Vincent Hughes Explained

Vincent Hughes
State Senate:Pennsylvania
District:7th
State House2:Pennsylvania
District2:190th
Predecessor2:James Barber
Successor2:Michael Horsey
Birth Name:Vincent J. Hughes
Birth Date:October 26, 1956
Birth Place:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Residence:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Children:2
Signature:Vincent Hughes Signature.png
Alma Mater:Temple University

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]

Early life and education

Hughes 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

In 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

Hughes is a trustee of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.[10] Hughes met actress, singer, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph in 2003. The couple married in 2005.[11] Hughes had two children from a previous marriage, as did Ralph.[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Senator Vincent Hughes. Biography.
  2. News: Senator Vincent J. Hughes. Project Vote Smart.
  3. News: Pennsylvania Department of General Services. Pennsylvania Manual. 119.
  4. News: 1984-04-11. Philadelphia Daily News. 2 INCUMBENTS LOSE HOUSE RACES. Morrison. John F..
  5. News: 1986-05-21. Philadelphia Daily News. CASEY FINDS SLOGAN GETS THE JOB DONE. Gallagher. Maria.
  6. News: 1986-11-06. Philadelphia Inquirer. INS AND OUTS ON THE DAY AFTER INCUMBENCY PROVES TO BE A SOLID DEFENSE. Infield. Tom.
  7. Web site: Members List. 7 May 2016. Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.
  8. Web site: Senate Roll Calls - 2011 RCS# 513. The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly..
  9. Web site: Bill Information - House Bill 1950; Regular Session 2011-2012. The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly..
  10. News: Vincent J. Hughes . June 14, 2020 . Pennsylvania General Assembly.
  11. News: Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Marries Senator . June 14, 2020 . People . July 31, 2005.
  12. News: Penn . Charli . Making It Work: Sheryl Lee Ralph and Senator Vincent Hughes On Getting Marriage Right the Second Time Around . June 14, 2020 . Essence . November 8, 2012.