Julia Carson

Julia Carson is a former representative for the state of Indiana's 7th congressional district. She passed away on December 15, 2007, from lung cancer. She took office on January 3, 1997. Her grandson, Andre Carson, won the special election for her seat on March 11, 2008.

Fast Facts:

1. Birth Name: Julia May Porter
2. Born July 8, 1938 in Louisville, Kentucky
3. Died December 15, 2007 in Indiana
4. Assumed Office: January 3, 1997
5. Left Office: December 15, 2007
6. Party: Democrat
7. Spouse: Divorced
8. Alma Mater: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
9. Previous Occupation/Position Held: secretary
10. lung cancer diagnosis announced on November 25, 2007
11. Funeral held on December 22, 2007
12. First woman and African American in the 7th district

Early Life

Carson once worked for congressman Andrew Jacobs. With his encouragement she ran for the Indiana House of Representatives, in 1972, which she subsequently won. She served for four years.

Political Career

In 1976, Carson ran for the Indiana Senate and won. She served for 14 years. In addition, she was also the Trustee for Center Township for six years. In 1996, Carson ran for the 10th District and won the Democrats support. She won the election by 53 percent, against Virginia Blankenbaker.

Positions

While in office, Carson was noted for being unpredictable. She supported Anti-terrorism bills and trade relations with China. However, she didn't support the Iraq War in 2002. Carson also had a hand in Rosa Parks being awarded the Congressional gold medal. She was also the cosponsor, along with Senator Richard Lugar, for the bill to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks on health insurance for children.

Categories