Jamaal T. Bailey (born August 26, 1982) is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the New York State Senate from the 36th district. A Democrat, he represents portions of Baychester, Co-op City, Eastchester, Edenwald, Wakefield, Pelham Gardens, and Woodlawn Heights in the Bronx as well as Mount Vernon in Westchester County.

Jamaal T. Bailey
Chair of the Bronx Democratic Party
Assumed office
September 30, 2020
Preceded byMarcos Crespo
Member of the New York Senate
from the 36th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2017
Preceded byRuth Hassell-Thompson
Personal details
Born (1982-08-26) August 26, 1982 (age 42)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseGiamara Bailey
Children2
Education

Early life and education

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Bailey was born and raised in the Bronx, where he attended New York City Public Schools, including P.S. 83 in Morris Park and M.S 181 in Co-op City. He later attended the Bronx High School of Science. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Albany, SUNY and a Juris Doctor from the CUNY School of Law.[1]

Career

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A protege of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bailey began his political career as an intern in Heastie's office.[2]

New York State Senate

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In mid 2016, state Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson resigned from her seat to take a position with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Bailey ran in the state primary to replace her.[3] Against four other Democratic candidates, Bailey would win an outright majority of the vote with over 55%. Much of his success was attributed to both his roots in the district, as well as the strong support given by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who Bailey formerly worked for.[4] Heastie's district covers a portion of the same area of the Bronx.[citation needed]

Bailey won a second term unopposed in 2018. With Democrats taking the majority in the Senate, Bailey became chair of the Senate Committee on Codes.[citation needed]

Personal life

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Bailey is married and has two daughters.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Jamaal Bailey 2016 - From our Community". Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  2. ^ "Why I'm Running - Jamaal Bailey 2016". Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  3. ^ "Bailey Announces Candidacy for the 36th Senatorial District - Mount Vernon NY, NY Patch". 28 April 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-03.
  4. ^ "Video: Jamal Bailey, Candidate for New York State Senate 36th District". Retrieved 2017-01-03.
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Political offices
Preceded by Member of the New York Senate
from the 36th district

2017–present
Incumbent
Party political offices
Preceded by Chair of the Bronx Democratic Party
2020–present
Incumbent