John A. Alario, Jr. is an American politician from Louisiana who has served over 50 years in the state legislature.
He represented District 8 in the Louisiana State Senate from 2008 to 2020 and previously represented District 83 in the Louisiana House of Representatives as a Democrat from 1971 to 2007. Alario has a current estimated net worth of $3 million.
John Alario Bio
| Full Name | John A. Alario, Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1943 |
| Age | 80 years old |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years Active | 1971 – 2020 |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
John Alario Height, Weight & Physical Stats
John Alario has an average build at 5’10” tall and 165 lbs. Even in his late 70s, he maintained good health and fitness from years of an active political lifestyle.
Early Life and Education
John Alario Jr. was born on September 15, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1961. Alario attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1965.
Even as a young man, Alario was interested in politics. He was elected student body president at Southeastern. After college, Alario worked briefly as a teacher and accountant. But in 1971 at age 28, he decided to run for a seat in the state legislature.
Louisiana House of Representatives (1971-2008)
John Alario was first elected as a Democrat to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1971 at just 28 years old. He represented suburban District 83 in Jefferson Parish for 36 years.
Alario served four terms as Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives. His first two terms were from 1984 to 1988 under Governor Edwin Edwards. He lost the Speakership in 1988 but won it back again from 1992 to 1996 under Governor Edwin Edwards.
Louisiana State Senate (2008-2020)
In 2007, John Alario was term-limited out of the Louisiana House. He decided to run for the District 8 seat in the Louisiana State Senate. Alario defeated his Democratic opponent with 63% of the vote.
In 2010, Alario switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, citing the national direction of the Democratic Party and the increasingly Republican politics in Louisiana.
Alario was re-elected to the State Senate unopposed in 2011 and 2015. He served in the Senate until 2020, when term limits forced his retirement from politics after an incredible 50 years in the state legislature.
Senate President (2012-2020)
In 2012, John Alario was chosen as President of the Louisiana State Senate under Governor Bobby Jindal. He was re-elected again in 2016, serving a second term under Governor John Bel Edwards.
As Senate President, Alario was instrumental in passing major legislation and state budgets. He worked successfully with governors and legislators from both parties.
Alario is only the second Republican Senate President in Louisiana since Reconstruction. He is the longest-serving state legislative president in Louisiana history.
Political Accomplishments
Over his 50-year career, Alario established himself as one of the most powerful figures in Louisiana politics. Some of his major accomplishments include:
- Longest-serving legislator in Louisiana history with over 50 years in state legislature
- Only politician in state history to serve two terms each as House Speaker and Senate President
- Helped pass 15 state budgets as a legislative leader
- Led the transition from Democratic to Republican power over 40 years
- Authored and passed major education reform legislation
- Secured funding for infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, ports, and waterways
- Worked across party lines and with 7 different governors
John Alario Net Worth & Personal Life
Alario married his wife Alba “Ree” Williamson in 1965. Ree passed away in 2006 after 41 years of marriage. They had four children together – Jan Marie, John, Christopher, and Kevin. Alario has seven grandchildren.
In 2023 at age 80, Alario married Trina Scott Edwards, the widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards. It was his second marriage late in life.
After retiring from the legislature in 2020, Alario continues to own and operate his tax preparation business called John A. Alario, Jr. Tax Income Service, which he started in 1972.
Alario has a current net worth estimated at $3 million. The majority of his wealth comes from his long political career, as well as his tax business and investments in real estate.
At 80 years old, Alario is enjoying retirement after an astonishing 50-plus year career in Louisiana politics. His lengthy service and list of achievements has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the state’s history.
