Al Green (politician)

Al Green (politician)
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Name	Al Green
Office	U.S. Representative for Texas's 9th congressional district
Term start	January 3, 2005
Predecessor	Nick Lampson
Birth name	Alexander N. Green
Birth date	September 1, 1947
Birth place	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Party	Democratic
Spouse	Patricia
Alma mater	Xavier University of Louisiana (BA), Thurgood Marshall School of Law (JD)
Profession	Attorney, judge, politician

Al Green (politician) is an American attorney, jurist, and politician who has served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 9th congressional district since 2005. A member of the Democratic Party, he represents parts of Houston and has been active on issues ranging from civil rights and criminal justice to financial regulation and healthcare. Green previously served as a judge on the Harris County Criminal Court and as an attorney in private practice.

Early life and education

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Green graduated from St. Augustine High School before attending Xavier University of Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later moved to Houston and earned his Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (formerly part of Texas Southern University). During his formative years he was influenced by the civil rights activities tied to figures and institutions such as Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Medgar Evers, and local clergy in Louisiana and Texas communities.

Legal career and community involvement

After law school, Green joined private practice and became active in litigation involving criminal defense and civil rights, working in contexts that involved institutions like the Texas Bar Association and local legal aid organizations. He served as a judge on the Harris County Criminal Court bench, adjudicating cases within the same jurisdiction that includes the Port of Houston and many Houston neighborhoods. Green's community work included participation with NAACP, engagement with clergy networks connected to A.M.E. Church and National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and support for neighborhood initiatives in collaboration with organizations such as United Way of Greater Houston. His legal and civic roles brought him into contact with public officials including members of the Texas Legislature, Harris County Commissioners Court, and municipal leaders in Houston City Council.

U.S. House of Representatives

Green was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004, defeating incumbent Nick Lampson after the redistricting cycle that influenced districts across Texas. Representing a district that includes parts of Houston and surrounding communities, he has taken part in congressional debates on matters involving agencies such as the Federal Reserve System, Department of Justice, and Department of Health and Human Services. Green has sponsored and co-sponsored legislation touching on criminal justice reform, financial oversight tied to laws like the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and measures related to veterans' services administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has worked with colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus, the House Democratic Caucus, and bipartisan partners from committees to shape policy affecting urban districts.

Political positions and voting record

Green's voting record aligns with progressive and moderate positions within the Democratic Party. On criminal justice matters he has supported reforms echoing recommendations from the Sentencing Project and has advocated for changes in federal sentencing practices. He supported aspects of the Affordable Care Act and votes consistent with increased funding for Medicare and Medicaid programs. On financial regulation he backed enforcement measures related to Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act provisions and has supported oversight of institutions regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve System. Green has taken positions on foreign policy votes involving authorization and oversight of actions relating to countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and policy toward Cuba, often emphasizing diplomacy and oversight. He has advocated for civil rights measures tied to protections enforced by the Department of Justice and backed legislation promoted by the Congressional Black Caucus addressing disparities in housing, education funding through entities like the U.S. Department of Education, and workforce development.

Committee assignments and caucus memberships

Green's committee assignments have included membership on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Financial Services Committee, and subcommittees that oversee banking, consumer protection, and civil rights enforcement. He is a longstanding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and has participated in caucuses and working groups such as the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Arts Caucus, and issue-specific coalitions addressing veterans' affairs, urban development, and small business policy, collaborating with members from committees like the House Appropriations Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

Elections and campaigns

Green first won election in 2004 following a redistricting process that reshaped Texas districts, defeating incumbent Nick Lampson in a campaign that engaged voters across Harris County and neighborhoods in Houston. He has been reelected multiple times, campaigning on platforms emphasizing criminal justice reform, economic development for constituents in areas served by the Port of Houston and local chambers of commerce, healthcare access under frameworks associated with Affordable Care Act implementation, and disaster relief coordination with agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. His campaigns have drawn endorsements from civic organizations including the NAACP, labor groups like the AFL–CIO, and local elected officials on the Houston City Council and Harris County Commissioners Court.

Category:1947 births Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Texas Category:Texas Democrats Category:People from New Orleans Category:Xavier University of Louisiana alumni