Troy Carter

Troy Anthony Carter Sr. is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District. First elected to the 117th Congress in a April 2021 special election to succeed Cedric Richmond, he represents a district encompassing most of New Orleans and several surrounding river parishes. Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business Administration from Xavier University of Louisiana and later received a Master of Science in Business from the University of Holy Cross, where he graduated summa cum laude. Carter's career in public service began as an executive assistant to New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy. In 1991, he made history as the first African American elected to represent Louisiana's 102nd District in the State House of Representatives, where he also served as the youngest floor leader for New Orleans. He subsequently served on the New Orleans City Council from 1994 to 2002 and later in the Louisiana State Senate from 2016 to 2021, where he held the role of Senate Minority Leader. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Carter serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Homeland Security. He also holds significant leadership roles, including serving as a Deputy Whip for the House Democratic leadership and as the First Vice Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. His legislative work frequently focuses on infrastructure, environmental justice, and economic development for the Gulf Coast region.

Representative Carter's policy positions emphasize social equity and economic support. In healthcare, he supports a public option, the expansion of Medicare and Medicaid, and the protection of reproductive rights. His economic platform includes advocating for a $15 federal minimum wage, student loan forgiveness, and increased federal investment in infrastructure. Regarding the environment, Carter focuses on environmental justice, clean air initiatives, and transitioning to renewable energy. On civil rights and justice, he has been a vocal proponent of criminal justice reform, including the abolition of non-unanimous jury verdicts. His foreign policy and immigration stances include support for international aid, such as assistance to Ukraine, and the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for populations in need, such as Haitian migrants.