State Sen. Rick Edmonds announced his bid for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, citing a lifelong goal of serving at the federal level and a desire to represent a newly reshaped district.
Why He Entered the Race
Edmonds said public service has been a dream since his teenage years. Now in his 11th year in the Legislature, he currently serves in the Louisiana Senate after time in the House. He said the opportunity to run for Congress felt like a natural next step.
The seat is currently held by Julia Letlow.
A Newly Redrawn District
Recent redistricting significantly changed the 5th District. Once centered around Monroe, it now stretches from parts of East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Ascension parishes through the Florida Parishes and north to Bastrop.
The district includes fast-growing suburban areas, rural farmland and agricultural communities. Edmonds said that range creates both geographic challenges and diverse policy needs, from infrastructure and schools to farming and economic growth.
Education and Budget Experience
As chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Edmonds points to Louisiana’s academic gains over the past decade. He credits bipartisan work and long-term policy planning for the state’s progress.
He said his experience in the state budget process and in education policy gives him practical tools to work across party lines in Washington.
Championing Small Business
Edmonds also highlighted his background as the son of a factory worker who started a small business. He said watching his parents run Louisiana Fence Company shaped his understanding of small business struggles.
He pledged to prioritize policies that support farmers, entrepreneurs and local employers, calling small business the backbone of the 5th District.
With a legislative session approaching, Edmonds said his first responsibility remains to his Senate district while balancing campaign efforts across the newly configured congressional map.