Christopher John England (born August 19, 1976) is an American politician and the former chair of the Alabama Democratic Party. He serves in the Alabama House of Representatives. England was the first black chairman of either major political party in the history of the state of Alabama.[1]
Chris England | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chair of the Alabama Democratic Party | |
| In office November 2, 2019 – August 13, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Nancy Worley |
| Succeeded by | Randy Kelley |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 70th district | |
| Assumed office November 8, 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Bryant Melton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Christopher John England August 19, 1976 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Howard University (BA) University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (JD) |
Early life and education
editEngland was born on August 19, 1976. His father, John H. England Jr., is a former judge of the 6th Circuit Court in Alabama, former Tuscaloosa City Council member, and served as a justice on the Alabama Supreme Court from 1999 to 2000.
England received his Bachelor of Arts from Howard University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has served on the board of directors of the Police Athletic League and PRIDE.[2]
Career
editEngland is a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 70th District unopposed since 2006. In December 2018, England was elected caucus chair of the House Democratic Caucus.[3] England also serves as Associate City Attorney in the City of Tuscaloosa, handling Claims, Franchise Agreements, and Tax Issues.[4]
Voting Rights Act
editIn 2023, the Supreme Court ruled Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act with discriminatory congressional districts that disproportionately enfranchised White voters over Black voters.[5][6] England voted in dissent of the discriminatory districts and condemned the Alabama House of Representatives for letting the "dead bury the living" with the specter of racism, receiving national media attention.[5]
References
edit- ^ Moseley, Brandon (4 November 2019). "England elected first Black Chairman in Alabama Democratic Party history". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
- ^ "Chris England's Biography". VoteSmart. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
- ^ Staff Report (11 January 2019). "State Rep. Chris England earns Tuscaloosa appointments". Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
- ^ "City of Tuscaloosa". Retrieved 21 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Why Alabama Republicans may be plotting something bigger with defiance of Supreme Court". MSNBC.com. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
- ^ Timm, Jane C. (2023-07-21). "Alabama Republicans refuse to draw a second Black congressional district in defiance of Supreme Court". CNBC. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
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