Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District is represented by Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr., a Democrat who has served since 2021. This profile provides voters with insights into his background, legislative activities, policy positions, and the demographics of his district.
Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Troy A. Carter was born on October 26, 1963, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Oliver Perry Walker High School in Algiers and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana. He has also completed programs at the Harvard Kennedy School and Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Urban and Public Affairs.
Initial Political Roles:
- Executive Assistant: Carter served as Executive Assistant to New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy, gaining valuable experience in municipal governance.
- Louisiana House of Representatives: In 1991, he made history by becoming the first African American elected to represent Louisiana’s 102nd District. During his tenure, he introduced legislation to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- New Orleans City Council: Elected in 1994 to represent District C, Carter served until 2002.
- Louisiana State Senate: After a hiatus from public office, he was elected in 2015 to represent the 7th District. As a state senator, he focused on raising the state’s minimum wage and strengthening anti-discrimination laws.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2021, following the resignation of Representative Cedric Richmond, Carter won the special election to represent Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District and was sworn in on May 11, 2021.
Sponsored Legislation
As of the 119th Congress (2025-2026), Congressman Carter has sponsored 20 pieces of legislation addressing various issues, including economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure. For a detailed list of his sponsored bills, visit his profile on Congress.gov.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- Abortion Rights: Carter opposes restrictive measures that limit abortion access.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Throughout his career, he has supported LGBTQ+ rights, introducing legislation in the early 1990s to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and has continued this advocacy in the state senate with similar bills in 2017 and 2020.
- Gun Control: Carter advocates for responsible gun ownership and regulations to enhance public safety, opposing measures that expand gun rights.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Minimum Wage: As a strong advocate for economic equity, Carter prioritizes raising the state’s minimum wage to improve the standard of living for low-income workers.
- Infrastructure Investment: He supports significant investments in infrastructure, aligning with federal initiatives to modernize transportation, utilities, and public services, emphasizing the importance of these investments for economic growth and job creation in Louisiana.
- Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: On August 12, 2022, Carter voted in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at addressing economic challenges and reducing inflationary pressures.
Demographics of the 2nd Congressional District
Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District is known for its rich cultural diversity and significant African American population. Key demographic data includes:
- Population: Approximately 769,243 residents.
- Racial Composition:
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 59.5%
- White (Non-Hispanic): 27%
- Two or more races (Non-Hispanic): 2.8%
- Other (Hispanic): 2.63%
- Asian (Non-Hispanic): 2.48%
- Median Age: 37.6 years
- Median Household Income: $48,648
- Poverty Rate: 22.6%
- Homeownership Rate: 55.4%
These statistics highlight the economic challenges in the district and the significance of policies aimed at economic development and social equity.
Controversial Statements
As of the latest available information, Congressman Troy Carter has not made any widely reported controversial statements. He is generally recognized for his measured and collaborative approach to governance.
This profile aims to provide voters with a comprehensive overview of Congressman Troy Carter’s background, legislative activities, policy positions, and the demographic context of his constituency. For more information, constituents are encouraged to visit his official House website.