2024 was yr for U.S. Rep. Troy Carter Sr.
The lawmaker was easily reelected to his congressional seat, winning more than 60 percent in the November primary.
Congressman Carter is a distinguished figure in the United States House of Representatives, representing Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District since May 2021, where he has quickly established himself as a dedicated public servant, focused on issues that resonate deeply along with his constituents. His district, which incorporates parts of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is diverse and vibrant, presenting unique challenges and opportunities that Carter eagerly embraced.
In early December, Carter was elected first vice chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in the 119th Congress. This is the second highest position in the Club’s management and a part of the Executive Committee.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as first vice president of such a powerful institution as the Congressional Black Caucus. I thank my colleagues for entrusting me with this leadership position,” Carter said in a printed statement announcing his selection. “I came to Congress to be a voice for my constituents, and it is a job I take very seriously. This is a huge responsibility, and I know that the Black community in my state relies on me to defend us within systems that too often seek to silence our voices. I will not remain silent.
He continued: “With the incoming Donald Trump administration, the wisdom, values and strategic leadership that underpin CBC are more important than ever. In the days after the election, President-elect Trump began promoting many of the Project 2025 ideas as priorities for his administration. We know that the Black community will suffer greatly from Project 2025. CBC will be at the forefront of pushing back against what will be a radical agenda. In this leadership role on the Congressional Black Caucus, and every day as a congressman, I will continue to fight for the issues that matter to all Louisianans and Americans.”
Just days after his CBC appointment, Carter was elected to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which is chargeable for appointing Democratic members of the House to committee positions and shaping the party’s policy priorities.
“I am grateful for the faith of my colleagues who elected me to this powerful committee,” Rep. Carter said in an announcement. “I have worked in public service all my life and have always been proud of my ability to build coalitions and sit at the table with anyone. I plan to do this to continue giving back to our communities and to empower every member of our club to do the same.
Carter’s rise among his colleagues in Congress and the authority and power he has gained in less than five years are impressive – almost as impressive as the work he has done on behalf of the nearly 743,000 Louisianans he represents in Congress.
In early 2024, Carter secured more than $17.5 million in Community Projects for Louisiana’s 2nd District in 2024 spending bills. Carter then said the funding was a direct response “to some of the most urgent needs in our community.”
“I am extremely pleased to be able to vote to fund community projects in this bill, which I know will have a lasting impact on LA-02,” said Rep. Carter. “These investments will grow our economy, making a real difference to the lives of so many. I am proud to have fought for funds that will make our community healthier, safer and stronger.”
Among the projects included in the spending bills: $3,000,000 for the City of Gretna for sewer improvements; $963,000 for the City of New Orleans Violence Intervention Program; $850,000 for the Delgado Community College Motor Vehicle Technology Center of Excellence; $850,000 in Utility Renovations at Dillard University; $963,000 to improve police patrols throughout New Orleans; $1 million for supplier diversity program and more.
The Second Congressional District is a largely urban district that’s the center of quite a lot of industries that make significant contributions to the state’s economy, including the Port of New Orleans, which serves as a gateway to international trade, and a thriving petrochemical industry. The heart of the state’s vital tourism industry, together with more than a half-dozen colleges and universities that help drive workforce development, research and innovation across the state. It can also be over 59% black. And while the district is vibrant and diverse, additionally it is one among the poorest congressional districts in the state, with a median income of less than $48,800, according to the latest census data.
We consider Carter is working to change this by specializing in the support and development of small businesses, job creation, and access and opportunity to inexpensive health care, in addition to high-quality education and training.
When the 119th Congress passes the measure on Jan. 3, Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District will now be one among the state’s two majority black districts represented in the Beltway. However, it’s uncertain how long Louisiana could have two African-Americans representing voters in Congress as the U.S. Supreme Court is anticipated to hear a challenge to the redistricting congressional map in early 2025.
If the Supreme Court upholds the redistricting map — the results of fierce political and legal battles waged in the fight for civil rights and fair representation — Carter will likely have a companion in Congress who will join him to serve a few of the state’s most marginalized residents. Longtime political leader Cleo Fields won a brand new sixth congressional seat in November, winning slightly below 51 percent of the vote. However, if the Supreme Court throws out the map, the latest headquarters might be in limbo.
We hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will see this challenge as a baseless effort to further marginalize Black people in Louisiana by giving them the fair and equal congressional representation they deserve at a time when they could need it most. Still, we’re joyful to know that the 2nd Congressional District and its residents have Troy Carter.
Without a doubt, Carter’s tenure in the House of Representatives was marked by his commitment to economic development, health care and social justice. He has championed policies that seek to improve the quality of life for his constituents, especially in underserved communities. One of his fundamental goals was to address the economic disparities that existed in his district. To this end, Carter supported laws to promote job creation, small business development, and infrastructure development. He understands that a robust economy is important to the well-being of his constituents, which is why he has worked tirelessly to secure federal resources for his district.
When it comes to health care, Congressman Carter has been a robust supporter of expanding access to inexpensive health care services. He has supported bills that seek to lower prescription drug costs and increase funding for community health centers. Recognizing the importance of mental health, Carter also advocated for increased mental health services, understanding that comprehensive health care must address each physical and mental well-being.
Carter’s legislative efforts extend into the realm of social justice, where he has been a robust advocate for criminal justice reform and voting rights. He has sponsored and supported bills that seek to address systemic inequalities in the criminal justice system with the goal of making a more just society. His work on this area is driven by his belief in fairness and the need to be certain that all people, no matter their origin, have equal access to justice.
One notable bill sponsored by Congressman Carter is the “Environmental Justice for All Act,” which seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority and low-income communities. This laws underscores Carter’s commitment to ensuring all communities have access to clean air and water and are shielded from environmental harm.
This is particularly true of the 2nd Congressional District, which extends west from New Orleans and thru Jefferson Parish to include Saint. James and Saint John, which have a deep legacy of environmental racism.
In addition to his legislative work, Congressman Carter has been actively engaged in his district, engaging along with his constituents to higher understand their needs and concerns. He has hosted town hall meetings, participated in community events and maintained an open line of communication with the people he represents. This hands-on approach allowed him to stay connected along with his constituents and effectively advocate on their behalf in Washington
A number of days before Thanksgiving, Carter participated in Sleep Out: New Orleans, an event hosted by Covenant House locations across the country that sought to higher understand the plight of homeless youth through conversations and contemplation that happen in the same settings as homeless people do on daily basis.
Carter’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as his work was recognized each inside his district and nationally. His ability to navigate the complexities of federal laws while keeping the needs of his constituents in mind is a testament to his commitment and skill as a legislator.
In the uncertain days ahead, his leadership provides us with some comfort and confidence in knowing that he’ll proceed to be a robust and clear voice for the people he represents.