Congressman Troy A. Carter represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, serving communities across New Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Lafourche, and several River Parishes, including St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Ascension, Assumption, and Iberville.
Currently serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives after first being elected to Congress in 2021, Carter is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and continues his work on the House Homeland Security Committee and the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. He also serves as a Deputy Whip for House Democratic leadership. Among his leadership roles, Carter is First Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and participates in the Regional Leadership Council. Earlier in his congressional tenure, he served on the House Small Business Committee as well as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Carter earned his undergraduate degree in political science and business administration from Xavier University of Louisiana. He later completed a Master of Science in Business at the University of Holy Cross, graduating summa cum laude. In recognition of his public service and contributions to society, both Xavier University and Southern University of New Orleans have awarded him honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees.
His career in public service began at New Orleans City Hall as an executive assistant to Mayor Sidney Barthelemy. In 1991, Carter became the first African American elected to represent Louisiana’s 102nd House District and later served as the youngest floor leader representing New Orleans. He went on to become the first African American elected to represent District C on the New Orleans City Council. As a Louisiana State Senator for the 7th District, he served as Senate Minority Leader and became the first African American to represent that district in the chamber.
Throughout his legislative career, Carter has sponsored and supported hundreds of measures addressing infrastructure, economic growth, public health, criminal justice reform, women’s healthcare, and homelessness. He is widely recognized for his advocacy on civil rights, equity, healthcare access, and environmental justice.
In addition to his work in Congress, Carter serves as an adjunct professor of political science at Xavier University and is a frequent keynote speaker. He appears regularly in national media, including major television networks and print publications.
He is also the founder and host of What Makes America Tick, a program featuring conversations with leaders, innovators, and cultural figures about the forces shaping the country. His commentary and writing on public policy and social issues have appeared in outlets such as The Hill, Essence, and The New Orleans Tribune.
Congressman Carter is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Major General Ana Carter of the United States Army, and together they have two sons, Troy Jr. and Joshua.
