Legislative Policy Conference
Speakers
Edward C. "Ted" James, II
Seasoned leader. Skilled Advocate. Change Agent. State Representative Edward "Ted" James' passion for leadership is driven by a deeply held desire to impact the lives of others while transforming the community he simply calls “home.” The Baton Rouge native was taught at an early age the value of service, the strength of community, the importance of a quality education, and the principles of social justice.
Upon being admitted to the Louisiana Bar, Ted began his career working in the Office of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco where he was actively engaged in policy reform efforts targeted at establishing affordable housing solutions across the state of Louisiana. As the Governor’s policy advisor on housing and community development Ted assisted in securing a $25 million investment into the Louisiana Housing Trust Fund. Ted later served on the Louisiana Commission on Housing and Community Development, where he continued his dedication to establish affordable housing solutions for the people of Louisiana. Under the leadership of Governor Blanco, he dedicated himself to the revitalization and rebuilding of Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Upon completing his service in the Blanco administration, Ted worked as a staff attorney with the Louisiana House of Representatives. His tenure as a staff attorney helped to provide him with the unique perspective and insight he uses today in his service as an elected member of the body. In 2009, Ted was appointed to serve as Special Counsel to the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue where he was charged with developing the Department’s legislative strategy. His leadership led to an appointment by Governor Bobby Jindal to serve on the Louisiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations where he effectively managed relationships with other governmental agencies to further the well-being of the people of Louisiana.
In November of 2011, Ted James was elected to serve as Louisiana State Representative for District 101. Through his hard work and dedication, Ted immediately emerged as a leader in the Louisiana Legislature. In 2016, he committed himself to recovery efforts following the historic Baton Rouge flood. He currently serves on four legislative committees- the House Committees Ways and Means, Administration of Criminal Justice, Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. He is also a member of the Democratic Caucus, the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus for which he serves as the Vice-Chair.
Representative James is an avid supporter of public education and healthcare for all citizens. He prides himself on being a voice for the working people of Louisiana. In addition to his legislative duties, Ted’s professional work extends to his role as an attorney, adjunct law professor, and Director of the Baton Rouge office of the Urban League of Louisiana. He enjoys partnering with various not-for-profit organizations where he is dedicated to giving back to the community by committing countless hours to mentoring students in Baton Rouge schools and sharing his acquired wisdom and knowledge by way of public speaking throughout the state of Louisiana.
Ted has received a number of honors and awards for his work and service. Most notably, he is the recipient of the Baton Rouge Business Report’s “Forty Under 40” award and the National Chapter of the NAACP’s “Top 40 Power Players under 40” award. He was also named to the National Bar Association’s 2013 Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40.
State Representative James earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Southern University A & M College and went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate with honors from the Southern University Law Center where he also served as the President of the Student Bar Association. He is an active member of Beacon Light Baptist Church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is the proud father of his daughter, Harper Ryan James.