INCUMBENT: Stephen Ortego (Democrat)

DESCRIPTION: House District 39 is located in Acadiana and includes almost all of Lafayette Parish north of I-10 and portions of southern St Landry Parish between the Lafayette Parish line and Opelousas along I-49. Even though the bulk of population growth from Lafayette has moved southwards towards Vermilion Parish, there has been some suburban growth that has occurred in the district.

DISTRICT MAP:

District Map

RED/BLUE RATING (using 2008, 2012, and 2014 elections): 64% Republican

JMCEL’s SUMMARY: While District 39 typically votes for Republicans, it still retains an affinity for “Acadiana Democrats” like former governor Kathleen Blanco, and this district has been a source of continuing frustration for Republicans, who until 2007 didn’t seriously contest this district; since then, their candidates have lost both in the 2007 and 2011 runoffs. While steady suburban growth and a general movement away from the Democrats throughout much of Acadiana and rural Louisiana provides Republicans with some electoral lift, there is some fairly strong Democratic sentiment in this part of Acadiana in local races. The current incumbent (Stephen Ortego) is just completing his first term, and can serve two more terms. Given the district’s tumultuous electoral history (since 1995, state house races have gone into a runoff all but once) and partisan trends (Cassidy got 66% and Romney received 68%), Rep. Ortego can expect a strong challenge this fall from Republicans to keep his seat.