Sam Jenkins (politician)

Samuel Lee Jenkins Jr. is an American politician serving as a Democratic member for the 39th district of the Louisiana Senate. He previously represented the 2nd district in the Louisiana House of Representatives and served as the minority leader of the House from 2020 to 2024.

Early life and education

Jenkins was born as Samuel Lee Jenkins Jr. He attended Southern University, where he earned a BA and a JD.

Political career

Louisiana House of Representatives

Jenkins was elected to represent the 2nd district of the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2016, succeeding Roy A. Burrell. He assumed office on January 11, 2016. During his tenure, he was elected Minority Leader of the House in 2020, a position he held until January 2024.

Louisiana Senate

In November 2023, Jenkins was elected to represent the 39th district in the Louisiana Senate, defeating fellow Democratic House representative Cedric Glover in a runoff. He assumed office on January 8, 2024.

Legislative positions

Jenkins opposed Governor Jeff Landry's special session of the Louisiana Legislature on crime in the state, advocating instead for preventative measures due to concerns that the session's outcomes might lead to increased incarceration.