Sharon Weston Broome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sharon Weston Broome
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| Mayor-President of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish | |
| In office January 2, 2017 – January 2, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Kip Holden |
| Succeeded by | Sid Edwards |
| President pro tempore of the Louisiana Senate | |
| In office January 14, 2008 – January 11, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Diana Bajoie |
| Succeeded by | Gerald Long |
| Member of the Louisiana Senate from the 15th district |
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| In office January 12, 2005 – January 11, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Kip Holden |
| Succeeded by | Regina Barrow |
| Speaker pro tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives | |
| In office January 2004 – January 12, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Peppi Bruneau |
| Succeeded by | Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb |
| Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 29th district |
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| In office January 13, 1992 – January 12, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Clyde Kimball |
| Succeeded by | Regina Barrow |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1956 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Marvin Broome |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Wisconsin, La Crosse (BA) Regent University (MA) |
Sharon Weston Broome (born October 1, 1956) is an American politician. She served as the mayor-president of Baton Rouge, Louisiana from 2017 to 2025. She made history as the first African-American woman to hold this important position.
Before becoming mayor-president, Broome served in the Louisiana House of Representatives and the Louisiana State Senate. She was also the President Pro Tempore of the state Senate, a key leadership role. In 2024, she was elected president of the National League of Cities, a group that helps cities across the U.S.
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Sharon Weston Broome's Early Life and Career
Sharon Weston Broome was born in Chicago, Illinois. Before entering politics, she worked as a reporter for WBRZ-TV for five years. She also served on the Baton Rouge Metro Council, which helps govern the city. Broome earned degrees in communications, which helped her in her journalism and political careers.
Serving in the Louisiana State Legislature
Broome began her career in state government in 1992. She was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives until 2005. During this time, she became the first woman to be the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House. This means she was the second-highest leader in that part of the state government.
From 2005 to 2016, Broome served in the Louisiana State Senate. She continued to break barriers, becoming the first woman to hold the President Pro Tempore position in the Senate as well. This made her the first woman to be a top leader in both parts of Louisiana's state legislature.
Becoming Mayor of Baton Rouge
In 2016, Sharon Weston Broome decided to run for mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish. This role is like being the mayor of a city and the leader of the surrounding county at the same time. She won the election on December 10, 2016, and started her term on January 2, 2017.
First Term as Mayor-President
As mayor-president, Broome was in charge of many important things for Baton Rouge. She had to propose the city's yearly budget and appoint leaders for different city departments.
Focusing on Public Safety
During her first term, Broome made public safety a top priority. Her proposed budgets often included money to help law enforcement. For example, she allocated funds to increase police salaries and buy new vehicles for police and fire departments. She also worked to get new equipment for law enforcement. In 2018, she appointed Murphy Paul as the new Baton Rouge Police Chief.
Improving City Infrastructure
Broome also focused on improving the city's roads and preventing floods.
- MoveBR Program: In 2018, voters approved a sales tax proposal by Broome to fund the MoveBR program. This program aimed to reduce traffic and improve street conditions. It included over 70 projects, like building new roads.
- Stormwater Master Plan: After a major flood in 2016, Broome worked on a plan to manage stormwater better. In 2019, Baton Rouge received $15 million from federal agencies to help pay for this important plan.
St. George City Incorporation
During Broome's time as mayor, there was a big discussion about a part of East Baton Rouge Parish becoming its own city called St. George. Broome was against this idea because she wanted the parish to stay united. Even though residents voted to create St. George, Broome filed a lawsuit to stop it. The Louisiana Supreme Court eventually allowed St. George to become a city in April 2024.
Second Term and National Leadership
In 2020, Sharon Weston Broome was re-elected for her second term as mayor-president. She continued to oversee progress on the MOVEBR program, which is the city's largest project to improve roads and transportation.
In November 2024, Broome was elected president of the National League of Cities (NLC). This is a very important role where she represents cities and towns across the entire United States.
2024 Election Outcome
Broome ran for a third term as mayor-president in 2024. She focused on issues like education, the economy, and housing. However, she lost the runoff election on December 7 to Sid Edwards. Her term ended in January 2025.
Sharon Weston Broome's Personal Life
Sharon Weston Broome is married to Marvin Alonzo Broome. They have three children and three grandchildren. She also became a stepmother to Marvin's three children. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. For fun, she enjoys playing the piano, drinking sparkling cider, and eating popcorn and gummy bears.
