John Delgado was not one of those kids who grew up wanting to be governor or president.
Representing District 12 on the Metro Council is a result of his doing what comes naturally. “As an attorney you are kind of always involved in politics,” Delgado says. “You’re in that crowd of people who tend to speak up and speak out.”
Delgado doesn’t shy away from speaking up. Since his election in December 2012, he has been vocal about the CATS board, crime statistics and the Historic Preservation Commission.
“I used to be the guy at home yelling at the TV,” he says. “Now, I’m the guy on TV people are yelling at.”
Though his private law practice keeps him busy by day, Delgado was motivated to run for office because he thought he could do a good job. He also has lifelong roots in Baton Rouge and wanted to serve his community. “The thing about the Metro Council that I really like is the connection to Baton Rouge,” he says. “I am more of a Baton Rougean than a Louisianan.”
Delgado is also an entrepreneur. Earlier this year, he and a partner opened a new bar, Huey’s, that has become one of downtown’s most popular nightspots. While it keeps him busier than ever, he still finds time for his wife, Stephanie, and baby, Lucy, 6 months. “It changes everything,” he says of his daughter. “She makes it all worthwhile.”
JOHN DELGADO
Mentor: Mayor Kip Holden
Age: 39
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Education: BA in Political Science. Juris Doctorate.
Who is your mentor?
My mentor is Mayor Kip Holden. From him I have learned three equally important things: Resilience (taking what they throw at you), Perseverance (overcoming what they throw at you) and Faith (don’t stop believing, no matter what they throw at you).
