James Joseph Donelon III is an American politician. He served as the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner from 2006 to 2024.[1] He previously served as member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1981 to 2001.[2]
Early life and education
Donelon grew up New Orleans and attended Jesuit High School. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans and his Juris Doctor from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.[2]
Political career
Donelon began his career in public office serving on the Jefferson Parish Council from 1978 to 1980.[3] From 1982 to 2001, he served as a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. As a state lawmaker, he chaired the House Committee on Insurance and co-chaired the Republican Legislative Delegation.[3]
He ran for Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana in 1979 and for United States Senate in 1998, but he lost both races.[3][4]
In 2001, he was appointed deputy commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Insurance by then-Insurance Commissioner J. Robert Wooley. In February 2006, Wooley resigned to take a legal position with the firm Adams and Reese in Baton Rouge, and Donelon succeeded him to the position of Insurance Commissioner.[5] Donelon subsequently won the office in a special election held in the fall of 2006 by defeating Republican State Senator James David Cain of Beauregard Parish.[6]
Donelon decided not to seek another term in the 2023 Louisiana elections.[7]
Personal life
Donelon and his wife, Merilynn, have four daughters.[8]
References
- ^ Ballard, Mark (October 12, 2019). "Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon weathers strong challenge". The Advocate. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
- ^ a b "JAMES J. DONELON: Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance". Louisiana Department of Insurance. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ a b c Ballard, Mark (September 23, 2019). "State insurance commissioner being challenged by insurance veteran". The Advocate. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Louisiana primary election returns, September 30, 2006". staticresults.sos.la.gov. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "Donelon Sworn In as Louisiana Commissioner; Predecessor Wooley Joins Law Firm". pianet.com. February 22, 2006. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
- ^ "Louisiana Results for Election Date: 11/3/1998". staticresults.sos.la.gov. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
- ^ https://www.wdsu.com/article/louisiana-insurance-commissioner-jim-donelon-not-seeking-reelection/43315319
- ^ "Jim Donelon elected Commissioner of Insurance in Louisiana primary election". 14 October 2019.