Julie Emerson

Julie Emerson is a Republican state representative from Louisiana who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 at age 27, making her the youngest Republican female ever elected to the Louisiana legislature. Born on February 29, 1988, in Louisiana, she resides in Carencro, Louisiana. Emerson is a Christian and an active member of the Republican Party since her high school years.

Her interest in politics was solidified during her time as a biology major at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette when the Affordable Care Act was proposed, which prompted her to attend the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. She has remained deeply involved in Republican politics, serving as an elected member of the Republican State Central Committee and attending state and national conventions in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

Emerson represents District 39, which covers Northern Lafayette Parish and Southern St. Landry Parish. She was re-elected in October 2019 and again in October 2023, receiving 72% of the vote in her most recent election.

Education

Emerson earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette between 2006 and 2010. She later pursued graduate education, obtaining her *Master of Business Administration * in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina between 2012 and 2013. She also attended Westminster Christian Academy for her secondary education.

Political Experience

Emerson has served in various legislative capacities and committee roles. She currently serves on the House Committees for Civil Law and Procedure, Education, and the Joint Committee on Atchafalaya Basin Program Oversight, and the Retirement Committee. Previously, she held positions on the Appropriations, Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Health and Welfare, and Education committees.

As a legislator, Emerson has maintained a 100% Pro-Life voting record with Louisiana Right to Life. She was among only 19 legislators to vote against breaking the spending cap in 2023. In the 2024 legislative session, she introduced legislation regarding closed party primary elections. She also supported measures addressing foreign ownership of property in Louisiana.

Beyond the legislature, Emerson serves as an elected member of the Republican State Central Committee and is a trustee and board member of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is also a member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators Board.

Professionally, Emerson is the owner and Chief Strategist of Lagniappe Communications Group, a marketing strategy firm she established in 2011. She previously chaired Representative Clay Higgins's transition team in 2016 and 2017.