INCUMBENT: John Bel Edwards (Democrat)

DESCRIPTION: This is a predominately rural district that contains parts of East Feliciana and Tangipahoa Parishes, as well as all of St Helena Parish. There is a simple reason for the elongated shape of the district in Tangipahoa Parish: it was drawn in 1991 to elect a black legislator, although no black candidates have been victorious thus far.

DISTRICT MAP:

District Map

RED/BLUE RATING (using 2008, 2012, and 2014 elections): 66% Democratic

JMCEL’s SUMMARY: This is a solidly Democratic district that owes its political complexion not only to the black (registration and voting) majority, but also to some residual populist sentiment among the rural white electorate. John Bel Edwards has represented the district since 2007. Though not related to the former governor, he comes from a political family in Tangipahoa Parish, whose members have served as Sheriff and Juvenile Court Judge.

Even though Rep. Edwards can seek another term, he made his intentions known in February 2013 of his interest in running for governor. There will be a wide open race to succeed him; it will be interesting to see whether his successor is a white or a black Democrat.