Biography:Christopher M. Jones (politician)

From HandWiki
Short description: American politician (born 1976)
Chris Jones
Born (1976-10-13) October 13, 1976 (age 47)
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.
EducationB.S. Mathematics and Physics Morehouse College; S.M. Nuclear Engineering and Technology and Public Policy, Ph.D. Urban Planning Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Political partyDemocratic Party
Opponent(s)Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Spouse(s)Jerrilyn Jones (m. 2002–present)
WebsiteCampaign website

Chris Jones (Christopher Michael Jones) was the Democratic Party nominee for Governor of Arkansas in the 2022 Arkansas gubernatorial election.[1] He was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas[2] and is the husband of Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, a Air force combat veteran, emergency room physician, and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences.[3][4][5] Jones went to college at Morehouse College and then to graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He previously worked at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, resigning in April 2021. On June 15, 2021, Jones announced that he was entering the Democratic primary for Governor of Arkansas.[6]

Early life

Chris Jones was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on October 13, 1976, where he "rode dirt bikes and fought grasshoppers".[7] He is a 7th generation Arkansan, and his family arrived in Arkansas before it was designated a territory in 1819.[8] Both of his parents are preachers, his father is also a insurance sales representative and his mother is also a retired teacher.[9]

Jones was inspired by the Challenger space launch to become an astronaut. However, Jones cannot hear out of his left ear, which made him ineligible to be an astronaut. Jones met Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas, and that motivated an interest in politics.[10]

Jones attended Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and graduated in 1995.[11] He graduated at the top of class.[9] Jones also ran track (400 m), played football (quarterback), sang in choir, and participated in theater.[9]

Education

Jones attended Morehouse College on a NASA scholarship, which Jones credits as the only way he could have attended the college since his parents could not afford it.[9][12] He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelors of Science in Physics. He interned at NASA each summer.[7] Jones was the student body president at Morehouse College.

Jones attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a graduate student in Nuclear Engineering. He graduated in 2003 with a Masters of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a Masters of Science in Technology and Policy. His thesis was titled, "Nonproliferation issues in the nuclear energy future."[13] Later, Jones enrolled in a doctoral program in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and graduated in 2016 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning. As a student, Jones was the co-chair of the Black Graduate Student Association.[14] His dissertation researched the social, political, and economic impacts of development using the Tennessee Valley Authority as a test case; it was called "Power for the public good: energy, race and class in the United States."[15]

Jones choices of Morehouse College and MIT were inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ronald McNair.[9] In total, Jones holds two undergraduate degrees and three post-graduate degrees from the two institutions.[16]

Career

Jones taught algebra for one year at a Boston public school.[17] His research includes an 18-month study on the future of nuclear power, plasma fusion, nuclear nonproliferation, and large-scale energy infrastructure systems.[4][11]

On September 20, 2004, Jones became the Assistant Dean for Graduate Students at MIT.[14] He left his position in April 2013.[18] While he was in his role, graduate applications from underrepresented minorities tripled (from 300 to 1300) and enrollment doubled (14 percent).[18][19]

In May 2013, Jones was hired as the executive director of Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on improving one of Boston's poorest areas.[7] He supervised day-to -day operations and performance of the organization.[18] While he was there, Jones oversaw rapid growth due to a $6 million federal grant, Promise Neighborhoods. He supervised a $3.4 million budget as executive director.[9] Prior to his role as executive director, Jones was a Vice President on the board, and he also volunteered at the organization.[7][20] Jones was also appointed by then Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh to the “Neighborhood Innovation District Committee” which was intended to improve economic development across the city.[21]

In 2015, Chris Jones left Dudley Street Neighborhood initiative for BCT Partners, a consulting firm. At BCT Partners, he lead on many multimillion dollar federal projects. [19]

On March 12, 2018, Jones was hired as the executive director and lead maker of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.[22] The Innovation Hub is a nonprofit in North Little Rock, Arkansas, that is affiliated with Winrock International and houses a 22,000 square -foot facility with a coffee shop.[23] In 2020, Jones announced a partnership with Scenic Hill Solar to create a solar power plant, a community based solar project that powered the Innovation Hub's energy needs.[16][24] At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Innovation Hub launched the Arkansas Maker Task Force, which included over 260 Arkansas makers[11] who helped make personal protection equipment (PPE) at the beginning of the pandemic.[25] In 2021, Jones partnered with two Fortune 500 companies to expand the organization's outreach in Central Arkansas.[11] Partnerships included the MIT Media Lab, Best Buy, Gilead Sciences, Inc, and the North Little Rock School District.[26] While Jones led the Innovation Hub, they created several new programs such as the "Hub on Wheels, a mobile makerspace program; Innovate NWA, a pop-up makerspace in Springdale; Best Buy Teen Tech Center & The Hub, a forthcoming after-school clubhouse for students; Skills to Launch, a workforce development program for young adults; Arkansas Digital Literacy, a program to help students, parents and teachers use digital resources; and the Innovation Challenge, a science fair alternative."[27] Jones met regularly with Venture Center and Startup Junkie to collaborate on how to best help start ups.[28] Jones stepped down as the director of the Innovation Hub on April 29, 2021.[29]

