Date of Birth: November 19, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Gary Leonard Ackerman is an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1983 to 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the state’s 5th congressional district for most of his tenure. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Ackerman graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and then pursued higher education at Queens College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Before entering politics, he was a New York City public school teacher and also served as an editor for a local newspaper. Ackerman’s political career began in the New York State Senate, where he served from 1979 to 1983 before winning a special election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Known for his strong advocacy on issues such as foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, social justice, and education, Ackerman retired from Congress in 2013.
5 Interesting Facts about Gary Ackerman
1. Gary Ackerman was a founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
2. He was influential in pushing through the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986.
3. Ackerman was known for his witty and often sharp-tongued remarks during congressional hearings.
4. He received the U.S. Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award for his work in foreign policy.
5. Ackerman carried a membership card for the National Rifle Association (NRA) despite his liberal views on gun control, often citing it to challenge stereotypes.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gary Ackerman
1. “You can’t be a leader if you only follow public opinion.”
2. “Our nation’s immigration policy should be a source of pride, not a demonstration of fear.”
3. “We must always stand up for our friends, and Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East.”
4. “Education is not just a tool for individual success but the bedrock of our democracy.”
5. “In politics, sincerity is everything. Once you can fake that, you’ve got it made.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Gary Ackerman’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $5 million.
Children
Gary Ackerman has three children: Lauren, Corey, and Ari.
Relevant Links
2. [Gary Ackerman – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Ackerman
3. [Gary Ackerman’s Archive – The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/topic/person/gary-ackerman
5. [Gary Ackerman’s Profile – Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Gary_Ackerman
