State Rep. Michael Echols joins Republican field for 5th District

A day before his birthday — and the start of qualifying for congressional races in Louisiana — Republican state Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe, announced he will seek the 5th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Echols is a contractor and real estate developer whose work has included renovations in downtown Monroe. He also hosts a conservative radio talk show. 

Echols has held a seat in the Louisiana Legislature since 2020, sitting on committees that include House Health and Welfare, Ways and Means as well as the joint budget and capital outlay panels. Before becoming a state lawmaker, he was a member of the Monroe City Council.

Originally from Bastrop, Echols earned an accounting degree and an MBA from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He started his career in banking before taking a marketing and communications role at ULM, then gravitated toward development and real estate.  

Others announced Republicans in the 5th District race include state Sen. Rick Edmonds of Baton Rouge, Board of Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell of Monroe and LSU-Shreveport administrator Sammy Wyatt.

Democrat Larry Foy, a theologian and self-described social justice advocate from Winnsboro, has also announced he will run. 

Qualifying for the May 16 Louisiana closed party primaries begins Wednesday, which is Echols’ birthday, and ends Friday. If necessary, runoffs set for June 27 if needed. The winners will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

This is a developing story