40 Facts About John Neely Kennedy

Early Life and Education

John Neely Kennedy's journey began in the small town of Centreville, Mississippi. His upbringing in Zachary, Louisiana, set the stage for a life dedicated to public service and law.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on November 21, 1951, in Centreville, Mississippi, Kennedy grew up in Zachary, Louisiana, a small town near Baton Rouge.
2. Education: He attended Vanderbilt University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. His academic journey continued at the University of Virginia, where he received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1977.
3. Further Studies: Kennedy also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) from Magdalen College, Oxford, which he earned in 1979.

Early Career and Government Service

Kennedy's early career saw him transitioning from private practice to significant roles in state government, laying the groundwork for his future political endeavors.

4. Career Beginnings: After completing his education, Kennedy returned to Louisiana and entered private practice, becoming a partner in the law firm of Chaffe McCall.
5. Special Counsel: In 1988, he was appointed special counsel to Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer, serving until 1992.
6. Governor's Cabinet: From 1990 to 1992, Kennedy was a member of the governor's cabinet, providing legal counsel and administrative support.
7. Revenue Secretary: In 1996, he was appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue by Governor Mike Foster, holding the position until April 30, 1999.

State Treasurer and Political Shift

Kennedy's tenure as Louisiana State Treasurer marked a significant period in his career, during which he also switched political parties.

8. State Treasurer: Elected as Louisiana State Treasurer in 2000, Kennedy held the position until 2017.
9. Party Affiliation: Initially a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party in 2007 and was re-elected as a Republican in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
10. Adjunct Professor: During his time as treasurer, Kennedy served as an adjunct professor at LSU Law School.
11. Volunteer Teacher: He also volunteered as a substitute teacher for East Baton Rouge Parish public schools.

U.S. Senate Career

Kennedy's election to the U.S. Senate in 2016 marked the beginning of his federal legislative career, where he has been an active participant in various committees and legislative processes.

12. U.S. Senate: In 2016, Kennedy ran for the U.S. Senate to replace retiring Senator David Vitter, winning the primary and runoff elections.
13. Senate Committees: He is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, playing a role in several high-profile judicial nominations.
14. Judicial Philosophy: Kennedy supports judges who believe in "judicial restraint," interpreting the law as written rather than making new law.
15. Supreme Court Expansion: He opposes efforts to add more justices to the Supreme Court, arguing it would "delegitimize" the Court.
16. Ethics Standards: Kennedy has opposed Congress establishing ethics standards for justices, claiming it would undermine the judiciary's legitimacy.
17. Blue Slip Process: He defends the blue slip process for district court judges, encouraging bipartisan cooperation.

Legislative Actions and Positions

Kennedy has taken clear stances on various legislative issues, reflecting his conservative values and commitment to fiscal responsibility.

18. Education Policy: He has opposed President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, arguing it is unfair to those who have already paid off their debts.
19. Infrastructure Ratings: The National Association of Police Organizations rates Kennedy at 60% on infrastructure issues.
20. Labor Unions: The AFL-CIO has assigned him a rating of 8% on matters concerning labor unions.
21. Humane Society Ratings: His Humane Society Legislative Fund rating has ranged between 67% (2019) and 28% (2017), with his last rating (2020) at 57%.
22. Heritage Action Scores: Kennedy holds a score of 89% for the 116th Congress and a lifetime score of 83% from Heritage Action for America.
23. American Conservative Union: The American Conservative Union's Center of Legislative Accountability gives him a lifetime rating of 83.74.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond his political career, Kennedy is deeply involved in his community and maintains a strong family life.

24. Personal Life: Kennedy married Rebecca Stulb in 1990, and they have one child together.
25. Community Involvement: He and his wife are founding members of North Cross United Methodist Church in Madisonville, Louisiana.

Campaigns and Elections

Kennedy's political journey includes multiple campaigns, reflecting his persistence and dedication to public service.

26. Early Senate Runs: He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in 2004 and again in 2008.
27. Successful Senate Bid: His third bid for the Senate in 2016 was successful, and he was re-elected in 2022.
28. Support for Trump: During his 2016 campaign, Kennedy was a vocal supporter of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
29. Re-election in 2022: Kennedy won re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2022, securing his seat without needing a general election after winning the primary outright.

Controversies and Legislative Impact

Kennedy's tenure has not been without controversy, particularly regarding his stance on electoral votes and judicial nominations.

30. Electoral Votes Controversy: In January 2021, Kennedy was one of six Republican senators who voted to sustain an objection to Arizona's electoral votes.
31. Judicial Nominees: He has been involved in several high-profile judicial nominations, including those of Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.
32. Opposition to Ketanji Brown Jackson: Kennedy voted against the nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Financial Transparency and Legislative Contributions

Kennedy's financial transparency and legislative contributions highlight his commitment to accountability and public service.

33. Financial Transparency: His financial information is publicly available through the Federal Election Commission and other sources.
34. Legislation Sponsored: Kennedy has sponsored various pieces of legislation, reflecting his interests in fiscal conservatism and judicial issues.

Additional Roles and Contributions

Kennedy's career includes various roles and contributions beyond his primary political positions.

35. Volunteer Work: Before becoming treasurer, Kennedy served as a volunteer substitute teacher for East Baton Rouge Parish public schools.
36. Adjunct Professorship: He worked as an adjunct professor at LSU Law School while serving as state treasurer.
37. Private Practice Experience: Before entering government service, Kennedy practiced law in private practice, becoming a partner in the law firm of Chaffe McCall.
38. Revenue Secretary Tenure: During his tenure as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue from 1996 to 1999, Kennedy played a crucial role in state revenue management.
39. State Treasurer Tenure: As Louisiana State Treasurer from 2000 to 2017, Kennedy managed state finances and served as an adjunct professor at LSU Law School.
40. Senate Tenure Highlights: Since assuming office in 2017, Kennedy has been actively involved in various legislative committees and has voted on numerous significant pieces of legislation.

Kennedy's Impact and Legacy

John Neely Kennedy's career showcases a blend of legal expertise, political acumen, and public service. From his early days in Zachary, Louisiana, to his current role as a U.S. Senator, Kennedy has consistently advocated for fiscal conservatism and judicial restraint. His tenure as Louisiana State Treasurer and his involvement in high-profile judicial nominations highlight his commitment to his principles. Kennedy's opposition to student loan forgiveness and his defense of the blue slip process reflect his dedication to fairness and bipartisanship. With a strong educational background and a history of community involvement, Kennedy continues to influence both state and national politics. His re-election in 2022 underscores his enduring appeal to Louisiana voters. As he moves forward, Kennedy's legacy will likely be defined by his steadfast adherence to his beliefs and his ongoing efforts to serve his constituents effectively.