Demond Meeks (House District 0137)

Biography

Demond Meeks is a Democratic/Working Families Party member representing New York's 137th Assembly District, which covers parts of Rochester in Monroe County. Born on February 5, 1979, in Rochester, New York, he made history as the second African American to represent Monroe County in the New York State Assembly, succeeding David Gantt after his passing. Sworn in on November 12, 2020, he now serves in his third full term, living in Rochester with his wife Cratrina and their children.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a B.A. from SUNY-Brockport.
• Political Experience: Before entering office, Meeks worked as an Administrative Organizer with 1199SEIU, advocating for healthcare workers on contracts, wages, and community issues. He served on the Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Civic Design Team of the Parent Leadership Training Institute, and is active in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, youth mentoring, and community volunteering.

Notable Achievements and Positions

Meeks champions education, housing, childcare, fair wages, worker rights, and environmental justice. Key legislative wins include the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act to reduce barriers for crime victims and the Clean Slate Act to seal certain convictions for better access to jobs, housing, and education. He co-sponsored climate justice and emission reduction bills, secured millions in state funding for neighborhoods like the 19th Ward, and assisted over 1,921 constituents on issues like unemployment and housing.