Historical · U.S. Senate · New York
James Mead
Former U.S. Senator from New York · 1938–1947 · Democratic · Class 1
James Mead represented New York in the United States Senate (1938–1947) for the Democratic party. The page below collects sourced biographical facts, term history, committee roles, and provenance for Mead.
Bioguide ID: M000615
Key facts
- Full name
- James Mead
- State
- New York
- Party
- Democratic
- Senate class
- Class I
- Senate service
- 1938–1947
- First Senate term
- 1938
- Status
- Left office
- Current term ends
- —
- Born
- 1885
- Bioguide ID
- M000615
- Committee assignments
- —
- Dataset version
- 20260602
Biographical narrative
818 words · sourced from the Wikipedia REST extract
James Mead was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from New York. A member of the Democratic Party, Mead's political career spanned over several decades, during which he held various positions in Congress. His tenure in the Senate began in 1938 and concluded in 1947, marking a significant period in American history that included the Great Depression and World War II. Mead's legislative contributions and political activities were shaped by the socio-economic challenges of his time, reflecting the broader trends in American governance and policy-making.
Early life and career
James Mead was born on December 27, 1885. His formative years were spent in a rapidly changing America, which was experiencing significant industrial growth and social transformation. Mead's early life laid the groundwork for his future political career, as he became acutely aware of the issues facing his community and the nation.
Before entering politics, Mead pursued a career that would provide him with a solid foundation in public service. He engaged in various professional endeavors that contributed to his understanding of the complexities of governance and the needs of his constituents. His commitment to public service eventually led him to seek election to Congress, where he would serve multiple terms.
Mead's political career began in the House of Representatives, where he served before being elected to the Senate. His experiences in the House provided him with valuable insights into the legislative process and the workings of federal government. This background would prove beneficial as he transitioned to the Senate, where he would face new challenges and opportunities.
Senate tenure
James Mead's Senate career commenced in 1938, when he was elected to represent New York. He served as a member of Senate Class 1, a designation that indicates the timing of his election and the length of his term. During his time in the Senate, Mead was part of a legislative body that was deeply engaged in addressing the pressing issues of the day, including economic recovery from the Great Depression and the United States' involvement in World War II.
Throughout his two terms in the Senate, Mead was involved in significant legislative discussions and decisions. His tenure coincided with a period of substantial change in American society, as the nation grappled with the effects of economic hardship and the global conflict that would ultimately reshape international relations. Mead's role in the Senate allowed him to contribute to the development of policies aimed at addressing these challenges.
Mead's Senate career concluded on January 3, 1947, marking the end of a significant chapter in his political life. His departure from the Senate followed a period of intense legislative activity and national transformation. The years he spent in the Senate were characterized by a commitment to the principles of the Democratic Party and a focus on the welfare of his constituents in New York.
Legislative focus and committees
During his time in the Senate, James Mead was known for his involvement in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments. His work reflected the priorities of the Democratic Party and the pressing needs of the American public during a tumultuous era. Mead's legislative focus encompassed a range of issues, including economic recovery, social welfare, and civil rights.
As a member of the Senate, Mead participated in discussions and debates that shaped key legislation. His contributions were particularly relevant during a time when the federal government was expanding its role in addressing economic and social issues. Mead's commitment to public service was evident in his efforts to advocate for policies that aimed to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
In addition to his legislative work, Mead served on several committees that played a crucial role in shaping national policy. These committees were instrumental in examining proposed legislation, conducting hearings, and making recommendations to the full Senate. Mead's participation in these committees allowed him to influence the legislative process and advocate for the interests of his constituents.
Throughout his Senate tenure, Mead's focus on social welfare and economic issues was particularly significant. He recognized the importance of government intervention in addressing the challenges faced by individuals and families during the Great Depression and the post-war period. His work in the Senate contributed to the broader efforts of the Democratic Party to promote social justice and economic equity.
In summary, James Mead's career as a U.S. Senator from New York was marked by a commitment to public service and a focus on the pressing issues of his time. His legislative contributions and committee work reflected the broader trends in American governance during a period of significant change. Mead's tenure in the Senate, which lasted from 1938 to 1947, was characterized by his dedication to the principles of the Democratic Party and his efforts to improve the lives of his constituents. His legacy as a public servant continues to be recognized as part of the rich history of American politics.
Notable legislation
Sponsored and co-sponsored legislation for James Mead is pending operator curation. The biographical narrative above carries the same provenance trail until per-bill rows are written.
Sources
- [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_M._Meadwikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02
Notable quotes
Sourced quotes for James Mead are pending operator curation. Narrative-scope provenance remains attached below.
Sources
- [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_M._Meadwikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02
Key positions
Curated policy positions for James Mead are pending operator review. The biographical narrative above carries the same provenance trail until per-topic positions are written.
Sources
- [1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_M._Meadwikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02
Terms served
- 1919–1921U.S. House · District 42 · Term 1 · Democratic
- 1921–1923U.S. House · District 42 · Term 2 · Democratic
- 1923–1925U.S. House · District 42 · Term 3 · Democratic
- 1925–1927U.S. House · District 42 · Term 4 · Democratic
- 1927–1929U.S. House · District 42 · Term 5 · Democratic
- 1929–1931U.S. House · District 42 · Term 6 · Democratic
- 1931–1933U.S. House · District 42 · Term 7 · Democratic
- 1933–1935U.S. House · District 42 · Term 8 · Democratic
- 1935–1937U.S. House · District 42 · Term 9 · Democratic
- 1938–1941U.S. Senate · Term 10 · Democratic · Class I
- 1941–1947U.S. Senate · Term 11 · Democratic · Class I
Sources & provenance
Every attributable claim above carries a per-section [N] marker that resolves to the corresponding URL below. Each entry records the upstream provider, the canonical URL, and the timestamp at which the source was retrieved by the ingest pipeline.
Key facts
- https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/M000615bioguide · retrieved 2026-06-02
- https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/407604govtrack · retrieved 2026-06-02
Biographical narrative
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_M._Meadwikipedia · retrieved 2026-06-02
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