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Isiah James, (born 13 October 1986), is an American politician, disabled veteran, community organizer, and activist. James is a Democratic Socialist and member of the Democratic Party, he is the running for Congress in New York's 9th congressional district to unseat incumbent Yvette Clarke.

Early life & Education
James was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Cassandra James (née Brown) and Brenton James. His father emigrated from St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica to Brooklyn, New York in 1971 and initially worked as a farmhand picking apples and later as and a roofer to support Isiah and his ten brothers and sisters. His mother was a domestic worker and later a stay at home mother. In 2005 James graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Army under the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 11B (Combat Infantryman). James is a graduate of The City University of New York (Brooklyn College) where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science. He is currently enrolled in The City University of New York (Marxe School of Public and International Affairs) where he is currently receiving his Masters of Public Administration (MPA)

Military Service
From 2005 to 2013 James served as an Infantry Squad Leader and Designated Marksmen in the United States Army attaining the rank of E-4 (Specialist). During his service James was deployed to the Iraq War in 2006 and 2008 and the war in Afghanistan in 2010 as a NATO member of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). For his service during three tours of duty, James was the recipient of some of the nation's highest military decorations; namely the Presidential Unit Citation which is awarded to service members of units of the Uniformed services of the United States for   gallantry and determination in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. As well as the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States. On the morning of 13 February 2011 while conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol James and his unit were attacked by insurgents using explosive devices. James was injured by insurgents when his vehicle was hit by a Russian RKG-3 anti-tank grenade. As a result of his injuries, James was deemed unfit to serve and was medically retired with a disability rating of 90% from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Community Activism
James lives with his wife who is a teacher, in the Flatbush Area of Brooklyn, New York. James is active in the surrounding community as a tenant’s rights organizer in parts of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Crown Heights, and Brownsville, helping members of the surrounding communities stand up to predatory landlords and unfair rental practices. James is a member of various local activist groups in his community such as Indivisible Brooklyn and New York City Democratic Socialist of America (NYCDSA). As a Community Activist, James has fought for Affordable Housing, Immigration Rights, Women Rights, LGBTQIA+ Rights, Workers Rights, and Reproductive Rights, Disability Rights, Adequate funding and resources for our children's public schools as well as Police Accountability. James is a vocal advocate working to combat family separations at the nation’s southern border. In addition, James is a staunch supporter and ally to those in the Brooklyn community who are recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and DREAMers. James is campaigning on a platform of progressive ideas; namely affordable housing.

2020 Campaign
On January 22, 2019, James submitted the necessary paperwork to the Federal Elections Commission declaring his candidacy for the Democratic Congressional Primary in 2020. His platform includes Affordable Housing, Universal Healthcare (Medicare-for-all), Tax Reform, LGBTQIA+ Equality, Campaign Finance Reform/Voting Rights, Immigration Reform, Disabled/Differently Abled Rights, A Federal Assault Weapons Ban, Ending For-Profit Prisons/Jails, A Federal Living Wage, Equal Pay for Women, Tuition Free College, Affordable Child Care, Combating Climate Change, Rebuilding Our Infrastructure, Caring For Veterans, Wall Street Reform, and Caring For Our Seniors.