Jones is also an ordained minister.[30]

Jones was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Board of Directors of the Division of Science and Technology of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.[9] His appointment was from March 2020 through January 2022.[31]

2022 Arkansas Governor's Race

On June 15, 2021, Chris Jones announced his intention to run for governor in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He also released what became a viral biographical video, "About Time", describing Jones's educational background and intent to bring innovation to Arkansas.[32] The video later won two Pollie awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.[33]

Jones said he was running because he wanted to "focus on solutions, not politics."[34] He cited rebuilding infrastructure, investing in healthcare and education and expanding rural broadband as his goals.[35] Jones had not previously run for an elected position.[35]

The Primary Election

Results by county:

Jones's spoke of his intent to united Arkansans, mentioning the low level of vote participation.[10] By mid-October, Jones had raised over $1 million dollars.[36] Jones maintained the front-runner status throughout the primary race, in both opinion polls and fundraising.[37]

In February, Jones visited all 75 counties of Arkansas during "The Promise of Arkansas Tour."[38] On the tour, Jones discussed his "PB&J" policy agenda: preschool, broadband, and jobs, citing Arkansas's ranking in the bottom of education.[39][40] During this tour, Jones challenged traditional Arkansas campaign tactics by campaigning in every county in Arkansas.[41] The tour also served as a listening tour where Jones said that he could learn what issues mattered most to Arkansans.[42] Jones argued that the state could fulfill its promise through "faith, hope, and hard work."[41]

Besides Chris Jones, there were four additional candidates in the Democratic primary: Anthony Bland, Jay Martin, James Russell and Supha Xayprasith-Mays.[43] The primary election was held on May 24, 2022.[37] Jones handily won the race with 70.4% of the vote.[44]

Jones is the first Black candidate to run for governor from the Democratic Party,[11] and the first Black candidate to win the Democratic primary for a state-wide office.[41]

General election

After winning the primary, Jones announced the "Walk a Mile In Your Shoes Tour."[45] This tour is the second time that the campaign went to each county across the state.[46] The tour was intended to give Jones a chance to walk in other people shoes. Jones said that his campaign was about "neighbors talking to neighbors".[47] Others noted that this an opposite strategy from the Republican candidate.[45]

In the general election Chris Jones runs against Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Donald Trump's former press secretary, and Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington, Jr. Jones lost the race by a massive margin, with Sanders commanding 65% of the state wide vote.[1] Arkansas has yet to elect an African American to statewide or federal office.[1] The election is on November 8, 2022. No public polls have yet been released for this race. Jones would be one of very few Black candidates to win state-wide or federal office.[48]

Personal life

Chris Jones's parents are both preachers; his father is also sold insurance and his mother is also a retired teacher.[9] His grandfather was a truck driver with a third-grade education, and inspired him to get educated.[49]

Chris Jones married Jerrilyn Jones, M.D., in 2001. Dr. Jerrilyn Jones is an Air force combat veteran who worked as a flight surgeon in the 75th Fighter Squadron during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Jones is currently an emergency room physician and associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS).[3][4][5] At UAMS, Jones became the inaugural director of the post-baccalaureate program, which intends to serve as a bridge for students who may have a difficult time getting admitted to emergency medicine.[50] Jerrilyn Jones also serves as Medical Director of Preparedness at the Arkansas Department of Health.[50] In 2021, Jones the First Lady's Woman in Public Service Award in Arkansas.[51]

Jones's older brother Leon Jones is a longtime member of the Republican Party.[52] Leon Jones ran for the office of Attorney General in the 2022 Republican primary election, but he did not win.[53] Jones has said having a brother in a different party gave him practice to speak with voters from both parties.[54]

Recognition

For his efforts as an assistant dean at MIT, Jones received the Irwin Sizer Award for Significant Improvements to MIT Education for his work leading the MIT Summer Research Program Design Team.[55] He shared this recognition with Professor Paula T. Hammond.

