John Neely Kennedy Net Worth 2025, Family Tree and Political Career
John Neely Kennedy is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the junior U.S. Senator from Louisiana, a position he's held since 2017. Originally a Democrat, Kennedy switched to the Republican Party in 2007.
Before his time in the Senate, he served as Louisiana's state treasurer from 2000 to 2017.John Neely Kennedy was sworn in as Louisiana's junior U.S. Senator on January 3, 2017. On the same day, he resigned from his position as state treasurer to officially take on his new role in the Senate.
Early Life and Education
in Centreville, Mississippi, Kennedy grew up in Zachary, Louisiana. He graduated as co-valedictorian from Zachary High School in 1969. He went on to pursue his higher education at Vanderbilt University, where he majored in politics, philosophy, and economics, graduating magna cum laude. Kennedy later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a Bachelor of Civil Law with first-class honors from Magdalen College at Oxford University in 1979.
John Neely Kennedy Family Tree
Name: John Neely Kennedy
Father: Edward Kennedy
Mother: Hazel Kennedy
Wife: Becky Kennedy
Son:Preston Kennedy
John Neely Kennedy Parents
John Neely Kennedy was born to Edward Kennedy and Hazel Kennedy in Centreville, Mississippi. He was raised in Zachary, Louisiana.Kennedy’s father, who was a prominent figure in his life and upbringing.
John Neely Kennedy Wife and Children
John Neely Kennedy is married to Becky Kennedy. The couple resides in Madisonville, Louisiana. They have one son, Preston Kennedy. John and Becky are also involved in their local Methodist Church in Madisonville, where John is a founding member.
John Neely Kennedy Net Worth
John Neely Kennedy's net worth is around $5 million as of 2025.As a U.S. Senator, Kennedy receives a salary, which is publicly available. U.S. Senators earn a standard salary of about $174,000 per year.
Income Sources
Before entering full-time politics, Kennedy practiced law, which likely provided significant income. His legal background, including his time as special counsel to Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer and as a private practice attorney, contributed to his wealth.
Political Career
Kennedy began his political career as special counsel to Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer in 1988. He later served as a cabinet secretary and as Secretary of the Department of Revenue under Governor Mike Foster. In 1999, he ran for and won the position of Louisiana State Treasurer, a role he was reelected to several times until he left in 2017 to pursue his Senate bid.
Kennedy's political journey has seen several attempts at the U.S. Senate. After running unsuccessfully in 2004 and 2008, he finally succeeded in 2016, when he ran to replace retiring Senator David Vitter. His campaign, supported by various national organizations, gained momentum and he defeated Democrat Foster Campbell in the December 2016 runoff, winning with 61% of the vote.
Senate Tenure
Kennedy was sworn in as a U.S. Senator in January 2017. Known for his folksy manner and humor, he quickly made a name for himself on Capitol Hill. One notable moment came in June 2017, when he questioned Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, using a humorous comparison of mayonnaise choices in grocery stores to the lack of school options in rural areas. His wit and engaging style have made him a recognizable figure in the Senate.
Kennedy also gained attention for his involvement in the 2020 presidential election. Along with other Republican senators, he objected to the certification of electoral votes from certain states, citing concerns over the election process. His actions following the January 6 Capitol riot drew mixed reactions, with Kennedy condemning the violence but maintaining his objections to the certification.
