackson-Stanley was appointed to a new role. The Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, chose her to join the Maryland State Board of Elections. This board helps make sure elections in Maryland are fair and run smoothly.
