Katrina Jackson
Katrina Jackson is a Democratic politician who has been making her mark in Louisiana politics for over a decade. Currently serving as a state senator, she has advocated for issues like healthcare, education, and economic growth throughout her career. Jackson’s journey from local representative to statewide leader provides insights into Louisiana politics.
Early Life and Education
Katrina Jackson was born in 1976 in Monroe, Louisiana. She grew up in the small city in the northern part of the state. After graduating from high school, Jackson attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1998.
Jackson went on to Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge for law school. She graduated in 2001 and passed the state bar exam that same year. Her educational background helped prepare Jackson for her future career in public service and politics.
Early Political Career
After working as an attorney for a few years, Katrina Jackson made her first foray into politics by getting elected as a District Judge in Louisiana’s 4th Judicial District Court. She assumed office in 2009. This gave Jackson her first experience in government.
Two years later, in 2011, Jackson ran for Louisiana House of Representatives in District 16. She won the open seat outright in the primary election with 51% of the vote. Now a state representative, Jackson served on committees like Health and Welfare and Commerce.
Jackson went on to win re-election twice more to the State House, running unopposed in 2015 and 2019. During her House tenure, she ascended to leadership positions like Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus.
Louisiana State Senate
In 2019, Jackson set her sights on the Louisiana State Senate, running for the open District 34 seat. She won handily in the primary with 71% of the vote.
As a state senator, Jackson has served on key committees like Education, Finance, and Insurance. She is currently Vice Chair of the Education Committee, giving her significant influence over education policy.
Some of the notable legislation Jackson has sponsored as a state senator includes:
- SB 110 – Providing patients the right to prompt health insurance coverage
- SB 104 – Requiring coverage for genetic testing of diseases
- SB 207 – Creating the School Safety Act to improve security
- SB 18 – Increasing retirement benefits for state employees
Overall, Jackson has advocated for expanding healthcare access, supporting schools, and stimulating economic growth through her sponsored bills. Her priorities align with her Democratic platform.
Louisiana House of Representatives
Before becoming a state senator, Katrina Jackson represented Louisiana House District 16 for eight years. She first won election in 2011.
In the State House, Jackson served on committees like Agriculture and Health and Welfare. She introduced popular bills to ban texting while driving and protect domestic abuse victims.
One of Jackson’s noteworthy legislative acts was HB 886. This 2014 law helped prosecute felons illegally possessing firearms by making it easier to track stolen weapons.
Political Positions
Jackson’s political platform focuses on economic development, education, and senior citizens. Some of her priorities include:
- Promoting job growth and business opportunities
- Improving academic excellence in Louisiana schools
- Expanding resources and programs for senior citizens
As a Democrat, Jackson has supported expanded healthcare access, higher education funding, and stimulus spending. She has introduced legislation aligned with Democratic initiatives.
Campaigns and Elections
First elected in 2011, Katrina Jackson has won four straight terms as a state representative and senator. Some key facts about her campaigns and elections:
- Won the District 16 House race outright with 51% in the 2011 primary
- Faced no opponent and was re-elected uncontested in 2015 and 2019
- Raised $60,518 in donations for her 2011 House campaign
- Defeated challenger James Smith 71% to 29% for her Senate seat in 2019
- Won re-election to the Senate in 2023 after the general election was cancelled
Jackson has proved popular in her district, fending off primary challengers and running unopposed in multiple cycles. Her fundraising and electoral dominance reflect her political strength.
Scorecards and Evaluations
Advocacy groups and organizations have generally given Jackson high marks for her voting record. Some examples:
- Louisiana Association of Business and Industry – 93% in 2022
- Louisiana Family Forum – 100% in 2021
- Louisiana Right to Life – 100% in 2020
- Louisiana Conservative Union – 93% in 2019
Jackson’s scores indicate consistent alignment with business interests and traditional conservative values. Her stellar marks reflect her district’s priorities.
COVID-19 Diagnosis
In February 2021, Katrina Jackson announced she had tested positive for COVID-19. She was one of several legislators in Louisiana to contract the virus that month.
Jackson self-isolated after the diagnosis. She recovered after experiencing mild symptoms.
The COVID scare underscored the risks of public service during the pandemic. Jackson continued her legislative duties remotely while recovering from the virus.
Conclusion
In over a decade of public service, Katrina Jackson has established herself as an influential voice in Louisiana. She has risen from local representative to legislative leader, now serving as a key senator. Jackson’s political career reflects her roots as a small-city lawyer.
Focusing on economic growth, schools, and healthcare access, she has found success through bold policy initiatives. As she continues serving Louisiana in the State Senate, Katrina Jackson’s impact will likely only grow. Her journey shares insights into succeeding in Bayou State politics.
FAQs
What are Katrina Jackson’s main political priorities?
Jackson focuses most on economic development, education, and senior citizen welfare. She has introduced bills supporting business growth, school funding, and programs for older Louisianans.
How long has Katrina Jackson been in the Louisiana Legislature?
Jackson was first elected to the State House in 2011. She served as a representative for eight years before becoming a senator in 2020. So she has been in the Legislature for over a decade now.
How has Katrina Jackson voted on major issues?
She has voted largely along Democratic Party lines. Jackson has supported Obamacare Medicaid expansion, minimum wage increases, gun control measures, and abortion rights.
What Congressional district does Katrina Jackson represent?
Katrina Jackson is a member of the Louisiana State Legislature, not the U.S. Congress. She represents Louisiana’s 34th State Senate district.
What is Katrina Jackson’s background before politics?
Before running for office, she worked as an attorney. Jackson graduated law school in 2001 and practiced law for eight years before becoming a judge in 2009.
