Ray Nagin Net Worth and Career
Ray Nagin is an entrepreneur, author, and politician with a net worth of $100,000. His financial situation has been a rollercoaster over the years, due to a variety of factors. Nagin began his career in business before entering politics, where he served as the Mayor of New Orleans from 2002 to 2010.
Early Life and Education
Ray Nagin was born on June 11, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His mother was a school teacher and his father was a social worker, and he was the youngest of three children. Nagin attended St. Augustine High School, a Catholic school in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. After high school, Nagin attended Tuskegee University in Alabama, where he received a degree in electrical engineering.
Career
After graduating from Tuskegee, Nagin moved to Dallas, Texas, to work for General Motors as an engineer trainee. He stayed with General Motors for seven years before moving back to New Orleans to start his own business, Cox Communications. Cox would eventually expand to several other states, making Nagin a millionaire by the time he entered politics.
Nagin first entered politics in 2002, when he ran for Mayor of New Orleans. He won the election by a narrow margin and was re-elected in 2006. Nagin came under criticism for his handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which devastated New Orleans and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. Nagin’s approval ratings fell drastically after the hurricane, and he did not seek re-election in 2010.
After leaving politics, Nagin became an author and public speaker. He published his first book, “Katrina’s Secrets: Storms After the Storm,” in 2011.
Personal Life
Nagin has been married to Seletha Smith since 1982, and the couple has two adult children. Nagin is an avid golfer and has participated in several golf tournaments over the years.
Real Estate
Nagin purchased a home in Frisco, Texas, in 2007 for $425,000. However, in 2014, the home was sold at a foreclosure auction for $380,000. Nagin also owned a home in New Orleans, which he sold in 2017 for $180,000.
Legacy
Nagin’s legacy as Mayor of New Orleans is controversial, due in part to his handling of Hurricane Katrina. While some credit Nagin with pushing for the rebuilding of the city after the hurricane, others criticize his lack of action during the crisis. Nagin’s book, “Katrina’s Secrets: Storms After the Storm,” attempted to shed light on what happened during and after the hurricane.
FAQs
What controversies was Nagin involved in during his political career?
One of the biggest controversies Nagin was involved in was his handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Nagin was criticized for not ordering a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans, even though the storm was heading straight for the city. He also received criticism for his response to the crisis, which some felt was slow and inadequate.
What did Nagin do after leaving politics?
After leaving politics, Nagin became an author and public speaker. He published his first book, “Katrina’s Secrets: Storms After the Storm,” in 2011. Nagin has also been involved in several business ventures over the years, although he has had mixed success.
What was Nagin’s net worth at the height of his career?
Nagin’s net worth was estimated to be around $17 million at the height of his career, due to his success as a businessman with Cox Communications. However, his net worth has since dwindled significantly due to a variety of factors.
What led to Nagin’s financial problems?
Nagin’s financial problems were the result of a variety of factors, including the collapse of his business ventures and legal troubles. Nagin was indicted on several counts of corruption in 2013, which ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment. His legal troubles led to the seizure of much of his property and assets.
What was Nagin’s relationship with President George W. Bush like?
Nagin’s relationship with President George W. Bush was strained, due to his criticism of the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina. Nagin famously criticized Bush during a televised interview, calling him “out of touch.” Despite their political differences, the two eventually worked together to help rebuild New Orleans after the hurricane.
What is Nagin’s legacy as Mayor of New Orleans?
Nagin’s legacy as Mayor of New Orleans is mixed. While he is credited with pushing for the rebuilding of the city after Hurricane Katrina, he is also criticized for his handling of the crisis. Nagin’s response to the hurricane was considered slow and inadequate by many, and he was criticized for not ordering a mandatory evacuation of the city.
What is Nagin doing now?
Nagin was released from prison in 2019 and has since been living in Texas. He has not been involved in any public ventures since his release from prison.
What impact did Hurricane Katrina have on Nagin’s career?
Hurricane Katrina had a significant impact on Nagin’s career, leading to a drop in his approval ratings and ultimately causing him to leave politics. Nagin’s response to the crisis was criticized as inadequate, and many felt that he did not do enough to prepare for the storm.
What was Nagin’s role in the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina?
Nagin played a significant role in the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He pushed for the construction of new levees and other infrastructure improvements, as well as the development of new business ventures in the city. Nagin’s efforts helped to bring much-needed investment and growth to New Orleans.
What led to Nagin’s conviction on corruption charges?
Nagin was convicted on several counts of corruption in 2014, including bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering. The charges stemmed from allegations that Nagin had accepted illegal kickbacks in exchange for granting contracts and other favors to various businesses.
What is Nagin’s book “Katrina’s Secrets: Storms After the Storm” about?
“Katrina’s Secrets: Storms After the Storm” is a book that attempts to shed light on what happened during and after Hurricane Katrina. Nagin uses the book to discuss his experiences during the storm and his efforts to rebuild New Orleans in the aftermath. The book has been criticized by some for being self-serving and incomplete.
What is Nagin’s current financial situation?
Nagin’s current financial situation is unknown, although it is likely that he has little in the way of assets or income. His legal troubles have led to the seizure of much of his property and assets, and he has not been involved in any public ventures since his release from prison.
What impact did Nagin have on New Orleans during his time as Mayor?
Nagin had a significant impact on New Orleans during his time as Mayor. He oversaw the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina, overseeing the construction of new levees and other infrastructure improvements. He also helped to bring new business ventures to the city, leading to new investment and job growth in the area.
What led Nagin to enter politics?
Nagin entered politics as a result of his experiences as a businessman in New Orleans. He felt that the city’s political climate was in need of change, and he decided to run for Mayor in order to bring new energy and ideas to the office.
What is Nagin’s view on race and politics?
Nagin has been a vocal advocate for racial equality in politics, and he is known for his outspoken views on the subject. He has criticized political leaders who he feels are not doing enough to combat racial injustice, and he has called for greater representation for people of color in leadership positions.