Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. is a leading American political strategist, policy advisor, and educator whose career spans over two decades of public service, political consulting, and academic leadership. His work has had a transformative impact on electoral politics, education reform, and community development in New York and beyond. With a background shaped by his roots in the Bronx and a commitment to equity and civic engagement, Smikle has earned recognition as a national-caliber political operative and a much sought-after consultant for both public and private sector clients.
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Who is Basil Smikle?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 53 years |
| Family/ Parents | Jamaican immigrants |
| Spouse/ Wife/ Partner | Marjorie Fields Harris |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
| Salary | $150,000-$220,000 annually |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) |
| Weight | 86-96 kg |
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Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Basil Smikle Jr. is the son of Jamaican immigrants—his father a retired textile worker and his mother a public school special education teacher. These formative experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, community service, and the power of education. Smikle attended Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations with a concentration in Labor Law.
He later pursued advanced degrees at Columbia University, earning a Master of Public Policy and eventually a PhD in Politics and Education, focusing on urban education policy and the politics of reform.
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Political Career and Leadership
Smikle’s political career began in the late 1990s, where he served as Special Assistant for Budget and Policy to Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer. In this role, he was responsible for capital and discretionary spending recommendations affecting 1.5 million Bronx residents, drafting positions on citywide issues such as housing, education, and economic development. His policy analysis led to the repair and renovation of local parks, the enhancement of business improvement districts, and tenant advocacy for affordable housing.
In 2001, Smikle joined Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s staff as Deputy State Director, advising her on state-wide policy and politics. He acted as a liaison between Senator Clinton and labor, elected, and community leaders, and played a key role in coordinating policy initiatives and projects, including the creation of the High Line in New York City and the founding of the Eagle Academy Public Schools. His work on Senator Clinton’s staff earned him praise as a “key advisor and tremendous public servant” committed to ensuring all voices are heard.
Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party
In 2015, Smikle was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and former Governor David Paterson as Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party—the second-highest ranking Democrat in the state. In this capacity, he managed electoral and fundraising strategies, recruited candidates for political office, and created grassroots mobilization programs in partnership with the Democratic National Committee. Under his leadership, Democrats flipped county legislatures and county-wide seats, laying the foundation for returning the State Senate to full Democratic control in 2018 and flipping three congressional seats from Republican to Democratic representation.
Smikle’s tenure was marked by strategic innovation, including the implementation of Party-building technology and digital platforms, and the management of relationships with over 400 elected committee members, members of Congress, both U.S. Senators, mayors, and other elected leaders. He was also elected to serve as a member of the 2016 New York State Electoral College, further cementing his status as a central figure in New York politics.
Advocacy, Community Engagement, and Education
Beyond electoral politics, Smikle is a staunch advocate for public service and education equity. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, and 100 Black Men of New York, where he helped start the Eagle Academy in the Bronx. The Eagle Academy has since grown to six schools across New York and New Jersey, providing educational opportunities for underserved communities.
Smikle is also a founding Board Member of the Harlem Hebrew Academy Charter School and sits on the Board of the NYC Center for Charter Excellence, further demonstrating his commitment to expanding access to quality education.
Academic Contributions and Media Presence
Dr. Smikle has made significant contributions to academia, serving as a Distinguished Lecturer of Politics and Public Policy at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies and as a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and Teachers College. His teaching focuses on policy analysis, urban public management, and the politics of education reform, and he has received teaching awards for his work.
Smikle is a frequent commentator on MSNBC, CNN, NY1, and other media outlets, where he provides expert insight on electoral politics, governance, urban education policy, and public policy analysis. His commentary and opinion pieces have appeared in The Hill, NBC News, New York Daily News, and other major publications, covering topics ranging from criminal justice reform to minority representation in STEM careers.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Smikle has received numerous accolades for his commitment to public service and education equity. These include awards from Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, the New York Urban League Community Service Award, the Bronx Branch NAACP W.E.B. Dubois Scholar Award, and a Proclamation from the New York City Council. He has also been recognized as one of 50 rising stars in New York politics by City Hall Magazine and featured in the L.A. Times as part of “Harlem’s New Political Elite”.
Professional Consulting and Thought Leadership
As President of Basil Smikle Associates LLC, he advises private and public sector clients on nonprofit communications and marketing, urban education policy, and political mobilization. His consulting work has included advising the 2009 reelection campaign of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, organizing parent awareness campaigns for charter schools, and planning political rallies and events with the Democratic National Committee. He has also worked with the Clinton Foundation to organize events around HIV/AIDS clinic openings in Africa and has served as a successful lobbyist for various causes.
Spouse and First Wife
While Basil keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight—focusing instead on his stellar career in politics and education—public records and reports give us a glimpse into his relationships. No confirmed current girlfriend or partner shows up in recent sources as of late 2025, suggesting he might be enjoying single life or keeping things super low-key.
Basil’s most documented romance kicked off in January 2000 during Hillary Clinton’s Senate campaign. He met Marjorie Fields Harris, then executive director of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, at a Harlem meeting to coordinate Clinton’s appearance. Less than two months after their first date, Basil popped the question in springtime romance style.
They tied the knot at St. George Episcopal Church in Manhattan on May 26, 2001. The ceremony drew big names like the Clintons, Al Sharpton, and Charles Rangel. Even on wedding eve, Marjorie was hustling calls to free Sharpton from jail over Vieques protests—talk about a power couple blending politics and passion! The marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce after a few years.
Personal Life and Legacy
Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. is a life-long New Yorker whose work is deeply rooted in his community and inspired by his parents’ legacy of service. He is known for his ability to bridge diverse constituencies, foster grassroots engagement, and drive meaningful policy change. His career exemplifies the power of strategic thinking, civic engagement, and a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion.
Dr. Smikle’s influence continues to grow, both as a political strategist and as a thought leader in education and public policy. His biography stands as a testament to the impact one individual can have when guided by a passion for public service and a belief in the power of collective action.
Net Worth and Salary
Dr. Basil Smikle Jr. boasts an estimated net worth of $1-5 million as of 2025, reflecting steady growth from his multifaceted career in politics, academia, and consulting. Basil’s financial foundation solidified in the early 2000s through government and campaign roles, likely starting with a modest base salary around $60,000-$80,000 annually adjusted for inflation. By the mid-2010s, as Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party, his earnings surged with bonuses from successful elections and fundraising—potentially pushing total compensation past $200,000 yearly amid party flips and national DNC ties.
Between 2015 and 2018, his leadership in flipping seats contributed to net worth climbing toward $500,000-$1 million, blending salary, perks, and early consulting gigs. His transition to professorships at Columbia and Hunter College stabilized income at $150,000-$250,000 per year.
Is Basil Smikle an alpha?
Yes, Basil Smikle is an “Alpha,” referring to his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity founded by African Americans in 1906.
Is Basil Smikle still married?
No, Basil Smikle is not still married to his former wife, Marjorie Fields Harris; the couple wed in 2001 but separated after a few years.
how old is Basil Smikle?
Basil Smikle Jr. is 53 years old, born on January 12, 1972.