Justin Chaires

Justin Chaires was born in Schenectady, New York. He earned an associate degree from Hudson Valley Community College in 2010, a bachelor's degree from Hartwick College in 2013, and a graduate degree from Grand Canyon University in 2021. Chaires' career experience includes working as an educator and teacher.[1]

U.S. House New York District 20

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Justin R. Chaires was born in Schenectady, NY and still resides in the Capital Region. Chaires earned a B.A. from Hartwick college in 2013 and most recently finished his Master’s in Education in 2021. His career includes being a teacher at both the Elementary and Secondary levels as well as specializing in Special Education.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My reason for running is to improve the communities that were built by those before us, while supporting their families and paving the way for the future generations.I will encourage communities to take responsibility for our actions and the actions of those that have crippled our districts. The focus can not be on the negative any longer; we have allowed ourselves to become overwhelmed by the things that harbor hatred deep inside the human condition.Support the importance of voter education to bring awareness to the return of Voter Suppression. " We will not be quiet as long as our economy is shaped not by freedom, but by plantation capitalism that continues to cause domination and control rather than access, liberty, and equality for all" Rev. James M. Lawson. Now is not the time to look back or to elect those who want to go back, our history is marred with pain and inequalities. Our future can be bright if we build together.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Public Education

2 Public/affordable Housing

3. Healthcare

4. Mental Health and Trauma

5. Criminal Justice Reform

6. Infrastructure

7. Voter Rights

8. Racial Injustice

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My Father because he is a hard working middle class, family man. Proud of his heritage and dedicated to his community.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must be even keeled, and bring an understanding of bipartisanship so that they can represent all persons they are responsible for; not just a party affiliation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy that I will leave behind is a man that fought for the people, not one group of people but for the betterment of all persons. Never standing on the fence when Social Injustice occurs, giving a voice to those who have been forced to be mute. Constantly striving to make life better within my districts, as well as in our Nation. Being known as a man of principles and morals; and staying true to how I was raised by keeping the positive influences of my parents and those in our community.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9.11 was a major historical event when it occurred I was 10 years old

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at SICM: Schenectady Inner City Ministries (Assisting community youth). I had that job for three years during high school.

Which lead to my path and present job as an Educator

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Sam Cooke- A change gonna come

&

Glory by Common and John Legend

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Racial and Social Justice for all

Economic Stability

Equality in Education

Healthcare and Benefits

Criminal Justice Reform

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Congressman John Lewis

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

During these times, we have been tried as a nation. The hardship of fighting against a Global Pandemic to the Racial Injustice we are seeing on an almost daily basis. Talking with one of the elders in the community who not only marched with Martin Luther King Jr. but has helped many of our public officials get their careers started was the moment that was most impactful and hits hardest for me. As she spoke tears fell down her face; she told me that even after a lifetime of fighting for equality, she felt more now than before that we have regressed to the original starting point. That if people are not directly impacted by injustice that happens to a certain group, they lack empathy for their fellow man and woman. That those who we've looked to for leadership, are not willing to fight the hard fight to make this country a better place for everyone.

New York State Assembly District 111

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