INCUMBENT: Ledricka Thierry (Democrat)

DESCRIPTION: House District 40 is located in Saint Landry Parish, and was reconfigured after the 1991 reapportionment to be a black majority district. Geographically, this district is centered along I-49, and includes black majority neighborhoods both to the north and south of Opelousas all the way to the Lafayette Parish line.

DISTRICT MAP:

District Map

RED/BLUE RATING (using 2008, 2012, and 2014 elections): 65% Democratic

JMCEL’s SUMMARY: House District 40 was drawn two decades ago to be a majority black district, although there is a consistent Republican base here of about 35% of the vote. Even though this is a Democratic district, this district has seen competitive politics more often than not, as the past three representatives of this district have all sought (or are seeking) higher office. The current representative is Ledricka Thierry, who was elected in a 2009 special election when the former occupant of the seat (Elbert Guillory) was elected to a vacant state senate seat. Rep. Thierry was re-elected with 79% of the vote in 2011, and although she was eligible to seek one more term, she is seeking Sen. Guillory’s state senate seat, as he is vacating it to run for Lt. Governor. While there will be a competitive open seat race this fall, another black Democrat is almost certain to be victorious here.