WHITE PLAINS, New York – Jamaican-born Sam D Walker has been elected to the New York State Supreme Court for the 9th Judicial District.

Walker, who was sworn in by the administrative judge, Francis A Nicolai, at a ceremony at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains, New York on January 11, was joined by his wife, Marie, mother Gloria, and more than 300 family, friends and supporters.

Prior to his landslide victory to a 14-year term, Walker had been a judge for more than 18 years. He served as an acting Supreme Court judge and presided over the Integrated Domestic Violence Part of the Supreme Court. His experience also includes the County Court where he presided over criminal and civil cases and was said to be the first Democrat of colour elected to a countywide office in Westchester.

Judge Walker has also served as an acting Family Court judge in Yonkers and a City Court judge for Mount Vernon.

“The grassroots approach was a major contribution to the success of our campaign,” Walker said at the swearing-in ceremony. “I was truly overwhelmed with the support from the community and the level of volunteers that came out for us. They are a tremendous group of people who gave so much of themselves to ensure my victory. It will be an honour to represent them for the next 14 years.”

Judge Walker attended Calabar and Meadowbrook high schools in Jamaica and graduated from Lehman College in 1975 with a degree in biology. He received his law degree from Howard University. After graduation from law school, he worked as a patent attorney at General Food Corporation, where he made partner and served on the Grace Commission during the Reagan administration.

Walker is a past president of the 109-year-old Westchester County Bar Association; a past president of the Association of Black Lawyers; a current member of the Board of Visitors of Pace University School of Law; and is also a former board member of Westchester Legal Services.

He served in the House of Delegates of both New York State and the American Bar Associations as well as on the Grievance Committee of the 9th Judicial District.

Walker has two children, Shannon and Douglas, who reside in Maryland .