Troy Carter

Troy A. Carter is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held this position since May 2021 and is expected to continue in office until January 3, 2027. Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Carter had a diverse political career that included roles in the Louisiana State Senate, the New Orleans City Council, and the Louisiana House of Representatives. He is one of two Democrats representing Louisiana in Congress.

Early life and career

Troy A. Carter was born on October 26, 1963, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the Algiers neighborhood and attended Oliver Perry Walker High School, where he completed his secondary education. Following high school, Carter pursued higher education at Xavier University of Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and political science. He furthered his studies by beginning a master's program at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Urban and Public Affairs and completed an executive training program at the Harvard Kennedy School. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Science in management from the University of Holy Cross. Raised in a Catholic household, Carter's educational background laid a foundation for his future political career.

Carter's early career included a position as an adjunct political science instructor at Xavier University of Louisiana. He also served as an executive assistant to New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy for six years, gaining valuable experience in municipal governance. His political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1991, making history as the first African American to represent District 102. During his tenure in the state legislature, he was an advocate for LGBTQ rights, introducing legislation aimed at prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in 1993. This commitment to civil rights continued during his later service in the Louisiana State Senate, where he filed similar bills in 2017 and 2020.

In 1994, Carter was elected to the New Orleans City Council, representing District C until 2002. He sought to further his political ambitions in 2002 by running for mayor of New Orleans but was unsuccessful, finishing behind Ray Nagin and Richard Pennington in the primary election. In 2006, he again pursued a congressional seat in Louisiana's 2nd district but lost to incumbent William J. Jefferson.

After a period away from public office, Carter returned to the political arena when he was elected to the Louisiana State Senate in 2015. He won the runoff election with a significant majority, receiving over half of the votes cast. During his time in the state senate, he authored or co-sponsored 75 bills that became law, demonstrating his legislative effectiveness. He also served as chair of the Louisiana Senate Democratic Caucus and led the Senate's Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, while chairing the Algiers Development District.

House tenure

Carter's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began after he won a special election to fill the vacancy left by Cedric Richmond, who resigned to join the Biden administration. Announced on November 18, 2020, Carter's candidacy was supported by numerous prominent figures and organizations, including Richmond himself, various congressional Democrats, and local media outlets. He successfully advanced from the top-two primary held on March 20, 2021, to the runoff election on April 24, where he secured a majority of the votes against his opponent, Karen Carter Peterson.

Carter was sworn in as a U.S. Representative on May 11, 2021. His election contributed to the Democratic Party's majority in the House of Representatives, which stood at 219 to 212 over the Republican Party at that time. As a member of Congress, Carter has participated in significant legislative actions, including voting in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, a key piece of legislation aimed at addressing various economic issues.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House, Carter has been assigned to several important committees that shape policy in various areas. For the 119th Congress, he serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees a wide range of issues, including health care, telecommunications, and environmental policy. Within this committee, he is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, the Subcommittee on Environment, and the Subcommittee on Health. Additionally, he is part of the Committee on Homeland Security, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability, as well as the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security.

Carter is also a member of several caucuses that reflect his legislative priorities and interests. These include the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for LGBTQ rights; the Climate Solutions Caucus, focused on addressing climate change; the New Democrat Coalition, which promotes progressive economic policies; the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which champions a range of progressive issues; and the Congressional Blockchain Caucus, which explores the implications of blockchain technology.

Carter's political positions align with the Democratic Party's platform, particularly in areas such as reproductive rights and gun control. He has consistently opposed measures aimed at restricting abortion and expanding gun rights. His legislative priorities during his time in the Louisiana Senate included raising the state's minimum wage and strengthening anti-discrimination laws for the LGBTQ+ community. He has expressed support for the infrastructure policies of the Biden administration and has voted in alignment with the President's positions throughout his congressional career.

Carter's personal life includes his marriage to Andreé, who serves in the United States Army Reserve and has attained the rank of Major General. He has two sons from a previous marriage to former television news anchor Melanie Sanders. Carter continues to reside in the Westbank area of New Orleans, where he was born and raised, and identifies as a Baptist. His background and experiences contribute to his ongoing commitment to public service and advocacy for his constituents in Louisiana's 2nd congressional district.