State Representative Gabe Firment of Pollock is running for Congress. Firment joins at least two fellow Republicans – Monroe Representative Michael Echols and State Board of Regents chair Misti Cordell – in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Senate nominee Julia Letlow. Firment says voters can trust him.
“They just want somebody they can trust; somebody who’s going to be there when they need help, and I’ve done that in the state legislature and certainly intend to do that when I get to Congress,” Firment said.
Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey is also expected to join the race.
The Grant Parish representative has served in the House since 2019. He describes himself as a true conservative who can represent the rural district well. His opponents have a head start after beginning their campaigns months ago, but Firment believes he has an advantage as the southernmost candidate.
“I do think there’s an opportunity there for me to consolidate and support central Louisiana. Look, I am not going to ignore any part of this district,” Firment asserted.
The reshaped district covers all or parts of 24 parishes, stretching from Monroe south to Avoyelles and Rapides parishes and into southeast Louisiana. The November 3rd party primary will be an open ballot due to the late redistricting caused by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s previous congressional map. Firment says voters will be able to hear from all candidates.
“This is going to come down to who’s got the strongest record and, who’s got the best story and the best ideas. When it’s all said and done, people are going to see that I stacked up really well there,” Firment explained.