Term Ends: 2028
Party: R
Judge Jonathan “JP” Perry was born, raised and still resides in Kaplan, Louisiana. He is a graduate of Kaplan High School and his educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Northeast Louisiana University (currently ULM) in Criminal Justice along with a minor in Sociology. Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree Judge Perry recognized his passion to help others and at the age of 25, he enlisted in the police academy. While attending A.L.E.T.A. (Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy), he was selected Cadet President, in addition to being awarded The John “Dooley” Hardy award – given to the Hardest Working Cadet.
Judge Perry rose to the rank of Sergeant while serving as an F.T.O. (Field Training Officer) and Shift Supervisor for the Kaplan Police Department.
With determination to further his education he returned to the academic scene in pursuit of a Law Degree from Southern University Law Center. During his first year of law school Judge Perry and his wife, Christine, where blessed with twin daughters, Molli and Meredith. During his third year of law school Judge Perry began his public service career at the ripe age of 28 when he was elected as a city councilman in his hometown. Two years after the completion of his Law Degree, Judge Perry and Mrs. Perry welcomed to their lives a son, Major.
Judge Perry has previously served as an Assistant District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District Court. Judge Perry was the founding and managing attorney of Perry Law Firm, L.L.C. where his law practice concentrated in Estate Planning.
In 2003, Judge Perry entered an additional career field, that of professional comedy. He is the past “King of the International Cajun Joke Telling Contest”. Judge Perry is referred to as “The Cajun Ambassador”. One of the most sought-after Cajun entertainers in the country, he has been featured on television and in newspapers throughout the United States, in addition to having performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Washington D.C.
In 2007, Judge Perry was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives to serve District 47, where he represented Cameron and Vermilion Parish. While in the House of Representatives Judge Perry served on the House Committee of Ways and Means, the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice and the House Committee of Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
In October of 2009, Judge Perry and Mrs. Perry welcomed home their fourth child, a daughter named Marlee.
In 2011 Judge Perry won a special election for State Senate District 26, which covers all or a portion of Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry and Vermilion Parish. In the fall of 2011 Judge Perry ran for re-election and was unopposed.
Judge Perry was again elected without opposition in 2015. During his time in the State Senate he served on Senate committees: Judiciary C (Vice-Chairman), Senate Commerce, Local & Municipal Affairs, and was the Chairman for the Select Committee on Veteran Affairs.
Judge Perry also served as past Chairman and past Vice-Chairman of the Acadiana delegation and was also a member of the Rural Legislative Caucus.
In his personal time, Judge Perry enjoys girls’ softball, cooking, reading and spending time with his family. He is an avid runner having completely 2 full marathons (26.2 miles) and 9 half marathons (13.1 miles).