Valarie Hodges

Valarie Hodges is a politician and businessperson from Denham Springs, Louisiana, currently serving as a member of the Louisiana State Senate representing the 13th district. A member of the Republican Party, she previously held a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, where she represented the 64th district. Hodges has been active in Louisiana politics for over a decade, focusing on various legislative issues and community concerns. Her career has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies, reflecting her engagement with local and state governance.

Early life and career

Valarie Dawn Hope Hodges was born on March 12, 1955. She grew up in Louisiana, where she met her future husband, Leland M. Hodges, during their time as students at Central High School. The couple married in 1972 at Amite Baptist Church in Watson, Louisiana. Together, they have three children and six grandchildren. In addition to her family life, Hodges and her husband have co-owned and operated two small businesses.

Hodges has a background in missionary work, having served alongside her husband for 18 years. Their international ministry has established churches in Nicaragua and Guadalajara, Mexico. This experience in various socio-economic contexts has influenced her perspective on governance and public service, particularly regarding the challenges posed by poverty in different societies. Hodges has expressed that her interactions with communities in countries like Cuba and Mexico have shaped her understanding of the impacts of socialism and the importance of economic freedom.

Legislative service

Hodges entered the political arena in 2011 when she was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, succeeding term-limited Representative Bodi White. Her election campaign was supported by the Tea Party movement and notable Republican figures, including David Vitter and Bobby Jindal. In the primary election, she secured a significant portion of the vote, marking a strong start to her political career.

During her tenure in the House, Hodges was involved in various initiatives, one of the most notable being the establishment of the Comite River Diversion Canal Project Task Force in 2014. This task force was created to study and recommend strategies for completing the Comite River Diversion Canal project, which aims to alleviate flooding concerns in Livingston Parish. The project has been under discussion for decades and seeks to connect the Comite River to the Mississippi River, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges in the region.

In early 2024, Hodges transitioned to the Louisiana State Senate, where she now represents the 13th district. This district primarily encompasses the northern parts of Livingston Parish, situated north of Interstate 12. Her move to the Senate followed a successful campaign in which she defeated fellow Republican Buddy Mincey, securing a significant majority of the vote in the primary election.

Throughout her legislative career, Hodges has faced various controversies. She has been associated with far-right political movements and has taken strong stances on issues such as school choice. Notably, she was an early advocate for a school voucher program that would allow public school students to attend private schools at no cost. However, her support for this initiative waned when she learned that vouchers could be used for private, Muslim educational institutions, leading her to express concerns based on her interpretation of the Founding Fathers' beliefs.

In the wake of the 2015 budget crisis in Louisiana, Hodges's policy positions often conflicted with those of the State Office on Budget and Planning. The state faced significant financial challenges, prompting discussions about potential cuts to higher education and healthcare. Despite the gravity of the situation, Hodges maintained her stance on certain fiscal policies, which drew scrutiny from various stakeholders.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented another set of challenges for Hodges as a legislator. She opposed stay-at-home orders implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus and promoted alternative treatments that lacked scientific backing. Her involvement in legislative efforts during this period included advocating for anti-vaccine measures and other policies that aligned with her views on public health.

Policy focus and district

Hodges's policy focus has evolved over her years in public office, reflecting her commitment to addressing local issues while also engaging with broader state and national debates. Her legislative priorities have included infrastructure development, education reform, and public health policies. The Comite River Diversion Canal project exemplifies her dedication to improving local infrastructure, which has been a significant concern for residents in her district.

In addition to infrastructure, Hodges has been a vocal proponent of educational reforms, particularly regarding school choice and voucher programs. Her initial support for these initiatives was indicative of her alignment with conservative educational policies, although her views have shifted in response to specific developments within the educational landscape.

As a member of the Louisiana State Senate, Hodges continues to influence legislative discussions and decisions that affect her constituents. In 2024, she sponsored a bill aimed at prohibiting public schools from teaching that students endure or cause oppression based on their race or national origin. This legislation reflects her ongoing engagement with contentious issues surrounding education and social justice.

Hodges has also been active within the Republican Party, serving on the executive committee of the Republican State Executive Committee and as a founding member of the Conservative Caucus. Her leadership roles within the party underscore her commitment to conservative principles and her influence within Louisiana's political landscape.

Overall, Valarie Hodges's career as a state legislator has been marked by her dedication to her constituents and her engagement with a range of policy issues. Her journey from local business owner and missionary to state senator illustrates her multifaceted approach to public service, shaped by her personal experiences and political beliefs. As she continues her legislative work, Hodges remains a prominent figure in Louisiana politics, navigating the complexities of governance while advocating for the interests of her district.