Alton R. Waldon

Alton Ronald Waldon Jr. (December 21, 1936 – June 9, 2023) was an American politician and jurist from New York who served as a Representative from New York in the United States Congress from 1985 to 1987. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the United States House of Representatives from June 10, 1986, to January 3, 1987, in addition to holding seats in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 1986 and the New York State Senate from 1991 to 2000. Over the course of a public career that spanned several decades, Waldon contributed to the legislative process at both the state and federal levels and became the first elected African-American member of Congress from Queens, New York.

Waldon was born in Lakeland, Florida, on December 21, 1936. His family later moved to New York, and he was educated in the New York City public school system. He graduated from Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954. After high school he pursued higher education while working and serving in public roles, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City in 1968. He continued his studies in law and received a Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in New York City in 1973, preparing for a career that would combine legal practice with public service.

From 1956 to 1959, Waldon served in the United States Army, an experience that preceded and informed his later work in government. Following his military service and legal education, he entered public administration in New York State. In 1975 he was appointed New York State Deputy Commissioner of Human Rights, a position in which he was responsible for enforcing state human rights laws and addressing issues of discrimination. He also served as counsel in the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, where he provided legal guidance on policies and programs affecting individuals with developmental disabilities, further developing his expertise in civil rights and social services.

Waldon’s formal legislative career began in the New York State Assembly, where he served as a member from 1983 to 1986. He sat in the 185th and 186th New York State Legislatures, representing his Queens constituency and participating in the drafting and consideration of state legislation. During this period he also engaged in national party affairs, serving as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1984 and 1988. His work in the Assembly and his growing prominence within the Democratic Party positioned him for higher office.

Alton R. Waldon’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. In a special election held in 1986 to fill the vacancy in New York’s 6th congressional district created by the death of Representative Joseph P. Addabbo, Waldon was elected as a Democrat to the 99th United States Congress. He took office on June 10, 1986, and served until January 3, 1987, completing one term in the House of Representatives. As a member of the House, Waldon participated in the democratic process, contributed to the legislative work of the chamber, and represented the interests of his constituents in a heavily Democratic, majority-Black district in Queens. His election marked a historic milestone as he became the first elected African-American member of Congress from Queens, New York. In September 1986, he sought a full term but was defeated in the Democratic primary by Floyd H. Flake, in what was effectively the decisive contest in that district. Following his brief tenure in Congress, he was appointed to the New York State Commission of Investigation, where he continued his public service in an oversight and investigatory capacity.

Waldon returned to elective office at the state level as a member of the New York State Senate, serving from 1991 to 1999. He sat in the 189th, 190th, 191st, 192nd, and 193rd New York State Legislatures, representing a Queens district and participating in the development of state policy on a wide range of issues. In 1998, after Representative Floyd H. Flake resigned from Congress, Waldon attempted to regain his former congressional seat. In a notable departure from his earlier partisan alignment, he ran in the special election as the nominee of the Conservative Party of New York, but was defeated by State Assemblyman Gregory Meeks, the Democratic candidate.

In June 1999, Waldon’s legal and legislative experience led to his nomination to the New York Court of Claims, a statewide court that hears claims against the State of New York. He was confirmed by the New York State Senate in December 1999, transitioning from legislative work to judicial service and further solidifying his reputation as a jurist. His appointment to the bench capped a career that had included military service, administrative roles, legislative office, and a term in the United States Congress.

Alton Ronald Waldon Jr. died on June 9, 2023, at the age of 86. His career placed him among the ranks of African-American United States representatives and those members of the House who served a single term, and he is remembered for his pioneering role as the first elected African-American member of Congress from Queens and for his long record of service to the State of New York.