James Carter (politician)

James Carter was elected in 2006 to represent District C on the New Orleans City Council. A native of New Orleans and graduate of both McDonogh 35 High School and New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), Carter received both his B.A. (1991) and juris doctor (1997) degrees from Howard University in the District of Columbia. He entered the practice of law in New Orleans during 1997. He has served as president of the New Orleans chapter of the Howard University Alumni Association.

In 2008 Carter sought to oust incumbent U.S. Representative William J. Jefferson in the Democratic primary election for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district seat but failed to make the runoff. His campaign manager was Dana Peterson, husband of state representative Karen Carter Peterson (no relation to James Carter), who had tried to oust Jefferson in the 2006 elections.

Carter is known to enjoy political repartee, as in being hosted by Jeff Crouere on his Politics with a Punch program. A less-flattering portrayal is that rendered by an Jay Arena’s anti-capitalist web site, dubbing as "partners in evil" Carter and fellow Councilmember Stacy Head.

James Carter and his wife Rene Carter live in Algiers Point with their one child. She is principal of Martin Behrman Elementary School. He is a member of Prince Hall Masons. The Carters attend Shiloh Baptist Church, where her late father Bob Lewis had been minister.