| James Sanders, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| New York City Council | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 2002-01-01 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Sanders, Jr. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Andrea Stevenson-Sanders[1] |
| Residence | New York |
| Alma mater | Brooklyn College |
| Occupation | City councilman |
| Committees | Juvenile Justice, Technology in Government, Women’s Issues, Community Development |
James Sanders Jr. is a member of the New York City Council. He was elected to the New York City Council to represent Queens District 31. This district contains the Rockaways, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, and Rosedale.[2]
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Sanders was born at the Hammel Houses in Far Rockaway. He attended public schools throughout the Rockaways then attended Brooklyn College. As a former Marine, he is one of the few Council members who have served in the armed forces.[3]
Sanders won his seat in an underdog win. He faced off against two other very powerful candidates: James Blake and Charlotte Jefferson. Blake had the support of incumbent councilwoman Juanita Watkins and Jefferson had a similar constituency to Sanders. In an upset Sanders managed to win election for the 31st Council Seat.[4]
In 2002, Sanders was voted the first African-American to sit as Chair of the Economic Development Committee'.[2]
In early 2007, Sanders endorsed Then-Senator Barack Obama for President and traveled to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and South Carolina to campaign for him. He became an Obama delegate and represented his district at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.[2]
In July 2009, Sanders was reported to have shown up for only 61% of City Council meetings for fiscal year 2009, the second-fewest on the list.[5] However, he has attributed this to the near fatal car crash that he had in the fall of 2008 which also injured Community Board District Manager Donovan Richards and friend Mike Duvall.[5][6]
In 2009, he was challenged for reelection from candidates Michael Duncan, Jacques Leandre, and Frederick Lewis.[7] He was re-elected with 40 % of the vote, with his next leading opponent, Jacques Leandre, receiving 19 %.[8]
In 2005, he married his former chief of staff, and retains fatherhood of two children from a previous marriage.[3]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Juanita Watkins |
New York City Council, 31st District 2001–present |
Incumbent |
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