Walter R. Tucker III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Tucker
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 37th district |
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| In office January 3, 1993 – December 15, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Mervyn Dymally (redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Juanita Millender-McDonald |
| Mayor of Compton | |
| In office 1991–1992 |
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| Preceded by | Walter R. Tucker Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Omar Bradley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Walter Rayford Tucker III
May 28, 1957 Compton, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Princeton University University of Southern California (BA) Georgetown University (JD) |
Walter Rayford Tucker III, born on May 28, 1957, is an American lawyer, politician, and minister. He served as the mayor of Compton, California and later as a U.S. Representative for California. His career has focused on public service and community leadership.
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Early Life and Education
Walter Tucker was born in Compton, California. His father, Walter R. Tucker, Jr., was a dentist and also served as the mayor of Compton. Walter Tucker III followed in his father's footsteps in public service.
School and College Years
In 1974, Walter Tucker graduated from Compton High School. He was the top student in his class, known as the valedictorian. After high school, he attended Princeton University for two years. He then went to the University of Southern California, where he earned a degree in political science in 1978.
Becoming a Lawyer
Walter Tucker continued his education at Georgetown University Law Center. He earned his law degree (a J.D.) in 1981. By 1984, he was officially allowed to practice law in California.
Public Service Career
Walter Tucker has dedicated much of his life to serving the public. He worked as a lawyer before becoming a mayor and then a member of Congress.
Serving as Mayor of Compton
From 1984 to 1986, Tucker worked as a deputy lawyer for Los Angeles County. After that, he started his own law practice. When his father, who was the mayor of Compton, passed away, Walter Tucker III ran in a special election to take his place. He won and became the youngest mayor in Compton's history at 33 years old. He served as mayor from 1991 to 1992. During his time as mayor, he helped lead the city through a period of civil unrest in Los Angeles County.
Work in the U.S. Congress
In 1992, Walter Tucker was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented California as a Democrat. In Congress, he worked on important committees, including the Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the House Small Business Committee.
Key Achievements in Congress
During his time in Congress, Tucker worked on several important projects. He supported legislation that encouraged "Random Acts of Kindness". He also opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Tucker fought to keep the Long Beach Naval Shipyard open. He also worked to ensure the successful development of the Alameda Corridor Project, which improved transportation. Additionally, he collaborated with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to get federal money. This funding helped repair Compton Creek, which protected homes from potential flood damage.
Ministry and Community Work
After his time in politics, Walter Tucker began a new path in Christian ministry. He has dedicated himself to helping others through faith-based organizations.
Becoming a Minister
Walter Tucker started his active ministry work. He later joined the Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles as a manager for their Helps Ministry. He then worked with Charles Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministry, serving as the Los Angeles area director.
Leading Churches
Walter Tucker and his family moved to Chicago, where he served as a pastor for the From the Heart Church Ministries of Chicago for nine years. Today, he is the pastor of the Truth and Love Christian Church in Carson, California.
Personal Life
Walter Tucker is married to Robin Smith. They have two children named Walter R. Tucker IV and Autumn Monet Tucker. He also has two sisters, Keta and Camillie, and a brother, Kenneth.
See also
