Sam Jones (Alabama politician) (original) (raw)

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American politician (born 1947)

Sam Jones
Member of the Alabama House of Representativesfrom the 99th district
Incumbent
Assumed office November 7, 2018
Preceded by James Buskey
107th Mayor of Mobile
In officeSeptember 2005 – August 2013
Preceded by Mike Dow
Succeeded by Sandy Stimpson
Member of the Mobile County Commissionfrom the 1st district
In office1987–2005
Preceded by Douglas Wicks
Succeeded by Juan Chastang
Personal details
Born (1947-04-14) April 14, 1947 (age 77)[1]Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Alma mater Jacksonville University
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/service United States Navy
Unit USS Forrestal (CV-59)

Samuel Leon Jones (born April 14, 1947) is an American politician who currently represents District 99 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Jones was the first African-American mayor of Mobile, Alabama, serving from September 2005 until August 2013. He ran on a platform of safety, efficient government, historic preservation and bringing new employers to the city.[2] He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early life and education

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Jones is a graduate of Central High School and attended Florida Junior College and Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jones served for nine years in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. While there, his commanding officer was John McCain, future senator from Arizona and presidential candidate.

After leaving the navy, Jones worked as the executive director of Mobile Community Action, Inc. from 1980 until 1987.[2] Getting involved in politics through the Democratic Party, he was elected to four terms as a Mobile County Commissioner.

In September 2005 he ran for Mayor of Mobile and was elected. He was the first African-American Mayor of Mobile, Alabama.[3][4] He served two four-year terms, winning re-election in 2009. On August 27, 2013, Jones was defeated by Sandy Stimpson in the 2013 mayoral election.[5]

On October 29, 2013, the Mobile City Council unanimously voted to pass a resolution to rename Mobile Government Plaza the Samuel L. Jones Government Plaza for his service to the city. Official renaming of the building is pending approval by the Mobile County Commission.[6]

In 2018, Jones was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 99.[7]

  1. ^ "Jones, Samuel L." Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Mayor Samuel L. Jones". City of Mobile. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
  3. ^ "Dean Congratulates Sam Jones, First Black Mayor of Mobile, Alabama on Victory". "Democrats.org. September 16, 2005. Archived from the original on December 18, 2006. Retrieved May 9, 2007.
  4. ^ "New Leadership for Mobile" (PDF). The Business View. XXXVI (10). Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce: 4–5. November 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2011.
  5. ^ [1], WKRG
  6. ^ "AL.com". Mobile City Council votes to rename Government Plaza after Sam Jones. October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  7. ^ Alexander, Steve (November 6, 2018). "Sam Jones wins seat in Alabama House of Representatives". Fox 10. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2019.