[Editor's note: In addition to the campaign funds raised in 2014, this story has been updated to also include 2013 fundraising totals.]
Most voters have known for more than 18 months that Jean-Paul Coussan is running to replace the term-limited Rep. Joel Robideaux. On Tuesday Coussan made the “official” announcement.
“I’m running to harness the energy that’s helping our community here in Lafayette thrive, and bring that energy to our State Capitol,” Coussan told supporters at 2Paul’s Barbecue, according to a press release on the announcement. “I’m working to support small business, our energy sector, higher education and our innovative and creative culture as cornerstones of Lafayette’s economy and keys to our success – assets that play a vital role in job creation, workforce development and ensuring a bright future for young children like yours and mine.”
Also in the race are fellow Republicans Andre Comeaux, an insurance broker, and Jan Swift, an attorney who serves as executive director of the Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation. All three are active in Lafayette’s civic life.
According to most recent campaign disclosure forms covering fundraising from 2013-2014 filed with the Louisiana Ethics Administration, Comeaux raised the most cash with just over $142,000 on hand at the close of the last reporting; Coussan came in second with $108,000 followed by Swift with $41,000.