Surrounded by family, community leaders, and local residents,, Quentin Anthony Anderson officially launched his campaign for the Louisiana State Senate in District 14 on Saturday at the McKinley High School Alumni Center. The kickoff event celebrated the district’s history and potential, featuring an impassioned address from Anderson that outlined his vision for bold, people-centered leadership.
The event drew notable attendees, including key state Democratic leaders and community figures such as Jae Raegan, chair of the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee. Attendees responded warmly to Anderson’s vision for the district and his commitment to addressing issues ranging from wages and education to healthcare and public safety.
Anderson opened his speech by highlighting the historical significance of McKinley Senior High School, his alma mater, and the Alumni Center. “McKinley isn’t just where a key part of my journey started; it’s where dreams were nurtured, where lessons were learned, and where the foundation was laid for my commitment to serving our district,” Anderson said, reflecting on the school’s legacy as a beacon of hope and resilience.
In a speech that combined personal anecdotes with policy-driven goals, Anderson painted a vivid picture of what he hopes to achieve for District 14. “I’m running because too many of our leaders run out of personal ambition and fail to answer the quintessential question every politician should have to answer when they run: what is in it for the people they serve?” he asked, drawing applause from the crowd.
A Vision for Change
Anderson’s platform focuses on five key pillars:
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Raising Wages: “When people are paid what they’re worth, the investment comes back to us tenfold. It strengthens our economy, fuels local businesses, and fosters better jobs,” Anderson emphasized. He underscored the role small businesses play in building thriving communities.
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Investing in Public Education: Anderson called for a reinvestment in community-based public schools, rejecting the diversion of public funds to private institutions. “Public schools are not corporations. They are public institutions meant for the general welfare. If they are failing, it is our obligation to fix them, not abandon them,” he stated.
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Protecting Workers: As AI and automation reshape the workforce, Anderson proposed policies that safeguard workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment. “This is about standing up for people over profits,” he said.
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Public Safety: Anderson advocated for a multifaceted approach to public safety. “If the way we have to reduce crime is to improve our education system, so be it. If it means beautifying our neighborhoods and eliminating blight, so be it. Public safety has to be an all-hands-on-deck approach,” he asserted.
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Expanding Healthcare Access: Anderson declared healthcare a fundamental right. “I will fight to make sure no matter who you are, where you live, how much you make, or what your gender is, your access to healthcare will not be denied,” he pledged.
A Commitment to the People
Anderson concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal to voters. “I’m asking for your trust. Suspend your pessimism for just this one election and give me the chance to prove we can do better. My name is Quentin Anthony Anderson, and I’m running for the Louisiana State Senate because I want to fight for you.”
The event set the tone for a campaign that seeks to redefine leadership in District 14, promising a relentless focus on equity, opportunity, and accountability. Anderson’s candidacy represents a call for bold leadership and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of the community.