Rep. Schroder, John M. (R)
District# 77, Covington

• District # 77 : House District 1
• Party: Republican
• Caucus Membership: Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation
  Louisiana Rural Caucus
• Occupation: Businessman
• Education: East Jefferson High School; Southeastern Louisiana University, B.S., Criminal Justice
• Spouse: Ellie
• Year Elected: 2007
• Last Year Eligible(Term Limit): 2020
• 2007 Election
Endorsed by his predecessor, term-limited Diane Winston, John Schroder finished five percent higher than marketing consultant and neighborhood activist Colleen Hawley in the primary election. With fewer than 1,000 votes separating them in the primary, the runoff became heated as they each accused the other of dirty politicking. Hawley was endorsed by the Times-Picayune. When all was said and done, Schroder defeated Hawley in the runoff by a margin of 219 votes.

• Louisiana Map
• District Map
• Metro Map
• Economic: Located on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain, District 77 straddles the Tangipahoa/St. Tammany parish line. This district has seen much growth after Hurricane Katrina as many New Orleans residents moved here. The district suffered wind damage only. Some of the once rural sections of the district, especially in Tangipahoa parish, have developed into suburbs. Most St. Tammany parish residents commute to New Orleans, Metairie or Hammond for white-collar jobs. Others remain in the district to work at local service and retail businesses.
• Social: The nearly 90 percent white residents in this district are socially divided by the parish line. Educated and affluent residents live in St. Tammany parish, and many of them have moved here from New Orleans and other areas. Tangipahoa parish is primarily home to residents that were born there and are middle class.
• Political: Overwhelmingly conservative, Republican registered voters outnumber Democrats in this district. This pro-business district has residents that are concerned with education, roads, drainage and quality of life. GOP candidates do extremely well here, as seen in Bobby Jindal’s first and second runs for governor.

• Endorsed by his predecessor, term-limited Diane Winston, John Schroder finished five percent higher than marketing consultant and neighborhood activist Colleen Hawley in the primary election. With fewer than 1,000 votes separating them in the primary, the runoff became heated as they each accused the other of dirty politicking. Hawley was endorsed by the Times-Picayune. When all was said and done, Schroder defeated Hawley in the runoff by a margin of 219 votes.
• A former narcotics officer and U.S. Army veteran, Schroder is currently an entrepreneur specializing in small business and real estate development on the north shore. Citing his long list of civic involvement during the campaign, Schroder has received numerous awards for his community service, including the United Way Gold Award.
• As a member of the budget-drafting Appropriations Committee, he’ll play a central role in how the state approaches its forecasted shortfalls. Schroder's number one priority is fiscal conservatism. By cutting waste, consolidating services and fighting pork-barrel spending, Schroder will try to reduce the state budget. During his time on the panel, he’s developed a reputation as a fiscal hawk and drawn a firm line on issues ranging from salary increases to agency spending.
• In order to improve roads and relieve traffic congestion, Schroder wants to dedicate more of Louisiana’s gas tax to roads and to explore public-private partnerships. Schroder supports giving school vouchers to students in failing schools and providing vo-tech curricula for students that are not college-bound. By way of financial disclosures and tougher penalties, Schroder believes Louisiana can raise its ethical standards.
• Look for Schroder to try to attract more property insurance companies to Louisiana by allowing the free market to set rates, upholding strong building codes and forcing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to strengthen the levee system. Also, as a former law enforcement officer, he will “back the blue” to lower crime.