Marquette Greene-Scott

Marquette Greene-Scott was born in Opelousas, Louisiana, and lives in Texas. Green-Scott earned a high school diploma from Opelousas Senior High School and a B.S. in secondary education/mathematics in 1993 and an M.S. in mathematics in 1997, both from Southern University. She earned a J.D. in 2004 from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 2004. Green-Scott's career experience includes working as a high school teacher, as a college math teacher, as an attorney, and as a small business owner. Greene-Scott served as mayor pro tem of the City of Iowa Colony, holding Position 3 on the city council.[1] She has been affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.[2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Marquette Greene-Scott is running to be the Democratic Nominee for Texas Congressional District 22. Marquette is currently Mayor Pro Tem of the city of Iowa Colony, Texas, holding Position 3 on the city council. Marquette was born to Beatrice Greene and the late Joseph Greene (a Vietnam Veteran who served three tours of duty) in Opelousas, Louisiana.

Marquette is a graduate of Southern University and the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, both located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Marquette has taught high school and college mathematics.

Marquette is an attorney practicing in Texas and Louisiana.

Marquette was the Democratic Nominee for the 2024 election cycle. Marquette decided to run for Congress again because she wanted to help find solutions for families. America is experiencing an affordability crisis. Housing costs have surged, healthcare is too expensive, and childcare and education costs are out of control. Additionally, prices for food, utilities, and fuel have gone up to the point where Americans are struggling to afford everyday essentials.

Marquette does her research and makes informed decisions when she legislates. She looks forward to bringing the lessons she has learned as a single mom, a lawyer, a city council member, and Mayor Pro Tem to representing the residents of Texas 22nd congressional district.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Making Healthcare affordable is most important right now. Healthcare is a human right and not a privilege. Universal healthcare ensures that every person can get the care they need to live a healthy life. Healthcare should not be dependent upon employment or income. Universal healthcare reduces administrative

waste, lowers drug prices, and prevents costly emergency care. When healthcare isn't tied to employment, workers have more freedom to change jobs, start businesses, or retire without fear. Every other developed nation guarantees healthcare to its people with better outcomes and lower costs. America can do the same if we choose people over profits.America has an affordability crisis right now. Housing, healthcare, childcare, education, and the cost of essentials have all surged, but incomes have remained stagnant. Congress must raise minimum wage, indexing it to inflation as a first step.Restoring our democracy. I do not agree with the new immigration rules imposed by the Trump administration. They said they were only going to deport criminals. They have masked men picking people up off the streets, at their jobs, at school, and at immigration court proceedings. It is completely lawless. We must have comprehensive immigration reform passed by Congress and not legislated through executive order.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I would say that healthcare coverage, education reform, climate change, and voter protection are the public policy that I am most passionate about.

Campaign website

Greene-Scott's campaign website stated the following:

Military Members & Their Families

As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I understand the sacrifices military families make daily. I have committed myself to veterans’ initiatives and want to do more to support military families.

My older siblings had the privilege of knowing our father as a warm, dedicated man who lit up a room. But then came Vietnam, my father was sent to war, and I was born. When my father returned, he was no longer the man they knew. My parents split, my family suffered, and after struggling for so long, my father died way too young.

This is the reality for countless veterans and their families. Some return home altered in ways we cannot fathom, forever changed by the horrors they witnessed. They bear the burden of their sacrifice.

I am eternally thankful that there is now more support available for veterans than there once was. Yet, I know there is more to be done. We owe it to them to ensure they receive the care and resources they so desperately need. And let us not forget their families, who endure their own silent battles, often unseen and unacknowledged. In Congress, I vow to work for a better future for our veterans and their families.

Borders & Immigration

In 2010, despite my qualifications, I struggled to secure a decent-paying job in Louisiana. Faced with the responsibility of providing a better life for my daughter, I made the daunting decision to uproot my life and move to Texas, guided solely by faith. My journey taught me firsthand the sacrifices people make to seek opportunities for their families’ well-being.

As I settled into my role as a teacher in Texas, I encountered students who had arrived in this country at a young age. For them, America is home, the only place they’ve ever known. It’s crucial that we provide them with a pathway to citizenship and acknowledge their significant contributions to our society. Those who come here seeking employment should have the opportunity to pay taxes and fully integrate into our communities.

