Biography
John Neely Kennedy, born on November 21, 1951, in Centreville, Mississippi, is a Republican U.S. Senator representing Louisiana. He was first elected to the Senate in 2016 and re-elected in 2022. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Kennedy served as the Louisiana State Treasurer from 2000 to 2017, overseeing the state's multi-billion-dollar investment portfolios and returning millions of dollars in unclaimed property each year. He also held positions as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue and as special counsel to Governor Buddy Roemer. Kennedy is known for his conservative stance and commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Education
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Vanderbilt University: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics, magna cum laude, 1973.
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University of Virginia School of Law: Juris Doctor, 1977; served as executive editor of the Virginia Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif.
- *Oxford University *: Bachelor of Civil Law with first-class honors, 1979.
Political Experience
- *U.S. Senate *: Serving on the Appropriations, Banking, Budget, Judiciary, and Small Business Committees. Holds ranking positions on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, and Banking Subcommittee on Economic Policy.
- *Louisiana State Treasurer *: Elected to five terms, managing the state's finances and investment portfolios.
- *Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue *: Oversaw state tax collections and revenue policies.
- *Special Counsel and Secretary to Governor Buddy Roemer's Cabinet *: Provided legal counsel and administrative support within the governor's office.
Notable Achievements
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Legislative Success: During his first term in the Senate, Kennedy passed several bills aimed at protecting the stock market from foreign corruption, extending flood insurance protection for Louisiana homeowners, curbing corrupt lobbying practices, and preserving disaster relief programs for small businesses. He holds the record for passing more bills in his first term than any other Louisiana senator.
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Awards and Honors:
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Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation .
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Conservative Achievement Award by the American Conservative Union .
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Legislative Leader Award by the Humane Society Legislative Fund .
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AbilityOne Congressional Champion by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission .
Kennedy's career reflects a dedication to conservative principles, fiscal oversight, and active legislative participation on behalf of Louisiana's citizens.