Jones was a member of Class XIV of Leadership Arkansas,[56] a group selected by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to learn about issues facing people in Arkansas.[57]

In 2020, Jones was chosen as one of three Arkansans for the Presidential Leadership Scholars program,[58] a program that included visits to presidential libraries of Lyndon B. Johnson, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Chris Jones wins Democratic primary for Arkansas governor, facing Trump's press secretary" (in en-us). 2022-05-24. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/chris-jones-wins-democratic-primary-for-arkansas-governor-facing-trumps-press-secretary. 
  2. "Chris Jones (Arkansas)" (in en). https://ballotpedia.org/Chris_Jones_(Arkansas). 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Dynamic Duos 2022 — Drs. Jerrilyn and Chris Jones" (in en-US). 2022-05-08. https://www.armoneyandpolitics.com/dynamic-duos-2022-drs-jerrilyn-and-chris-jones/. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 staff (2018-03-07). "Nuclear engineer, Pine Bluff native tapped to lead Innovation Hub" (in en-US). https://talkbusiness.net/2018/03/nuclear-engineer-pine-bluff-native-tapped-to-lead-innovation-hub/. 
  5. 5.0 5.1 Heyen, Curtis (2021-06-15). "Physicist/minister Chris Jones announces his bid to be Arkansas' next governor" (in en). https://www.ksla.com/2021/06/15/physicistminister-chris-jones-announces-his-bid-be-arkansas-next-governor/. 
  6. TVH11 Digital (2021-06-15). "Chris Jones announces run for Arkansas governor in 2022". THV11. https://www.thv11.com/article/news/politics/chris-jones-announces-run-for-arkansas-governor-2022/91-2ddc1ddb-71c5-4571-a49f-1f3ccea5fe4e. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "New DSNI leader brings grassroots zeal to job | Dorchester Reporter" (in en). 2013-12-12. https://www.dotnews.com/2013/new-dsni-leader-brings-grassroots-zeal-job. 
  8. staff (2021-06-15). "Chris Jones to seek Democratic nomination for governor" (in en-US). https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/chris-jones-to-seek-democratic-nomination-for-governor/. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 "HIGH PROFILE: Dr. Christopher Michael Jones brings knowledge back to Arkansas" (in en). 2020-09-06. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/sep/06/dr-christopher-michael-jones/. 
  10. 10.0 10.1 Johnson, Jason (2021-07-26). "Can Democrat Chris Jones Beat a Huckabee—and History—to Win in Arkansas?" (in en). https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/07/arkansas-governor-race-sarah-huckabee-sanders-chris-jones.html. 
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 wbrown. "Little Rock native Chris Jones resigns from Arkansas Innovation Hub amid speculation of plans to run for governor – Black Consumer News" (in en-US). https://blackconsumernews.com/little-rock-native-chris-jones-resigns-from-arkansas-innovation-hub-amid-speculation-of-plans-to-run-for-governor/. 
  12. Adedoyin, Oyin (2021-06-28). "He Wants More Academics to Get Involved in Their Communities. So He's Running for Governor.". https://www.chronicle.com/article/he-wants-more-academics-to-get-involved-in-their-communities-so-hes-running-for-governor?cid=gen_sign_in. 
  13. Jones, Christopher Michael (2003). Nonproliferation issues in the nuclear energy future (Thesis thesis). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. hdl:1721.1/17043.
  14. 14.0 14.1 "Former MIT grad student chosen as graduate dean" (in en). https://news.mit.edu/2004/jones-1020. 
  15. Jones, Christopher Michael (2016). Power for the public good : energy, race and class in the United States (Thesis thesis). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. hdl:1721.1/103261.
  16. 16.0 16.1 staff (2020-02-25). "Arkansas Innovation Hub, Scenic Hill Solar partner on solar power project" (in en-US). https://talkbusiness.net/2020/02/arkansas-innovation-hub-scenic-hill-solar-partner-on-solar-power-project/. 
  17. "Winrock International - Dr. Chris Jones to Lead Winrock's Innovation Hub" (in en-US). https://winrock.org/dr-christopher-m-jones-to-lead-winrocks-innovation-hub/. 
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 "Christopher M. Jones - In the News". 2013-05-02. https://www.baystatebanner.com/2013/05/02/christopher-m-jones-in-the-news/. 
  19. 19.0 19.1 "Christopher Jones" (in en-US). https://www.arkansasstatechamber.com/partners-links/leadership-arkansas/leadership-arkansas-class-xiv/christopher-jones/. 
