Rep. Pearson, J. Kevin (R)
District# 76, Slidell

• District # 76: House District 1
• Party: Republican
• Caucus Membership: Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation
  Louisiana Rural Caucus
• Occupation: Financial Advisor
• Education: Devry Institute; University of New Orleans, College of Financial Planning
  
• Spouse: Nancy
• Year Elected: 2007
• Last Year Eligible(Term Limit): 2020
• 2007 Election
A field of four Republicans in the primary election showed favor to the only candidate with experience as an elected official, Ray Canada. Canada served the past five years as a Slidell City Councilman, and he garnered 41 percent of the votes in the primary. Kevin Pearson, a political newcomer, made the runoff with 29 percent of the primary votes. In a mud-slinging race, Pearson came from behind to beat Canada by 50 votes in the runoff.

• Louisiana Map
• District Map
• Metro Map
• Economic: At the center of district 76 is the bustling town of Slidell which has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years. A great deal of construction and rebuilding occurred immediately after Hurricane Katrina, as Slidell suffered structural damage from the strong winds and water damage from the storm surge. Many New Orleans residents have been migrating to the north shore for a quieter home life, but they still commute to New Orleans for work. For those who prefer to work in Slidell, jobs can be found at small businesses, construction sites and manufacturing companies. One of the biggest employers in the district is the Lockheed Martin aerospace facility.
• Social: This well-to-do district is home to many successful upper- and middle-class whites who are well-educated and religious. St. Tammany parish has an excellent school system, and many families that are relocating to the New Orleans area choose this district for that reason.
• Political: The residents in this district are extremely conservative, making it a solid block vote for Republican candidates. These far-right residents are concerned with their quality of life, drainage and road improvements.

• Pearson replaces A. G. Crowe, who was not term-limited but made a successful bid for the State Senate District 1 seat, which was vacated by gubernatorial candidate Walter Boasso. Pearson owns Wealth Management Group, Inc., a financial advisers company and has 22 years professional experience in investment and money management. Pearson has a long list of civic and community involvement including serving as the 2007 and 2008 chairman of the Slidell Heritage Festival, co-founder of Rotary Rebuilds Slidell and past president of the Rotary Club of Slidell.
• Most of Pearson’s bills put the spotlight on either taxpayers or consumers. On the horizon, thanks to a string of Saints football blackouts, he says Louisiana’s Consumer Choice for Television Act should only apply to providers that offer broadcasts of Louisiana's professional sports teams to all residents of Louisiana at a fair and level cost.
• Ethics reform tops Pearson’s list of legislative priorities. In favor of “glass pockets,” Pearson believes that legislators should disclose all sources of income. Economic development, education and infrastructure also made Pearson’s list of top legislative priorities. In order to attract new business to Louisiana and to ensure that young people do not leave the state for jobs, Pearson wants to remove unfair taxes on families and businesses. Pearson will work to have universities develop specialized curriculum to attract students and faculty and to keep teacher pay at the southern average. With plans to sponsor legislation to ensure that every district receives a fair share of fuel taxes and highway revenue, Pearson wants to improve infrastructure.