Competitive House Races in Baton Rouge

Competitive House Races in Baton Rouge

As the Oct. 24 open primary nears, it is clear that Baton Rouge will have a number of new faces representing the city in the Louisiana House of Representatives.  Incumbents are not seeking reelection in several districts, and at least one incumbent faces what appears to be a serious challenge.

Here are the key House races in the City of Baton Rouge:

•House District 29, currently represented by Rep. Regina Barrow, who is running for the Senate — Metro Council member Ronnie Edwards and school board member Vereta T. Lee are two elected officials in the race.  Attorney Edmond Jordan of West Baton Rouge is making his second attempt for seat, and Daniel Banguel is also running.  All are Democrats.

•House District 61, formerly held by the late Rep. Alfred Williams — Metro Council members Donna Collins-Lewis and Denise Marcelle ran four years ago, and are running again.  Byron Sharper filed for the seat but dropped out.

•House District 62, which includes Zachary — Rep. Kenny Havard is being challenged by businessman Ronnie Jett of Norwood.

•House District 63, currently held by Rep. Dalton Honore — Former Metro Council member Ulysses (Bones) Addison has always been a strong vote-getter in the district.  Other candidates are Dean Barbara West Carpenter, attorney Joyce Plummer, James Slaughter Jr., and Dean Vicknair, vice chairman of the local Democratic Party.

• Rep. Valarie Hodges is unopposed in House District 64 as is Rep. Barry Ivey in HD 65,

•In House District 66, incumbent Rep. Darrell Ourso, who was elected in February, faces three challengers — attorney Rick Bond who also ran in February, retired pastor Rick Edmonds, and businessman Rusty Secrist.  All four candidates are Republicans.

•Rep. Pat Smith is unopposed in House District 67.

•In House District 68, Rep. Steve Carter, a prospective candidate for Speaker of the House, is facing a spirited challenge from businessman Robert Cade Cipriano.  Both are Republicans.  Retired teacher Patty Merrick is a Democratic candidate in the race.

•In House District 69, held by Rep. Erich Ponti, Metro Council member Ryan Heck, a businessman, is facing fellow Republican Paula Davis, a lobbyist.  The Democrat in the race is Mark Holden.

•In House District 70, Rep. Franklin Foil, an attorney, is opposed by Democrat Shamaka Schumake.

•Rep. Edward (Ted) James is unopposed in HD 101.

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