Vincent Hughes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vincent Hughes
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Hughes in 2021
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| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 7th district |
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| Assumed office November 21, 1994 |
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| Preceded by | Chaka Fattah |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 190th district |
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| In office January 6, 1987 – November 21, 1994 |
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| Preceded by | James Barber |
| Succeeded by | Michael Horsey |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Vincent J. Hughes
October 26, 1956 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Residences | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Temple University |
| Signature |  |
Vincent J. Hughes was born on October 26, 1956. He is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. Since 1994, he has been serving in the Pennsylvania State Senate. He represents the 7th District in Pennsylvania. Before that, he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 190th District from 1987 to 1994.
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Early Life and Education
Vincent Hughes was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents were James and Ann Hughes. After finishing his studies at Temple University, he worked at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a library administrator there. He also worked as an official for a labor union called District Council 47. This union is part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Political Career
In 1984, Vincent Hughes first tried to become a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He ran for the 199th District. However, he lost to the person who already held the position, James Barber. Hughes tried again in 1986 and won the chance to represent the Democratic Party. In the main election, he won against his opponent, Sandra R. Kellar. He won by a large amount, with 89% of the votes.
As a member of the State House, he led the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. He was the chairman from 1991 to 1994.
Moving to the State Senate
In 1994, a politician named Chaka Fattah left his job in the State Senate. He wanted to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Vincent Hughes was then chosen to take his place as a State Senator. He won a special election on November 21, 1994. He has been representing the 7th District ever since.
As a State Senator, he has held several important roles. He was the Deputy Minority Whip from 2005 to 2006. He was also the Minority Caucus Secretary from 2007 to 2008. From 2009 to 2010, he served as the Minority Caucus Chair. In 2011, he became the Minority Chair of the Appropriations Committee. This committee handles how the state's money is spent.
In February 2012, Hughes voted for a bill called House Bill 1950. This bill changed how local towns could protect themselves from issues caused by gas drilling.
Currently, Vincent Hughes is the top Democratic member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. This means he helps decide how the state's money is used.
Committee Roles
For the 2025-2026 session, Vincent Hughes is part of several important committees in the State Senate:
- Appropriations (He is the Minority Chair, meaning he leads the Democratic members on this committee)
- Intergovernmental Operations
- Rules & Executive Nominations
Personal Life
Vincent Hughes is a trustee at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. He met actress, singer, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph in 2003. They got married in 2005. Both Vincent Hughes and Sheryl Lee Ralph had two children from previous relationships.
