Tipping Our Hat to Congressman Carter: The Leader We Need Now More Than Ever

2024 was a good year for U.S. Rep Troy Carter, Sr.

The legislator was easily re-elected to his seat in Congress, capturing more than 60 percent of in the November primary.

Congressman Carter has been a prominent figure in the United States House of Representatives, representing Louisiana’s second congressional district since May 2021, where he quickly established himself as a dedicated public servant, focusing on issues that resonate deeply with his constituents. His district, which includes parts of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is diverse and vibrant, presenting unique challenges and opportunities that Carter has embraced with vigor.

In early December, Carter was elected to serve as the Congressional Black Caucus’ (CBC) First Vice-Chair in the 119th Congress. This is the second-most senior position in Caucus leadership and part of the Executive Committee.

“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as First Vice-Chair in the powerhouse institution that is the Congressional Black Caucus. I thank my colleagues for entrusting me with this leadership position,” Carter said in a printed release announcing his selection. “I came to Congress to be the voice of my constituents, and it is a job that I take very seriously. This is an enormous responsibility, and I know that the Black community in my state depends on me to advocate for us within systems that too-often are designed to silence our voices. I will not be silent.

He continued, “With Donald Trump’s incoming administration, the wisdom, values, and strategic leadership that are the foundation of the CBC are more critical than ever. Days after the election, President-Elect Trump began to promote many ideas from Project 2025 as priorities for his Administration. We know that the Black community stands to suffer greatly from Project 2025. The CBC will be at the forefront of pushing back on what is going to be a radical agenda. In this leadership role in the Congressional Black Caucus, and everyday as a Congressman, I will continue fighting for the issues that make a difference to all Louisianians and Americans.”

Just a few days after his CBC appointment, Carter was selected to serve on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which is responsible for appointing Democratic members of the House to committee seats and for shaping the party’s policy priorities. 

“I am grateful for the faith of my colleagues in selecting me for this powerful committee,” said Rep. Carter in an announcement. “I’ve worked in public service my whole life and have always prided myself in my ability to build coalitions and sit at the table with anyone. I plan to do just that to continue delivering for our communities and empower every member of our caucus to do the same.”

Carter’s ascension in the ranks among his congressional colleagues, the authority and power he has gained in less than five years have been impressive to watch – almost as impressive as the work he has done on behalf of the nearly 743,000 Louisianans that he represents in Congress. 

Early in 2024, Carter secured more than $17.5 million in Community Project for Louisiana’s 2nd District in the 2024 spending bills. Carter said then that the funding  was in direct response “to some of our community’s most pressing needs.”

“I am incredibly pleased to vote for the Community Project Funding in this bill that I know will have a lasting impact on LA-02,” said Rep. Carter. “These investments will grow our economy, making a real difference in the lives of so many. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, and stronger.”

Among projects included in the spending bills: $3,000,000 for the city of Gretna for wastewater upgrades; $963,000 for City of New Orleans Violence Intervention Program; $850,000 for Delgado Community College Motor Vehicle Technology Center of Excellence; $850,000 utility renovations at Dillard University; $963,000 for Greater New Orleans Police Patrol Enhancement; $1 million for a supplier Diversity Program and many others. 

The Second Congressional District is a largely urban one that is the hub of diverse industries that contribute significantly 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, along with more than a half dozen colleges and universities that help fuel workforce development, research and innovation across the state. It is also more than 59 percent Black. And while the district is vibrant and diverse, it is also one of the poorest congressional districts in the state with a median income of less than $48,800, according to the most recent Census data. 

With focus on small business support and development, job creation and access and opportunity to affordable healthcare, quality education and training opportunities, we believe Carter is working to change that.

Louisiana’s second congressional district will now be one of the state’s two majority Black districts represented in the Beltway when the 119th Congress comes to order on January 3.  It, however, is uncertain how long Louisiana will have two African Americans representing constituents in Congress as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear a challenge to the state’s redistricted congressional map early in 2025.

If the high court upholds the redistricted map — the result of hard fought political and legal battles in the struggle for civil rights and equitable representation — Carter will likely have a comrade in Congress joining him to serve some of the state’s most marginalized residents. Longtime political leader, Cleo Fields won the new sixth congressional seat with just under 51 percent of the vote in November. But if the Supreme Court throws out the map, the new seat could be in limbo. 

It’s our hope that the U.S. Supreme Court sees this challenge as the baseless effort to continue to marginalize Black residents across Louisiana by keeping them the fair and equitable representation in Congress that they deserve at a time when perhaps it will be needed most. Still, we are encouraged knowing that the second congressional district and its residents have Troy Carter.

To be sure, Carter’s tenure in the House of Representatives has been marked by his commitment to economic development, healthcare, and social justice. He has been an advocate for policies that aim to improve the quality of life for his constituents, particularly those in underserved communities. One of his primary goals has been to address the economic disparities that exist within his district. To this end, Carter has supported legislation that promotes job creation, small business growth, and infrastructure development. He understands that a robust economy is essential for the well-being of his constituents and has worked tirelessly to bring federal resources to his district.

In terms of healthcare, Congressman Carter has been a vocal proponent of expanding access to affordable healthcare services. He has supported bills that aim to lower prescription drug costs and increase funding for community health centers. Recognizing the importance of mental health, Carter has also advocated for increased mental health services, understanding that comprehensive healthcare must address both physical and mental well-being.

Carter’s legislative efforts extend to the realm of social justice, where he has been a strong advocate for criminal justice reform and voting rights. He has sponsored and supported bills that seek to address systemic inequities within the criminal justice system, aiming to create a more equitable society. His work in this area is driven by a belief in fairness and the need to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to justice.

One of the notable bills that Congressman Carter has sponsored is the “Environmental Justice for All Act,” which seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on minority and low-income communities. This legislation underscores Carter’s commitment to ensuring that all communities have access to clean air and water, and are protected from environmental harm.

This is especially for the second congressional district as it stretches west from New Orleans and through Jefferson Parish to include St. James and St. John parishes, which have deep legacies of environmental racism.

In addition to his legislative work, Congressman Carter has been actively involved in his district, engaging with constituents to better understand their needs and concerns. He has hosted town hall meetings, participated in community events, and maintained an open line of communication with those he represents. This hands-on approach has allowed him to stay connected with his constituents and advocate effectively on their behalf in Washington, D.C.

Just days before Thanksgiving, Carter took part in Sleep Out: New Orleans, an event hosted by Covenant House sites across the country for participants better understand the plight of homeless youth though conversation and contemplation taking place under the same conditions the homeless daily. 

Carter’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has received recognition for his work both within his district and on a national level. His ability to navigate the complexities of federal legislation while remaining grounded in the needs of his constituents is a testament to his dedication and skill as a legislator. 

In the uncertain days ahead, his leadership provides us with a degree of comfort and confidence in knowing that he will continue serving as a strong and clear voice for the people he represents.