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 is a Virginia state senator, representing the 18th District since 1992. This district is in the southeast part of Virginia.
In 2019, the Democratic Party won most 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 position. She also leads the powerful Committee on Finance and Appropriations. This makes her the first African American to chair that committee too.
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 when some schools were shut down due to a period called Massive Resistance.
She later attended Norfolk State University. In 1976, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational-Industrial Education. She graduated with honors. In 1982, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban Affairs. She also graduated with high honors for this degree. Her studies focused on planning and managing human resources.
Career Journey
Senator Lucas started her career with the federal government in 1967. She was 23 years old. She began as an apprentice shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). In 1971, she became the first female shipfitter there. She also worked as an engineering draftsman and a naval architect technician.
Later, she became a manager for programs that helped women in the workplace. She also managed Equal Employment programs.
In 1985, she left federal service. She became the leader of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP). She held this position until 1992.
After that, she joined her old university, Norfolk State. She became an assistant professor. She helped with research and worked to get money from the government. This money was used to help former shipyard workers learn new skills. From 1992 to 1994, she worked for Old Dominion University. She helped connect the university with Congress. From 1994 to 1998, she was an assistant professor at Norfolk State University.
Today, she is the President and CEO of several businesses. These include Lucas Lodge and Lucas Transportation. These businesses operate from The Lucas Professional Center in Portsmouth.
Political Service
Louise Lucas has always been active in her community. In 1984, she started her official political career. She became the first African American woman to serve on the Portsmouth City Council.
In November 1991, she was first elected to the Virginia General Assembly. As a state senator, she serves on several important committees. These include Education & Health, Courts of Justice, Finance (which she chairs), Local Government, and Rules. She is also part of sub-committees that focus on specific areas like public safety and economic development.
In 2001, Senator Lucas ran for U.S. Congress. She was the Democratic candidate. However, Republican Randy Forbes won that election.
Senator Lucas serves on many important state commissions. These include the Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring. She also serves on the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. She is an active member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. She is also the Vice-Chair of Outreach for the Democratic Party of Virginia.
She has also been a member of many community groups. These include the NAACP and the Norfolk State University Alumni Association. 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. This allowed her to keep her seat. She won even though her district boundaries changed. In the 2023 Virginia Senate election on November 7, 2023, she won re-election. She defeated her Republican opponent, Tony Goodwin.
During the 2024 legislative session, Senator Lucas played a key role. She helped block a plan to use taxpayer money for a new sports arena. The arena was proposed for Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Virginia. Senator Lucas was concerned about the cost of the arena. She worried about the state having to pay for bonds if the arena did not do well financially.
Family Life
Senator Lucas has two daughters, Lisa L. Lucas-Burke and Theresa Lynn Lucas-Lamb. Her daughters work with her in her various businesses. Her husband, Otis M. Lucas, passed away in 2014. She has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Her daughter, Lisa L. Lucas-Burke, also attended Norfolk State University. She is a member of the Portsmouth City Council. She served as vice-mayor from 2010 to 2020.
In 2021, Senator Lucas was honored by the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy. She was recognized as one of Virginia's Strong Men & Women in History.
