Lauren Ventrella Elected to State House, Joins Sen. Rick Edmonds in Legislature

After a hard-fought Oct. 14 primary election and Nov. 18 runoff, attorney Lauren Ventrella topped a strong field of five candidates to win a seat in the Louisana House of Representatives representing Central.

In the Nov. 18 runoff, she faced Central business owner Brandon Ivey in the runoff, and the community was blitzed with signs and mailings on behalf of the two finalists. In the end, Ventrella prevailed with 57 percent of the vote

Both Ventrella and Ivey are newcomers to politics.  The results were

Brandon Ivey (R) 3,207 Lauren Ventrella (R) 4,849

In an interview Sunday, Dec. 17, Rep. Ventrella talked about her priorities in the upcoming regular session of the Louisiana Legislature.

The new lawmaker said, “Something that is sounding like a real possibility is that we will pass constitutional carry, and I plan to support that.”

“I am also working with the governor on how to reduce crime and fund law enforcement.”

“A priority will be reducing the number of uninsured drivers, burdens on families, and solving the insurance crisis by implementing real reform and holding companies accountable.”

“Also improving infrastructure, which will in turn help boost business and lower insurance costs over time.”

Rep.-elect Ventrella said she will be a member of the Rural Caucus and will focus on preserving the rural beauty of our area while bringing smart growth.

She said she will also be a member of the Women’s Caucus, which will be focusing on children and family issues such as human trafficking, incarceration of juveniles, and domestic violence.

She will be joined in the House by Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson who will represent House District 64, which is mainly in Livingston Parish but includes Pride and Baywood in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The two new legislators will represent the northeaast part of the parish along with Sen.-elect Rick Edmonds, who was elected on Oct. 14.

Edmonds, now a member of the Louisiana House, will replace Sen. Bodi White, who was term limited after serving 12 years in the Senate.

Brandon Ivey is the twin brother of Rep. Barry Ivey, who lost the Senate race to Rep. Rick Edmonds. Barry was also term-limited.