Vincent J. Hughes (born October 26, 1956) is an American politician who is serving as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 7th District since 1994.[1] Hughes previously served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 190th District from 1987 to 1994.[2]
Vincent Hughes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 7th district | |
| Assumed office November 21, 1994 | |
| Preceded by | Chaka Fattah |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 190th district | |
| In office January 6, 1987 – November 21, 1994 | |
| Preceded by | James Barber |
| Succeeded by | Michael Horsey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Vincent J. Hughes October 26, 1956 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence(s) | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Temple University |
| Signature |  |
Early life and education
editHughes was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to James and Ann (née Adams) Hughes.[3] After attending Temple University, he worked as library administrator at the University of Pennsylvania and was an official of District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.[4]
Career
editIn 1984, Hughes unsuccessfully ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 190th District, losing to longtime incumbent James Barber in the Democratic primary.[4] He challenged Barber again in 1986, and finally won the nomination.[5] In the general election, he defeated his Republican opponent, Sandra R. Kellar, by a margin of 89%-11%.[6] As a member of the State House, he served as chairman the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus from 1991 to 1994.[1][7]
After Chaka Fattah resigned to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, Hughes was elected to succeed him as State Senator from the 7th District in a special election on November 21, 1994.[3] As a member of the State Senate, he has served as Deputy Minority Whip (2005-2006), Minority Caucus Secretary (2007-2008), Minority Caucus Chair (2009-2010).[2] He was elected Minority Chair of the Appropriations Committee in 2011.[2]
In February 2012, Hughes voted in favor of House Bill 1950.[8] This bill significantly reduces the rights of municipalities to defend themselves against health risks posed by gas drilling.[9]
Hughes is currently the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Personal life
editHughes is a trustee of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.[10] Hughes met actress, singer, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph in 2003.[11] The couple married in 2005.[11] Hughes had two children from a previous marriage, as did Ralph.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b "Biography". Senator Vincent Hughes.
- ^ a b c "Senator Vincent J. Hughes". Project Vote Smart.
- ^ a b "Pennsylvania Manual" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of General Services. Vol. 119.
- ^ a b Morrison, John F. (April 11, 1984). "2 INCUMBENTS LOSE HOUSE RACES". Philadelphia Daily News.
- ^ Gallagher, Maria (May 21, 1986). "CASEY FINDS SLOGAN GETS THE JOB DONE". Philadelphia Daily News.
- ^ Infield, Tom (November 6, 1986). "INS AND OUTS ON THE DAY AFTER INCUMBENCY PROVES TO BE A SOLID DEFENSE". Philadelphia Inquirer.
- ^ "Members List". Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ^ "Senate Roll Calls - 2011 RCS# 513". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
- ^ "Bill Information - House Bill 1950; Regular Session 2011-2012". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
- ^ "Vincent J. Hughes". Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Marries Senator". People. July 31, 2005. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
- ^ Penn, Charli (November 8, 2012). "Making It Work: Sheryl Lee Ralph and Senator Vincent Hughes On Getting Marriage Right the Second Time Around". Essence. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
External links
edit- Pennsylvania State Senate - Vincent J. Hughes - Official PA Senate website
- Senator Hughes - Caucus website
- Vincent Hughes for Senate - Campaign website
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Vincent J. Hughes (PA) profile
- Follow the Money - Vincent J Hughes
- Local Journalist Fatimah Ali Dies at 56