Charles Barron (born October 7, 1950) has represented Brooklyn's 42nd District on the New York City Council since 2001. A self-described "elected activist", Barron ran for mayor of New York City in 2005 and in 2006 was narrowly defeated by Edolphus Towns in the Democratic Party primary for the U.S. House of Representatives (10th Congressional District). He ran in the Democratic primary for the 8th District Congressional seat being vacated by Towns, but lost to State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, 28% to 72%.
Barron began working as a community activist in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn in the 1980s. He became chief of staff for Rev. Herbert Daughtry before running for the New York city council, where he has served since 2001.
Barron supporters say he fights for blacks and lower-income people, but he has also gained a reputation for making controversial statements. A comment by Barron in July 2009 that the Gaza Strip is a "virtual death camp, the same kind of conditions the Nazis imposed on the Jews”, angered Jewish community leaders.
Read more about Charles Barron: Early Years and Education, Early Activism, City Council, 2005 New York City Mayoral Campaign, 2006 Congressional Campaigns, 2010 Gubernatorial Campaign, 2012 Congressional Campaign