Louise Lucas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louise Lucas
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| President pro tempore of the Virginia Senate | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Stephen Newman |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 18th district |
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| Assumed office January 8, 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Howard Anderson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lillie Louise Boone
January 22, 1944 Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Otis Lucas |
| Education | Norfolk State University (BS, MA) |
Lillie Louise Lucas (born January 22, 1944) is an American politician. She serves as a Virginia state senator, representing the 18th District in the southeastern part of the state. She has held this position since 1992.
In 2020, Democrats won more seats in the 2019 Virginia Senate election. This meant Senator Lucas became the Virginia Senate's President pro tempore. She is the first woman and the first African American to hold this important role. She also leads the powerful Committee on Finance and Appropriations, being the first African American to do so.
Early Life and Education
Louise Lucas was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. She went to public schools in Portsmouth. She was a student during a time called Massive Resistance, when some schools were closed.
She attended Norfolk State University. In 1976, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational-Industrial Education. Later, in 1982, she received a Master of Arts degree in Urban Affairs.
Career Highlights
Senator Lucas started her career with the federal government in 1967. At 23, she became an apprentice shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In 1971, she made history as the first female shipfitter there. She also worked as an engineering draftsman and naval architect technician.
She later became a manager for programs that helped women and ensured equal opportunities in the workplace. In 1985, she left federal service to become the Executive Director of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP), a position she held until 1992.
After that, she joined her alma mater, Norfolk State University, as an assistant professor. She focused on research and getting federal money to help train workers. She also worked at Old Dominion University and continued her work at Norfolk State University.
Today, she is the President and CEO of several organizations. These include Lucas Lodge, Lucas Transportation, Portsmouth Day Support Program, and Southside Direct Care Provider. These businesses operate from The Lucas Professional Center in Portsmouth.
Political Journey
Louise Lucas has been active in her community for a long time. In June 1984, she became the first African American woman to serve on the Portsmouth City Council.
She was first elected to the Virginia General Assembly in November 1991. As a state senator, she serves on several important Virginia Senate Committees. These include Education & Health, Courts of Justice, Finance (which she chairs), Local Government, and Rules. She is also part of various sub-committees.
In 2001, Senator Lucas was the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress. However, she did not win that election.
She has served on many important commissions for the Governor. These include the Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring and the Commission on State Funding for Public School Construction. She is also an active member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. She was elected Vice-Chair of Outreach by the Democratic Party of Virginia.
Senator Lucas has also been a part of many community groups. She is a past President and Golden Heritage Member of the NAACP. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and The Links, Incorporated.
In June 2023, Senator Lucas won the Democratic primary election to keep her seat. This happened even though new district lines placed her in the same area as another experienced state senator. In the 2023 Virginia Senate election on November 7, 2023, she was re-elected. She won against her Republican challenger.
During the 2024 legislative session, Senator Lucas played a key role in blocking a plan for a new sports arena in Alexandria, Virginia. She raised concerns about the state having to guarantee a large amount of money for the project.
Personal Life
Louise Lucas has two daughters, Lisa L. Lucas-Burke and Theresa Lynn Lucas-Lamb. They work with her in her businesses. She had one son, Jeffery Lee Lucas, who passed away in a car accident. Her husband, Otis M. Lucas, passed away in 2014. She has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Her daughter, Lisa L. Lucas-Burke, also serves on the Portsmouth City Council. She was the vice-mayor from 2010 to 2020.
In 2021, Senator Lucas was honored as one of the Strong Men & Women in Virginia History by the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.
