Keith L. T. Wright was elected to the NY State Assembly in 1992, and appointed Assistant Majority Whip in 1998. As chair of the Election Law Committee, Wright spearheads New York's implementation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). As member of the Labor Committee and the Subcommittee of Equal Economic Opportunity and Human Rights, Wright is a prime sponsor of legislation to create a "Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights," and of legislation that would allow seniors to travel free on public transportation on off-peak hours. A member of the Correction Committee and the Task Force on Criminal Justice Reform, Wright is a strong opponent of the death penalty and the Rockefeller Drug Laws and an advocate for criminal justice reform.
Wright also chairs the Subcommittee on Public Housing, championing the rights of tenants through extensive hearings and legislation. Other committee assignments include Banks and Codes. Wright is also the former chair and current member of the Black, Puerto Rican and Hispanic Legislative Caucus and a member of the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.
As chair of the Harlem Community Development Corporation (CDC), Wright made a substantial, tangible impact on economic and cultural development in Harlem.
A graduate of Rutgers Law School, Tufts University, the Fieldston School and the Ethical Culture School, Wright credits his parents for teaching him the importance of strong values, commitment to community and defense of civil rights. Wright is the son of New York Supreme Court Justice Bruce Wright, now retired, and Constance Wright, a long time educator and former principal in the New York City public school system.
Prior to serving as Assemblyman, Wright held positions in the City's Human Resources Administration, the Manhattan Borough President's Office and the New York City Transit Authority.
Keith Wright lives in Harlem with his wife, Susan, and children, Jared and Jordan. He is a board member of Tufts University, and attends St. Phillips Episcopal Church.