Hakeem Jeffries

Hakeem Jeffries is an American politician and attorney who has been serving as a member of the United States House of Representatives since 2013, representing New York's 8th congressional district. The district includes parts of Brooklyn and a small section of Queens, covering neighborhoods such as Fort Greene, Canarsie, and Coney Island.

Early Life and Education

Hakeem Jeffries was born on August 4, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended public schools in the borough before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Binghamton University. He later received a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law.

Career

Before entering politics, Jeffries worked as a corporate lawyer for an international law firm and served as a clerk for the United States District Court judge. His political career began in the New York State Assembly, where he served from 2007 to 2012. During his tenure, he was known for his advocacy on issues such as criminal justice reform and affordable housing.

In 2012, Jeffries was elected to the United States House of Representatives, succeeding Edolphus Towns. As a Congressman, he has been involved in several key committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Committee. Jeffries has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, voting rights, and economic justice.

Political Positions

Jeffries is considered a progressive Democrat, supporting policies such as comprehensive immigration reform, the protection of Social Security, and the Affordable Care Act. He has also been an outspoken critic of police brutality and has pushed for reforms within the criminal justice system.

Personal Life

Jeffries is married and has two children. He remains active in his local community and is a member of various civic organizations in Brooklyn.

See Also

• List of African-American United States Representatives
• Politics of New York