Quentin Anthony Anderson Files with FEC; to Explore Run for Congress

BATON ROUGE, La. – On Friday, Quentin Anthony Anderson officially filed a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, laying the groundwork for a potential campaign for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. While not a formal campaign announcement, this crucial step indicates Anderson’s serious contemplation of a bid for Congress, with a formal announcement expected to be made within the next two weeks.

Anderson, 35, is a small business owner and social justice advocate. He is the owner of Anderson Creative, a communications firm, and the executive chairman of The Justice Alliance, a nonprofit organization that organized the 2018 & 2019 My Louisiana Equality & Equity Summits. He’s the founder of the Black Business Bureau of Baton Rouge, the former communications director for Together Baton Rouge, and a former organizer for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

“This filing with the FEC is an important procedural step, one that I do not take lightly,” stated Anderson. “Louisiana stands at a crossroads, and the upcoming election presents a pivotal opportunity to present a choice to Louisiana voters: do we keep electing bought and paid-for politicians who are for sale to the highest bidder or do we elect real public servants?”

Anderson, who previously ran unsuccessfully for East Baton Rouge Parish’s Metropolitan Council in 2020, has said that should he run, his message would center on “jobs and justice.”

“Races like this are rarely ideological,” said Anderson. “When the politics are this local, people want to know how you’re keeping them safe, keeping them secure, and securing the future of their children and their community. That’s what I’ll be talking about if I decide to get in.”

Anderson’s potential candidacy promises to infuse the race with youth and dynamic, progressive ideas centered around economic empowerment, social equity, and a commitment to transparent, accountable governance.

Anderson is a native of Baton Rouge, having graduated from McKinley Senior High School in 2006. He has a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Louisiana Tech University in 2010 and a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University, earned in 2013.

Understanding Louisiana’s New Congressional District: A Step Toward Fair Representation

In recent Louisiana politics, a significant change has occurred with the redrawing of the state’s congressional districts, a development that directly impacts the political landscape both locally and nationally. We wanted to take some time to demystify the redistricting process, explaining why it happened, its implications, and what it means moving forward.

Why Redistricting Happened

The redistricting process in Louisiana was driven by a federal court ruling that found the previous congressional map diluted Black voting power, violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This decision came after a prolonged legal battle aimed at ensuring fair representation for Black voters in Louisiana, who make up nearly a third of the state’s population but were majorities in only one of six districts. The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals gave the legislature a January 30, 2024 deadline to draw a new congressional map.

When and What Elections Will Be Impacted

The new map was enacted on January 22, 2024 – just ahead of the 2024 congressional elections. This timing means the newly drawn districts will be in effect for these elections, potentially reshaping the state’s delegation to Congress starting with the election on November 5, 2024.

Who is Impacted

The redistricting process has resulted in significant changes for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District, increasing its Black voter makeup from 23% to 54%. This alteration shifts the district from a likely Republican hold to a probable Democratic gain, affecting both the incumbent, Rep. Garret Graves, and other political figures considering runs in the new landscape, like Quentin Anthony Anderson 🙂

Impact on the Political Landscape

The creation of a second majority-Black district is expected to enhance Democratic chances in Louisiana, contributing to a more balanced representation that reflects the state’s racial demographic makeup. While this is a victory for advocates of voting rights, it also doesn’t help alleviate concerns about regional representation – especially for those who are worried the new district is too South Louisiana heavy, at the expense of North Louisiana representation.

Quentin’s View

While I recognize that redistricting/gerrymandering is a fraught process, I also understand that this particular outcome is a step towards correcting historical injustices in representation. Although the solution is not perfect and might reduce geographic coherence, it addresses the longstanding underrepresentation of Black Louisianans. I am committed to supporting fair maps that promote equitable representation. I view the new district setup as an imperfect but positive advance towards truly fair representation.

I am hopeful that this change is a move towards resolving the issues of fair representation once and for all. It’s crucial that every citizen feels represented and that every community has a voice in the halls of power. This redistricting, while a compromise, is a stride in the right direction.

Conclusion

As we approach the 2024 elections, it’s vital for voters to understand the new dynamics at play. This redistricting isn’t just a reshuffling of boundaries—it’s about making democracy work better for everyone. By ensuring that more voices are heard, we strengthen the fabric of our community and our nation.

For more details on our campaign’s stance and updates, visit Anderson2024.org.