Born Name:  Randy Credico

Born Date:  July 5, 1954

Born Place:  Monterey Park, California

Died Date: 

Died Place: 

Occupations:  Political candidate, comedian, radio host, activist

Brief Biography:  Randy Credico is known for his advocacy against harsh drug laws and his past work as a stand-up comedian, he appeared on "The Tonight Show" in the 1980s.

Early Career and Comedy:
Born in Monterey Park, California, Credico began his career as a stand-up comedian and impressionist. He gained national recognition with an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1984 at age 30. However, his career as a mainstream comic was largely derailed by his radical political views and personal struggles with substance abuse.

Activism and Criminal Justice Reform:
Credico pivoted to full-time activism in the late 1990s, focusing heavily on New York’s Rockefeller drug laws:
Kunstler Fund: He served as the director of the William Moses Kunstler Fund for Racial Justice.
Drug Law Reform: He led a decade-long campaign to dismantle punitive drug laws, which included frequent protests at the New York State Capitol in Albany and Rockefeller Center.
Documentary Work: He brought national attention to mass drug arrests in Tulia, Texas, producing the award-winning documentary Tulia, Texas: Scenes from the Drug War.

Political Campaigns:
Credico is frequently described as a "perennial candidate" for his numerous runs for public office as a Democrat or third-party candidate:
U.S. Senate (2010): Challenged Senator Chuck Schumer.
NYC Mayor (2013): Ran for the Democratic nomination, receiving approximately 2% of the vote.
NY Governor (2014): Challenged incumbent Andrew Cuomo, placing third in the Democratic primary.