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  Dinkins, David
  CANDIDATE DETAILS
AffiliationDemocratic   
NameDavid Dinkins
Address
New York, New York , United States
EmailNone
WebsiteNone
Born July 10, 1927
Died November 23, 2020 (93 years)
ContributorMonsieur
Last ModifedE Pluribus Unum
Oct 18, 2022 08:36pm
Tags Black - Marine Corps - Democratic Socialists Of America -
InfoDavid Norman Dinkins was the Mayor of New York City from 1990 through 1994, the first (and to date only) African American to hold that office. In World War II he served in the United States Marine Corps.

Dinkins was a product of the traditional Democratic Party organization in Harlem and became part of an influential clique of African-American politicians that included Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson and Charles Rangel. As an investor, Dinkins was one of fifty African American investors who helped Percy Sutton found Inner City Broadcasting Corporation in 1971. He served briefly in the New York State Legislature and for many years as New York City Clerk. He was named Deputy Mayor by Mayor Abe Beame but was ultimately not appointed due to scandal. He was elected Manhattan Borough President in 1985 on his third try. He was elected the city's mayor on November 7, 1989, having defeated three-term incumbent Mayor Ed Koch and two others to win the Democratic nomination and going on to narrowly defeat Rudy Giuliani, the Republican and Liberal Party candidate.

Dinkins entered the mayoralty pledging racial healing throughout what he called the "gorgeous mosaic" of New York's diverse communities. It was thought that his low-key personality, which contrasted so sharply with that of his predecessor, along with the symbolic aspect of his being the city's first black mayor might ease racial tensions. Instead, Dinkins' term was marked by polarizing events including the 1991 Crown Heights riots and the boycott of Korean groceries. Dinkins was torn between his base in the black community and the need to win broader support, since the African-American vote was insufficient to achieve electoral success citywide. Perhaps as a result, he was perceived by many as weak and indecisive, if well-meaning, in these crises. The diplomatic style that had seemed like an asset now appeared to be a liability. He was also hurt by the perception that crime was out of control, even though it later became evident that crime rates had begun to decline during his tenure. As a result, he did not successfully expand his constituency during his time in office. In 1991, he signed a law which made it illegal for companies in New York to do business with companies in Ireland that discriminated against Catholics.

In 1993, Mayor Dinkins again faced Rudy Giuliani in a bitter contest with the candidates' vote totals changing only marginally from the 1989 result. This time however, Giuliani emerged victorious. Dinkins was subsequently given a professorship at Columbia University. Although he has not attempted a political comeback, Dinkins has remained somewhat active in politics and his endorsement of various candidates including Mark J. Green in the 2001 Mayoral race, was well-publicized. In some of his actions, e.g. the Green endorsement, he has been in conflict with Al Sharpton.

Dinkins is married to the former Joyce Burrows and they have two children. The couple are members of the Church of the Intercession in New York City.

Dinkins is a prominent member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.


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RACES
  11/02/1993 New York City Mayor Lost 47.98% (-2.92%)
  09/14/1993 NYC Mayor - D Primary Won 67.50% (+42.12%)
  11/07/1989 New York City Mayor Won 50.42% (+2.59%)
  09/12/1989 NYC Mayor - D Primary Won 50.71% (+8.48%)
  11/05/1985 Manhattan Borough President Won 77.47% (+65.69%)
  09/10/1985 Manhattan Borough President - D Primary Won 64.75% (+29.51%)
  11/03/1981 Manhattan Borough President Lost 33.28% (-25.72%)
  09/22/1981 Manhattan Borough President - D Primary Lost 46.78% (-6.45%)
  09/08/1977 Manhattan Borough President - D Primary Lost 16.23% (-20.21%)
  11/02/1965 NY Assembly 78 Won 54.19% (+25.84%)
ENDORSEMENTS
NY US President - D Primary - Jun 23, 2020 D Michael R. "Mike" Bloomberg
NY District 15 - D Primary - Jun 23, 2020 D Ritchie J. Torres
Westchester County Executive - D Primary - Sep 12, 2017 D Kenneth W. Jenkins
New York County District Attorney - D Primary - Sep 15, 2009 D Cyrus "Cy" Vance, Jr.
NYC Mayor - D Primary - Sep 15, 2009 D William C. "Bill" Thompson, Jr.
NYC Comptroller - D Primary - Sep 15, 2009 D David I. Weprin
NYC Mayor - D Primary - Sep 15, 2009 D William C. "Bill" Thompson, Jr.
NY US President - D Primary - Feb 05, 2008 D Hillary Clinton
US President - D Primaries - Jun 03, 2008 D Hillary Clinton
NY Attorney General - D Primary - Sep 12, 2006 D Mark Green
DC Mayor - D Primary - Sep 12, 2006 D Michael A. Brown
NYC Public Advocate - D Primary - Sep 13, 2005 D Betsy Gotbaum
NY State Senate 23 - D Primary - Sep 14, 2004 D Diane Savino
New York City Mayor - D Primary - Sep 25, 2001 D Mark Green
NYC Mayor - D Primary - Sep 09, 1997 D Ruth Messinger
NY US Senate - D Primary - Sep 15, 1992 D Robert Abrams
NY US President - D Primary - Apr 19, 1988 D Jesse L. Jackson
NYC Council 08 - D Primary - Sep 23, 1982 D Roberto Anazagasti
Bronx Borough President - Nov 03, 1981 D Ismael Betancourt, Jr.
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