Barbara W. Carpenter is a Democratic State Representative for District 63 in Louisiana, representing parts of East Baton Rouge Parish, including areas like Baton Rouge and Baker. A lifelong Baton Rouge resident, she was first elected in 2015 and has served continuously since early 2016, eligible through at least the 2024 term. She currently chairs the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee and serves on key committees including Appropriations, Education, House Executive Committee, and Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. Notable achievements include advocating for worker protections, small business support, workforce development, education investments, flood control projects, airport improvements, and community initiatives like school supply drives, food giveaways, and student scholarships. She is active in the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus, Capital Region Delegation, and Democratic Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Capitol High School; B.S. in Vocational Education and General Science from Southern University; M.Ed. in Secondary Education and Administration from Southern University; Ph.D. in Adult and Occupational Education with a focus on International Education from Kansas State University.
• Professional Role: Dean of International Education and University Outreach at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where she builds global partnerships and connects the university to local communities.
• Political Experience: Elected to Louisiana House of Representatives in 2015 for District 63 ; re-elected multiple times; leadership roles in labor, education, budget, and executive committees; extensive caucus involvement focusing on education, workforce, and community support.