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 May 28, 1957) is an American lawyer, politician, and minister. He served as the mayor of Compton and later as a U.S. Representative for California. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Walter Tucker was born in Compton, California, on May 28, 1957. His father, Walter R. Tucker, Jr., was a dentist and also served as the mayor of Compton.
Walter Tucker III was a very good student. He graduated from Compton High School in 1974. 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. In 1978, he earned a degree in political science.
He continued his education at Georgetown University Law Center. In 1981, he earned his law degree, called a J.D.. He became a licensed lawyer in California in 1984.
Public Service and Political Career
Becoming Mayor of Compton
Walter Tucker began his career as a lawyer. From 1984 to 1986, he worked for Los Angeles County. He then started his own law practice.
His father, the mayor of Compton, passed away while still in office. Walter Tucker III decided to run for mayor to continue his father's work. He won a special election in 1991.
At 33 years old, he became the youngest mayor in Compton's history. He served as mayor from 1991 to 1992. During this time, there was civil unrest in Los Angeles County.
Serving in Congress
In 1992, Walter Tucker was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress, where laws are made. He ran as a Democrat.
In Congress, he worked on important committees. These included the Committee on Public Works and Transportation. He also served on the House Small Business Committee.
He supported new laws that encouraged kindness among people. He also worked on big projects for his community. He opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement was about trade between countries.
Tucker worked to protect the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. He also helped develop the Alameda Corridor Project. This project improved transportation for goods.
He worked with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Together, they secured money to fix Compton Creek. This helped prevent floods and protect homes nearby.
Ministry Work
After his time in politics, Walter Tucker began a new path. He became active in Christian ministry. He joined Charles Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministry. He served as the Los Angeles area director.
Later, he moved with his family to Chicago. For nine years, he was a pastor there. He led the From the Heart Church Ministries of Chicago.
Today, he is the pastor of the Truth and Love Christian Church. This church is located in Carson, California.
Family Life
Walter Tucker is married to Robin Smith. They have two children together. Their children are named Walter R. Tucker IV and Autumn Monet Tucker. He also has two sisters, Keta and Camillie, and a brother, Kenneth.
See also
