Two candidates have announced they are running for the 2nd Congressional District seat, New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter. The seat is coming open due to current Congressman Cedric Richmond’s move to join the Biden administration as a senior aide.
Peterson touted her legislative record and said it shows her commitment to economic, racial, environmental, and reproductive justice.
“As a member of the Legislature for the last 21 years I have a record of bold progressive leadership that I would like to bring to Congress,” said Peterson.
Peterson served as the State Democratic Party Chairwoman for eight years before stepping down earlier this year. She said she’s gained the statewide experience necessary to represent the winding district.
“While I have represented New Orleans in the State Legislature I have relationships in the River Parishes and Baton Rouge,” said Peterson.
The state’s minority-majority district encompasses most of New Orleans, parts of Jefferson Parish, and winds through the River Parishes and over north Baton Rouge. 70 percent of voters are in the New Orleans area while 20 percent live in the River Parishes and 12 percent live in Baton Rouge.
Carter said with a split Congress his history of being able to reach across the aisle makes him well suited to be able to bring more resources back to Louisiana.
“As a member of the Senate I have worked tirelessly to build relationships as minority leader and have worked been able to work with a varied group of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to get things done,” said Carter.
New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno is rumored to be eying a run and Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers has announced his interest as well.
Carter said he’s had to run some tough races for his seat and would hit the ground running in D.C. during a contentious period for the Lower Chamber.
“The complexity of the districts that I represented demonstrated my ability to navigate waters where Democrats have historically not been able to make things happen,” said Carter.
Governor Edwards has not yet called for a special election race to replace Richmond, but it’s expected it would take place sometime in spring.
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