Higher Heights Statement on Karen Carter Peterson’s Race for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District

NEW YORK — Today, Glynda C. Carr, the President and CEO of Higher Heights for America PAC — the only national organization exclusively dedicated to harnessing Black women’s political power from the voting booth to elected office — issued the following statement after State Senator Karen Carter Peterson did not advance in the election to represent Louisiana’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Despite the outcome, we congratulate Karen Carter Peterson on a trailblazing campaign to represent the people of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the state of Louisiana in Congress. As a Black woman running a progressive campaign in a historically conservative Southern state, Peterson has set a precedent for the power of Black women candidates across our nation.

“We know that Peterson would have brought an unwavering commitment to Louisiana’s most marginalized communities to Congress. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she held the state’s government officials accountable for providing support for their constituents, helping families receive critical assistance to rebuild their communities. She continuously fights for justice on issues that disproportionately affect women, particularly Black women, and their families, by successfully expanding access to Medicaid throughout the state and protecting women’s reproductive rights against anti-abortion bills. Through dedicated advocacy and leadership, she has also helped shrink the prison population in Louisiana, known for its high rates of incarceration, by leading the way on reduced mandatory minimums, lighter sentencing, and added investments in rehabilitation services. 

“Peterson is a prime example of what Black women’s leadership can accomplish, even in places like Louisiana. In that kind of political climate, Black women’s representation is even more critical to ensuring that our voices are heard in critical policy decisions. We look forward to supporting Peterson in her continued public service, and remain committed to increasing Black women’s representation in the United States Congress.”