  20. Shelar, Rachel (2014-10-27). "Economy League - Development Without Displacement: What We Can Learn from Boston" (in en). https://economyleague.org/providing-insight/regional-direction/2014/10/27/development-without-displacement-what-we-can-learn-from-boston-s-dudley-neighborhood. 
  21. Harris, David L. (2014-09-29). "Boston Mayor Walsh looking to create more innovation districts in the city". https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/techflash/2014/09/boston-mayor-walsh-looking-to-create-more.html. 
  22. Staff (2018-03-07). "Winrock Hires New Hub Director" (in en). https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/121037/winrock-hires-new-hub-director. 
  23. "Innovative Arkansas Non-Profit Supports Inventive Minds" (in en). http://www.up.com/up/aboutup/community/inside_track/arkansas-makerspace-07-11-2018.htm. 
  24. Hale, Tyler (2020-02-25). "Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub Developing Solar Power Plant" (in en-US). https://www.armoneyandpolitics.com/arkansas-regional-innovation-hub-developing-solar-power-plant/. 
  25. THV11 Digital Staff (2020-03-26). "Arkansas Innovation Hub Maker Task Force to help make PPE during shortage" (in en-US). https://www.thv11.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/help-innovation-hub-maker-task-force-make-ppe-during-shortage/91-2c0f430d-502f-4e5e-8e00-306735616a34. 
  26. Mackay, Mercedes (2020-06-29). "North Little Rock School District creates partnerships to help provide accessible learning for fall 2020" (in en-US). https://www.thv11.com/article/news/north-little-rock-school-district-collaborates-for-fall-2020/91-9479ac66-060d-4c3e-bfda-b4346d29f7ee. 
  27. Hale, Tyler (2021-04-30). "Jones Stepping Away from Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub" (in en-US). https://www.armoneyandpolitics.com/jones-stepping-away-from-arkansas-regional-innovation-hub/. 
  28. Brown, Wesley (2019-02-05). "'Collaboration' is driving Arkansas startup growth" (in en-US). https://talkbusiness.net/2019/02/collaboration-is-driving-arkansas-startup-growth/. 
  29. Staff (2021-04-30). "Innovation Hub Director Chris Jones Steps Down" (in en). https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/135674/innovation-hub-director-steps-down. 
  30. "Pine Bluff native Chris Jones announces bid for governor" (in en). 2021-06-15. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/jun/15/pine-bluff-native-jones-announces-bid-governor/. 
  31. "Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces Appointments : Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson" (in en). https://governor.arkansas.gov/news-media/press-releases/governor-asa-hutchinson-announces-appointments-200228. 
  32. "Opinion | Why the Arkansas governor race is now one to watch" (in en). https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/dr-chris-jones-viral-campaign-ad-shows-how-extraordinary-black-n1271788. 
  33. "Pollie Awards – AAPC" (in en-US). https://theaapc.org/recognition-awards/pollie-awards/. 
  34. "Democrat Chris Jones Announces Bid For Arkansas Governor" (in en). 2021-06-15. https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2021-06-15/democrat-chris-jones-announces-bid-for-arkansas-governor. 
  35. 35.0 35.1 "Chris Jones, a nuclear engineer and political newcomer, enters Arkansas governor's race" (in en). https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/chris-jones-nuclear-engineer-political-newcomer-enters-arkansas-governor-s-n1270869. 
  36. Bailey, Austin (2021-10-14). "Governor candidate Chris Jones pulls in $1 million" (in en-US). https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2021/10/14/governor-candidate-chris-jones-pulls-in-1-million. 
  37. 37.0 37.1 wbrown. "Democratic Party frontrunner Chris Jones to launch month-long, 75-county campaign tour across state – Black Consumer News" (in en-US). https://blackconsumernews.com/democratic-party-frontrunner-chris-jones-to-launch-month-long-75-county-campaign-tour-across-state/. 
  38. 5News Web Staff (2022-02-27). "Gubernatorial candidate Chris Jones set to conclude statewide tour with community event in Benton Co." (in en-US). https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/politics/gubernatorial-candidate-chris-jones-set-to-conclude-promise-of-arkansas-tour-with-community-event-in-benton-co-governor-bentonville-ar-questions-sessi/527-1295637c-0b9a-45aa-aade-f3084a1b40c1. 
