Carolyn Bourdeaux facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carolyn Bourdeaux
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 7th district |
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| In office January 3, 2021 – January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Rob Woodall |
| Succeeded by | Lucy McBath (Redistricting) |
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| Born | June 3, 1970 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jeffrey Skodnick |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Yale University (BA) University of Southern California (MPA) Syracuse University (DPA) |
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Carolyn Jordan Bourdeaux (born June 3, 1970) is an American politician and educator. She served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia's 7th congressional district. She was in office from 2021 to 2023.
Bourdeaux is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming a politician, she was a professor. She taught at the Andrew Young School of Public Policy at Georgia State University.
In 2018, Bourdeaux ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. She came very close to winning. The person who held the seat, Rob Woodall, then decided not to run again. Bourdeaux ran again in 2020 and won the election. In 2022, she lost her re-election bid to Lucy McBath due to changes in district boundaries.
Contents
About Carolyn Bourdeaux
Early Life and School
Carolyn Bourdeaux grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. She went to Northside High School there. After high school, she attended Yale University. She earned a bachelor's degree in history and economics.
She continued her education, getting a master's degree. This was from the University of Southern California. Later, she earned a doctorate degree in public administration. She received this from Syracuse University in 2003.
Her Early Career
Before becoming a professor, Bourdeaux worked in politics. She was an assistant to Ron Wyden for four years. He served in both the U.S. House and Senate.
In 2003, she became a professor at Georgia State University. From 2007 to 2010, she led Georgia's Senate Budget and Evaluation Office. After this, she went back to teaching. She also started the Center for State and Local Finance. In 2021, she was honored as a fellow. This was by the National Academy of Public Administration.
Serving in the U.S. House
Running for Office
The 2018 Election
In 2018, Carolyn Bourdeaux decided to run for Congress. She wanted to represent Georgia's 7th congressional district. This district is in Gwinnett County, near Atlanta.
She first had to win the Democratic nomination. She won a special election called a runoff. Then, she faced the Republican, Rob Woodall, in the main election. Former President Barack Obama supported her campaign. The election was very close. After a recount, Bourdeaux lost by only 433 votes.
The 2020 Election
On February 7, 2019, Bourdeaux announced she would run again. This time, Rob Woodall did not seek re-election. Many Georgia politicians supported her, including Congressman John Lewis.
She won the Democratic primary election. Then, she defeated Republican Rich McCormick in the general election. Carolyn Bourdeaux was the only Democrat in 2020 to win a House seat that was previously held by a Republican.
The 2022 Election
After the 2020 Census, Georgia's district maps changed. This is called redistricting. Bourdeaux's district was redrawn. It now included parts of Fulton County. These parts used to be in the 6th district.
Because of these changes, another sitting representative, Lucy McBath, challenged Bourdeaux. They both ran in the Democratic primary for the redrawn 7th district. Lucy McBath won this primary election.
Her Time in Congress
Carolyn Bourdeaux was sworn into office on January 3, 2021. She was the first Democrat to represent this district since it was created in 1993. The district's number changed over time, becoming the 7th in 2003.
She was also the first white Democrat to represent an Atlanta suburb district since 1995. During her time, she voted with President Joe Biden's positions often.
Committees and Groups
While in the House, Bourdeaux served on important committees. These committees work on different topics.
- Committee on Small Business
- Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
- Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
She was also part of several groups of lawmakers. These groups work together on shared interests.
- Blue Dog Coalition
- New Democrat Coalition
- Problem Solvers Caucus
Personal Life
Carolyn Bourdeaux is married to Jeffrey Skodnik. He works as a sales manager. They live in Suwanee, Georgia, and have one son. Her sister, Margaret Bourdeaux, is a researcher at Harvard University. Margaret is married to astronomer David Charbonneau.
See also
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
