Charles Barron
Charles Barron (born October 7, 1950) is an American activist and politician who served in the New York City Council, representing Brooklyn's 42nd district from 2022 to 2023. He previously held the same seat from 2002 to 2013, and served in the New York Assembly from the 60th district between 2015 and 2022.
Charles Barron | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New York City Council from the 42nd district | |
| In office January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Inez Barron |
| Succeeded by | Chris Banks |
| In office January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Priscilla A. Wooten |
| Succeeded by | Inez Barron |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 60th district | |
| In office January 3, 2015 – January 1, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Inez Barron |
| Succeeded by | Nikki Lucas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 7, 1950 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (1982–2010, 2012–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Black Panther (1968–1982) Freedom Party of New York (2010–present) |
| Spouse | Inez Smith |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | New York City College of Technology Hunter College (BA) |
A self-described "elected activist", Barron ran for Mayor of New York City in 2005. In 2006 he was narrowly defeated by Edolphus Towns in the Democratic Party primary for the U.S. House of Representatives (10th Congressional District). He ran again in the Democratic primary for New York's 8th congressional district, which was being vacated by Towns, but lost to State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, 28% to 72%.
Barron began his career working as a community activist in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn in the 1980s. He became chief of staff for Rev. Herbert Daughtry before running for the New York city council, where he served from 2001 to 2013.