Hakeem Jeffries

Hakeem Sekou Jeffries (born August 4, 1970) is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York's 8th congressional district in Brooklyn and Queens and ran again for the seat in 2014. Prior to that he was a corporate lawyer for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison then Viacom and CBS, before running for and serving in the New York State Assembly from 2007 to 2012, representing the 57th Assembly district.

Early life and education

He grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and received his bachelor's in political science from Binghamton University with honors. Additionally, he graduated from New York University School of Law and obtained a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

Law career

He served as a clerk for Judge Harold Baer, Jr., then worked in the litigation department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison before becoming assistant litigator for Viacom and CBS.

New York Assembly

Elections

In 2000, he challenged incumbent Democratic Assemblyman Roger Green in the primary who defeated him 59 percent to 41 percent. In the general election, Jeffries ran on the Independence Party line, and Green defeated him again, this time 90 percent to his 7 percent.