| Sharon Weston Broome | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Louisiana Senate from the 15th district |
|
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office December 2004 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Marvin Alonzo |
| Residence | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Alma mater | University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Regent University |
| Occupation | communications |
Sharon Weston Broome (born 1956) is a Democratic member of the Louisiana Senate, representing the 15th District since she won a special election in December 2004. She serves as President Pro Tempore. Earlier she was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1991 through 2004. Broome was the first woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore in the Louisiana House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in the number two leadership position in both chambers.
Sharon Weston Broome’s role as a public servant has spanned over two decades. She was first elected to the Senate in December 2004 with no opposition, and was re-elected in 2007 with an overwhelming 80 percent of the vote. She was elected by her peers to the position of President Pro Tempore of the Louisiana State Senate.
Senator Broome served in the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 29) for 12 years and was the first female elected as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives. During her tenure in the Legislature Senator Broome has been a vocal advocate for issues surrounding children and families. Her passion is reflected in a number of bills she has authored over the years including The Children’s Trust Fund Bill, Saturday Academy Program, Kinship Care Subsidy Program, Social Work Practice Act, and Arts in Education.
Prior to serving in state government, Senator Broome served on the Baton Rouge Metro Council. She was cited by the Baton Rouge Business Report as one of the "Top 25 Most Influential Women – Leading the Way in the Capital City." In addition, she is a recipient of the Morehouse College’s Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builder’s Award.
Senator Broome is an active member at Star Hill Church. She is actively involved in a number of community organizations such as the Tyrus Thomas, Inc., Louisiana State University Manship School Board of Visitors, and the YWCA-Encore Plus just to name a few.
With two degrees in communications, Broome has established herself as a nationally recognized speaker and communications consultant. She is the president of Sharon Broome Communications, Inc. Weston Broome has made various national television appearances including Court’s TV’s "Your Turn," PBS’ "Debates Debates" and the "Montel Williams Show." In addition, she served for five years as the "2 On Your Side" reporter for WBRZ-TV (ABC-Baton Rouge).
Senator Broome is married to Marvin Alonzo Broome, and they are the parents of three children and two grandchildren.