Striking a balance between the need for border security and compassion is crucial. We must invest in increased border security measures and resources to expedite immigration case processing. It’s not about advocating for open borders but about treating those seeking refuge and opportunity with the dignity and respect they deserve. This approach allows us to uphold our values as a nation of compassion and opportunity.

Affordability Crisis

When I graduated from college, I was a teacher and could live independently in an apartment. I paid for my car, fed myself, traveled, and pursued my interests. However, over time, I’ve noticed a troubling trend—wages have failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living. People want to blame Biden for that. Well, you can’t. You can’t blame the President or the government. That is the free market.

Corporations, driven by their pursuit of record profits, regularly increase prices, burdening everyday consumers like us. This reality weighs heavily on me, my daughter, and her peers, who work tirelessly to afford necessities, from food to car payments, in a world where financial stability feels increasingly out of reach. More and more, young Americans are choosing not to have children and are priced out of owning homes. They can’t afford the American Dream. We’ve got to do better for them.

The American Economy

I moved to Texas to find better opportunities for my daughter. I’ve stayed at jobs I didn’t like so I could provide for my family. I know Americans do what it takes to find work and make ends meet. This country has remained an economic powerhouse, but the middle class isn’t seeing the benefit of our sustained success. The economy should improve the lives of all hardworking Americans, not just some. Congress can create opportunities to expand American manufacturing, job training, and skill development for workers to build and maintain the American healthcare system and our infrastructure. We need to invest in our people.

Healthcare

The Affordable Care Act became a lifeline for my family when, in March 2015, my daughter was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. At the time, I was quasi-self-employed, and without the insurance I purchased through the marketplace, the financial strain would have been overwhelming. Witnessing her go from dancing for hours one night to struggling to walk the next day was a terrifying experience.

Reflecting on those difficult times, I realize how many other families must face similar challenges. That’s why it’s crucial to safeguard the Affordable Care Act. We must ensure that every hardworking individual can access affordable coverage for themselves and their loved ones, especially during illness or crisis. Increasing subsidies can make a real difference in the lives of countless families, offering them peace of mind and the support they need to navigate difficult times with dignity and security.

I’m running for Congress to increase access to health care and protect the Affordable Care Act.

Voting Rights

My commitment to safeguarding voting rights runs deep. It is rooted in the powerful legacy of my grandmother, born in 1905 when many were denied the fundamental right to vote. I vividly recall accompanying my mother as a child to ensure my grandmother and her friends could exercise their hard-won right to vote. It didn’t matter the weather or the lines. Their unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on me, igniting a spark for advocacy that drives me to this day.

As an attorney, I’ve dedicated myself to defending voters’ rights. I’ve proudly volunteered for organizations like the Legal Rapid Response Network with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and the AKA/NBA Election Protection. Additionally, I’ve served as a poll watcher, standing vigilant to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot freely and without hindrance. This work isn’t just a professional obligation—it’s a deeply personal mission fueled by the resilience and determination of those who fought for the right to vote before us.

Reproductive Rights

The overturning of Roe v. Wade was the final straw for me. I felt helpless and violated. A right had been taken away from me. I now live in a time where my daughter has fewer rights than I did when I was her age. I decided that the days of women standing silently by while men make decisions over our reproductive rights are over. This is one of the reasons why I am running for Congress: to restore women’s bodily autonomy.

[4]

—Marquette Greene-Scott's campaign website (2026)[5]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Marquette Greene-Scott, an attorney licensed in Texas and Louisiana. I am currently Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Iowa Colony. I have been on city council since May 2021.

I am the daughter of Beatrice Greene and the late Joseph E. Greene (a Vietnam Veteran) from Opelousas, Louisiana. I am the youngest of five and the proud mother of a 23-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn. I am newly married to Lisco Scott.

I am a graduate of Southern University and the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, both located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am a former teacher, high school and college mathematics.

I relocated to Texas in 2010 in search of better economic opportunities to be able to provide for my daughter. I feel like I found myself and my purpose in Texas.