  39. "Governor Candidate Chris Jones Visiting All 75 Counties on 'The Promise of Arkansas' Tour" (in en-US). 2022-02-09. https://www.armoneyandpolitics.com/chris-jones-the-promise-of-arkansas-tour/. 
  40. Room, Press (2022-05-22). "Arkansas Governor candidate Chris Jones makes campaign stop in El Dorado" (in en-US). https://newspub.live/south/arkansas/arkansas-governor-candidate-chris-jones-makes-campaign-stop-in-el-dorado/. 
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 "Chris Jones Continuing Statewide Walk A Mile Tour in Rogers and Searcy" (in en-US). https://swark.today/chris-jones-continuing-statewide-walk-a-mile-tour-in-rogers-and-searcy/. 
  42. "Arkansas Gubernatorial Candidate Visits Texarkana" (in en). https://www.ktoy1047.com/news/news-of-the-ark-la-tex/arkansas-gubernatorial-candidate-visits-texarkana/. 
  43. Schnell, Mychael (2021-06-21). "Democrat Chris Jones enters Arkansas governor race with dramatic viral video" (in en-US). https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/559350-chris-jones-democrat-running-against-sarah-huckabee-sanders-releases/. 
  44. "Chris Jones For Governor Campaign Set To Launch Statewide Tour" (in en-US). 2022-06-01. https://www.deltaplexnews.com/chris-jones-for-governor-campaign-set-to-launch-statewide-tour/. 
  45. 45.0 45.1 Bailey, Austin (2022-06-01). "Arkansas governor hopeful Chris Jones tackles his first mile in Little Rock" (in en-US). https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2022/06/01/arkansas-governor-hopeful-chris-jones-tackles-his-first-mile-in-little-rock. 
  46. "Democratic Nominee Chris Jones to continue his Walk A Mile Tour in Hot Springs, Russellville" (in en-US). https://swark.today/democratic-nominee-chris-jones-to-continue-his-walk-a-mile-tour-in-hot-springs-russellville/. 
  47. "Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Jones Visits Hope | Hope Prescott". https://hopeprescott.com/2022/08/18/democratic-gubernatorial-candidate-chris-jones-visits-hope/. 
  48. "Jones impressive, but much history to overcome" (in en). http://www.magnoliareporter.com/news_and_business/opinion/article_1f2f5a86-d036-11eb-a2d1-bb8d259a21f0.html. 
  49. "Arkansas governor candidate Chris Jones 'concerned' about death penalty" (in en). 2022-08-21. https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-08-21/arkansas-governor-candidate-chris-jones-concerned-about-death-penalty. 
  50. 50.0 50.1 Lesher, Chris (2021-01-26). "Dr. Jerrilyn Jones is Inaugural Director of the Post-Baccalaureate Program | UAMS Department of Emergency Medicine" (in en-US). https://medicine.uams.edu/emergencymedicine/dr-jerrilyn-jones-is-inaugural-director-of-the-post-baccalaureate-program/. 
  51. UAMS Staff (2021-08-20). "Dr. Jerrilyn Jones Awarded 2021 Arkansas First Lady's Woman in Public Service | UAMS Department of Emergency Medicine" (in en-US). https://medicine.uams.edu/emergencymedicine/dr-jerrilyn-jones-awarded-2021-arkansas-first-ladys-woman-in-public-service/. 
  52. Brantley, Max (2021-04-06). "Meet a candidate for attorney general; with a brother in the wings on the other side" (in en-US). https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2021/04/06/meet-a-candidate-for-attorey-general. 
  53. "Arkansas Primary Attorney General Live Election Results 2022 – NBC News". https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-primary-elections/arkansas-attorney-general-results. 
  54. Brown, Wesley (2022-05-15). "Keeping up with the Jones: Pine Bluff brothers at the top of the Democratic, GOP tickets in the run for the state's highest offices - Arkansas Delta Informer" (in en-US). https://arkansasdeltainformer.com/keeping-up-with-the-jones-pine-bluff-brothers-at-the-top-of-the-democratic-gop-tickets-in-the-run-for-the-states-highest-offices/. 
  55. "Awards Convocation" (in en). https://news.mit.edu/2008/awards-con-tt0604. 
  56. "Christopher Jones" (in en-US). https://www.arkansasstatechamber.com/partners-links/leadership-arkansas/leadership-arkansas-class-xiv/christopher-jones/. 
  57. "Leadership Arkansas Class XIV" (in en-US). https://www.arkansasstatechamber.com/partners-links/leadership-arkansas/leadership-arkansas-class-xiv/. 
  58. "Leadership Scholars include three Arkansans" (in en). 2020-01-27. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/jan/27/leadership-scholars-include-three-arkan/.