James Meeks
James Meeks | |
|---|---|
Meeks in 2022 | |
| Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education | |
| In office January 21, 2015 – 2019 | |
| Appointed by | Bruce Rauner |
| Preceded by | Gery Chico |
| Succeeded by | Darren Reisberg |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 15th district | |
| In office January 8, 2003 – January 9, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Shaw |
| Succeeded by | Napoleon Harris |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 4, 1956 Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jamell Meeks |
| Residence | Roseland, Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Bishop College (B.A.) |
| Profession | Minister (Baptist) |
James T. Meeks (born August 4, 1956) is a Baptist minister and past member of the Illinois Senate, who represented the 15th district from 2003 to 2013. While a Senator, he chaired the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. He briefly campaigned for mayor of Chicago in the 2003 and 2011 election, before dropping out of the race both times. He subsequently become a leading figure in the campaign to oppose same-sex marriage in Illinois.
Meeks was appointed chair of the Illinois State Board of Education by Governor Bruce Rauner and took office January 21, 2017. He succeeded Gery Chico who had resigned the previous week.