Biography

Mondaire Jones is an American lawyer and politician who served as the U.S. Representative for New York's 17th Congressional District from 2021 to 2023. Born on May 18, 1987, in Nyack, New York, he was raised in Spring Valley by his single mother, who worked multiple jobs to support their family. Jones graduated from East Ramapo public schools and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University in 2009. He then worked at the U.S. Department of Justice during the Obama Administration and graduated from Harvard Law School in 2013.

In 2020, Jones was elected to Congress, becoming one of the first openly gay Black members of the House of Representatives. He was known for his advocacy on issues such as Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and systemic racism. After serving one term, he sought re-election in 2022 but was defeated in the Democratic primary. In 2023, Jones was appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, a federal agency focused on investigating and reporting on civil rights issues.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University
  • Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School

• Political Experience:

  • U.S. Representative for New York's 17th Congressional District
  • Member of the House Judiciary, Education and Labor, and Ethics Committees
  • Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
  • Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
  • Appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Jones has been recognized for his legislative activity and commitment to civil rights, earning accolades such as the Pro Bono Publico Award from The Legal Aid Society for his service investigating employment discrimination and assisting families defrauded during the Great Recession.