Stephanie Hilferty

Stephanie Hilferty is a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, representing District 94, which encompasses parts of Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Currently serving in this role, she has established herself as a prominent figure in Louisiana politics, particularly within her district. In addition to her legislative duties, Hilferty is a commercial real estate sales and leasing agent, contributing to her understanding of economic and community issues.

Early life and career

Stephanie Hilferty was born in November 1985. She completed her secondary education at St. Mary's Dominican High School, graduating in 2003. Following high school, she attended Loyola University New Orleans, where she earned a degree in English and psychology, graduating summa cum laude in 2007. During her time at Loyola, Hilferty was actively involved in campus life, serving as the president of the University Programming Board and participating in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

After completing her education, Hilferty began her professional career as a sales and leasing associate at SRSA Commercial Real Estate in Metairie, Louisiana. In this role, she has represented a diverse range of clients, including national, regional, and local tenants in both office and retail sectors. Her expertise in commercial real estate has been recognized within the industry; in 2016, she was named one of the "Top Ten Influencers" in the residential and commercial markets by Biz New Orleans. Hilferty's professional background in real estate has likely informed her legislative priorities and her approach to economic development within her district.

In addition to her work at SRSA, Hilferty has been involved in various professional organizations. She is a member of the Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors and has participated in X Team International, a retail real estate brokerage group. Furthermore, she has held leadership roles within the Urban Land Institute, serving as the chair for the Young Leaders group. Her community involvement also includes a past presidency of the Lake Vista Property Owners Association, which underscores her commitment to local governance and community issues.

Legislative service

Hilferty's political career began with her election to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015. In the primary election held on October 24 of that year, she successfully unseated incumbent Republican Representative Nicholas Lorusso, receiving a majority of the votes. This victory marked the beginning of her legislative journey, and she has since been re-elected multiple times.

In the 2019 jungle primary, Hilferty again demonstrated her electoral strength by securing a significant portion of the vote, which allowed her to advance to the runoff election. In the subsequent runoff, she won re-election with a substantial majority. Her most recent primary election, held on October 14, 2023, saw her achieve an impressive 88% of the votes, the largest margin of victory for any house seat during that primary. This electoral success reflects her strong support within her district and her ability to connect with constituents.

Throughout her tenure in the Louisiana House of Representatives, Hilferty has served on several committees, contributing to her legislative effectiveness. She is currently the Vice Chair of the Commerce Committee and also serves on the Natural Resources and Environment Committee. In addition to these roles, she is a member of the Legislative Audit Advisory Council, the House Select Committee on Women and Children, and the House Select Leadership Committee. Her previous committee assignments have included the Education Committee and the Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Committee, indicating her broad engagement with various legislative issues.

Policy focus and district

Hilferty represents Louisiana House District 94, which includes a diverse array of neighborhoods across Orleans and Jefferson parishes. The district encompasses 27 precincts in Orleans Parish, including areas such as Lakeview, New Orleans City Park, Lakeshore, Lake Vista, and portions of the Lake Terrace and Mid-City neighborhoods. In Jefferson Parish, the district includes parts of the Bucktown neighborhood and areas along the shoreline between West Esplanade and Lake Pontchartrain.

Given the demographics and geographical features of District 94, Hilferty's policy focus likely addresses a range of local concerns, including economic development, community safety, and environmental issues. Her background in commercial real estate may inform her approach to economic policies, particularly those that impact local businesses and property development. Additionally, her involvement in various legislative committees suggests a commitment to addressing the needs of women and children, as well as a focus on natural resource management.

Hilferty's active participation in the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus and the Orleans Delegation further indicates her dedication to fostering collaboration among legislators to address the unique challenges faced by her constituents. Her legislative efforts are likely aimed at enhancing the quality of life in her district while promoting economic growth and sustainability.

In her personal life, Hilferty resides in the Lake Vista neighborhood of New Orleans with her husband, Michael Lillis, and their three children. Her family life, combined with her professional and political experiences, shapes her perspective as a legislator and her commitment to serving her community effectively. Through her ongoing service in the Louisiana House of Representatives, Hilferty continues to play a significant role in shaping the legislative landscape of her district and the state.