Roemer was born October 4, 1943 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Roemer went to Harvard University where he earned a B.A. in 1964 and an M.B.A. in 1967. Following school Roemer returned to Louisiana and founded two banks as well as a political consulting firm. Roemer's public service career began in 1981 when he won a seat to Louisiana's 4th district in the U.S. House on his second try. Roemer, a democrat, held the seat until 1988 when he won an election for Governor of Louisiana. Roemer lost his reelection bid in 1991 shortly after he switched to the Republican Party. Following his defeat Roemer co-founded The Sterling Group and is currently the President and CEO of Business First Bank. Roemer is running for U.S. President in 2012.