I have volunteered for voter protection programs; I volunteer with Veteran’s programs and with Houston Volunteer Lawyers. I am a member of the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Southern University Alumni Association, Houston Chapter.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My top priority is reinstating women’s reproductive rights. Access to reproductive care is a human right. We must ensure access to reproductive healthcare services which include contraception, prenatal care, and safe abortions. Reproductive rights are about bodily autonomy. We as women must be in control of our own bodies. Build upon the benefits of the Affordable Care Act by providing more funding for premiums, expand Medicaid to reach more working-class adults, and lower prescription drug costs. Passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would strengthen voting rights by expanding and strengthening the government’s ability to respond to voting discrimination.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate and the environment; democracy and human rights; and criminal justice reform.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

No.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I feel that an elected official must be honest, hardworking, and have integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am hard working, fair, and an excellent communicator.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

An elected official works for the people. When making decisions, an elected official must consider the ramifications of the ordinances or laws that are passed. An elected official must educate himself/herself on the proposed law and be able to explain to constituents why he/she voted for or against a law. We work for the people. This is a privilege, not a right.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was kind and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a high school mathematics teacher. I did that for 7.5 years before quitting to go to law school.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I was a single mother.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it has the power to impeach a government official basically making it the prosecutor.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No I do not. But I think it helps.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Getting back to bipartisanship is one of the greatest challenges our nation faces. With artificial intelligence, it will be hard to determine what's real and what isn't.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that there should be some term limits. I am not sure how many terms are sufficient though.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I think the most impactful thing was hearing an older voter say that now he sees how Hitler came into power. He stated that in all of his years, he never thought that could happen here in the U.S. but now sees that could be possible.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, I do. We have to be able to work together to solve our country's problems.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I consider myself fiscally conservative. I would need to know how the bill affects the budget, how many people it will benefit, and how will it affect the deficit. Also, the funding source.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

It should not be used as a retaliatory weapon. It should only be used when there is a genuine issue that requires an investigation (probable cause must exist).

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Houston Chronicle, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, Secular Houston, and Area 5 Democrats.

What committees interest you?

I'd be interested in the education committee, veteran's affairs, and subcommittee on health.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe in financial transparency and government accountability. We need to know if our elected officials are in the pockets of lobbyists and those industries that do not want to be regulated.

Campaign website

Greene-Scott’s campaign website stated the following:

Reproductive Rights'

This is a top priority of mine. Reproductive rights are fundamental aspects of human rights. Ensuring access to reproductive healthcare services, which include contraception, prenatal care, and safe abortion, is essential for women’s health and well-being. Reproductive Rights is not just an abortion issue. It is about bodily autonomy. A woman should have the right to control what happens to her body. Being Pro-Choice does not equate to Anti-Life. Being Pro-Choice means that a woman has a right to choose and have access to safe and legal abortion services. The decision to end a pregnancy is not a decision that a woman enters lightly. And in the case of a medically necessary abortion, the woman and her doctor should make that decision, not the courts and not legislators.

Healthcare

We must protect the Affordable Care Act. The ACA addresses health insurance coverage, health care costs, and preventive care. Three of the most important features of the ACA are 1) prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions, 2) allowing young adults to stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26, and 3) expanding the Medicaid program. This has led to more people being covered by health insurance.

Voting Rights

As an attorney, I have worked to protect voter’s rights. I volunteered for the Legal Rapid Response Network with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and the AKA/NBA Election Protection. Additionally, I’ve volunteered as a poll watcher. My grandmother was born in 1905. She knew what it was like not to have the right to vote. As a little girl, I went with my mother to take my grandmother and her friends to vote. It didn’t matter how cold or wet it was; they always voted. This left a lifelong impression on me and drives my advocacy.

Veterans & Their Families

Veterans often have unique healthcare needs resulting from their service, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and exposure to environmental hazards. Families of veterans also play a crucial role in the overall well-being of veterans. Support programs that address the unique challenges faced by military families are essential. Most programs focus on the veteran without appreciating military families' sacrifices. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I understand the sacrifices. I have committed myself to Veterans initiatives and want to do more to support military families.

Immigration Reform

Immigration reform centers on finding a balanced and comprehensive approach to addressing various aspects of the immigration system. As residents of a border state, we see the crisis firsthand. Border security must be a priority. But we must balance the need for effective border security with facilitating the flow of legal immigration. There must be a pathway to citizenship, and everyone should be treated with humanity and respect.

LGBTQIA+ Rights

LGBTQIA+ rights have seen significant progress over the years, but challenges and disparities still exist. These occur in healthcare access, adoption rights, parenting rights, transgender rights, and transgender protections. LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights issues.[4]

—Marquette Greene-Scott’s campaign website (2024)[6]