Who is kendrick meeks

During his four years in the state Senate Meek found himself embroiled in the national debate over the issue of affirmative action. The Supreme Court upheld the legality of affirmative action in Florida in In , Carrie Meek announced her retirement from the U. House and Meek easily claimed victory in the election to replace her.

Meek supports same-sex marriages, an increase of minimum wage, human embryonic stem cell research, and abortion. In , Meek was the Democratic nominee in the U.

Senate election for the seat of Mel Martinez, but he lost in a three-way race to Republican Marco Rubio. After his defeat, he continued to serve in the U. He was succeeded by Frederica Wilson. Meek is also deeply steeped in matters related to homeland security and international affairs.

In those roles, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East, engaging with foreign leaders on international security and trade matters. Washington, D. July 13, J. December 17, 2 02 0 Po st -E le ct io n Co mm en ta ry.

Meek worked to ensure that minority firms have access to contracting opportunities for the billions of federal dollars spent on terrorism and homeland security operations. Meek's district contained the largest Haitian population of any congressional district, with many of the residents having relatives on the island.

Throughout his career in the House, Meek consistently advocated for Haitian immigration and trade. He frequently visited Haiti and fought to liberalize the U. He secured passage of a measure in , granting certain Haitian—made products duty—free access to American markets.

Bush's policies toward Haitian immigrants, believing Haitians to be unfairly singled out for detention and deportation. During the economic crisis in late , Meek reluctantly supported the Bush administration's financial rescue package, and he voted to provide emergency loans to American automobile companies.

After Republican Senator Mel Martinez of Florida announced his retirement, Meek quickly announced his intent to run for the open seat in the election, citing his service as a trooper, state legislator, and in the House. Senate this year," Meek stated. Kendrick B. Congressman Kendrick B. Senate Seat," 15 January , Westside Gazette: 1.

View Record in the Biographical Directory of the U. Meek" in Black Americans in Congress, Washington: Government Printing Office, Featured Search Historical Highlights of the House. Learn about Foreign Leader Addresses.