Sam Jenkins (politician)

Sam Jenkins
Member of the Louisiana Senate
from the 39th district
Assumed office
January 8, 2024
Preceded byGregory Tarver
Minority Leader of the Louisiana House of Representatives
In office
January 13, 2020 – January 8, 2024
Preceded byRobert Johnson
Succeeded byMatthew Willard
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
from the 2nd district
In office
January 11, 2016 – January 8, 2024
Preceded byRoy A. Burrell
Succeeded bySteven Jackson
Personal details
Born
Samuel Lee Jenkins Jr.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationSouthern University (BA, JD)

Samuel Lee Jenkins Jr. is an American politician serving as a Democratic member for the 39th district of the Louisiana Senate. He previously represented the 2nd district in the Louisiana House of Representatives and served as the minority leader of the House from 2020 to 2024.[1][2][3]

Early life and education

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Jenkins was born as Samuel Lee Jenkins Jr. He attended Southern University, where he earned a BA and a JD.

Political career

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Louisiana House of Representatives

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Jenkins was elected to represent the 2nd district of the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2016, succeeding Roy A. Burrell. He assumed office on January 11, 2016.[2][4] During his tenure, he was elected Minority Leader of the House in 2020, a position he held until January 2024.

Louisiana Senate

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In November 2023, Jenkins was elected to represent the 39th district in the Louisiana Senate, defeating fellow Democratic House representative Cedric Glover in a runoff.[5][6] He assumed office on January 8, 2024.

Legislative positions

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Jenkins opposed Governor Jeff Landry's special session of the Louisiana Legislature on crime in the state, advocating instead for preventative measures due to concerns that the session's outcomes might lead to increased incarceration.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Rep. Jenkins calls for end of special session". KTBS-TV. October 20, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Sam Jenkins". Ballotpedia. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  3. ^ "Louisiana House Member Page". Louisiana House of Representatives. Archived from the original on July 31, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2022 – via Wayback Machine.
  4. ^ "Results for Election Date: 10/24/2015", Secretary of State of Louisiana
  5. ^ "Jenkins defeats Glover in Louisiana Senate District 39 runoff". KTBS. 19 November 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  6. ^ "Sam Jenkins wins senate seat in Louisiana's 39th District. Walters wins House District 4". Shreveport Times. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  7. ^ "Sen. Jenkins, Louisiana officials concerned over crime legislation". My ArkLaMiss. 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
Louisiana House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
from the 2nd district

2016–2024
Succeeded by
Louisiana House of Representatives
Preceded by Minority Leader of the Louisiana House of Representatives
2020–2024
Succeeded by
Louisiana State Senate
Preceded by Member of the Louisiana Senate
from the 39th district

2024–present
Incumbent