LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — The competition for an open congressional seat representing southwest Louisiana has picked up another candidate.
Gus Rantz, a Republican and president of a Lafayette-based hospital management company, said Tuesday that he'll be on the Nov. 8 ballot in the 3rd Congressional District race.
He announced his campaign with an online video, describing himself as a conservative who fears the American Dream "is starting to slip away."
Rantz joins other GOP contenders from Lafayette who have announced campaigns: Erick Knezek, a member of the Lafayette Parish School Board; and Greg Ellison, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and partner in an oil and gas exploration firm.
The seat, which represents Lake Charles and Lafayette, is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, a Republican who is running for the U.S. Senate.