LET ME HELP OUR COMMUNITIES.Β LET’S GROW AVOYELLES PARISH.
Β
As a life-long resident of Avoyelles Parish, I amΒ committed to making the parish a place where families can flourish and kids wonβt have to move away to find a job. With my experience as an entrepreneur, I knowΒ how to create jobs and opportunities. Iβll work hard in Baton Rouge to grow our job base and give every one of us a chance to succeed.
Β
LET’S STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING
Politicians in Baton Rouge are risking our future to fund their wasteful ways.Β I will use my knowledge as a successful job creator to force government to live within its means, cut our taxes and give the citizens something back for their tax dollars.
Β
I SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS
I know firsthand the schools in Avoyelles Parish and across the state. I understand the importance of giving parents and students the chance to achieve their dreams. I support giving every student a strong start, high expectations, effective teachers and quality schools.
Β
I WANT TO PRESERVE OUR WAY OF LIFE
My Christian values guide me every day. I amΒ pro-life and committed to protecting the rightsΒ of the unborn. As a sportsman, I will defend the Second Amendment and will fight to protect the rights and culture of our community.
Today I flew to meet with the good people at Love Acadiana. Along the way, I spotted a cross below meβand on the flight home, I saw another.
To me, those two crosses were a reminder of Godβs work being done through people willing to serve others. I thought about what Love Acadiana and Building a Better Avoyelles were able to accomplish together during the flood, helping our neighbors through a difficult time.
That spirit of service continues as Love Acadiana plans a Thanksgiving giveaway to bless more families.
Iβm grateful for this partnership and for everyone who gives their time, resources, and heart to helping others. Faith in action. Godβs work. π
AVOYELLES VOTES: Early voting is happening NOW through Tuesday, October 27!
As your State Representative, I want to make sure you are fully prepared before heading to the polls . Be on the lookout in todayβs Journal newspaper for this plain-language flyer that summarizes the 10 constitutional amendments for your consideration.
Take a few minutes to review and make your plan to vote this week Oct 20-27 (excluding Sunday) or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
Your vote is your voiceβplease let it be heard! ... See MoreSee Less
I took these aerial photos of the new Avoyelles Community Education Center, the new show arena, and the start of our new ball fields. All of these projects are underway, with the main buildings expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Together, these projects represent more than $20 million in federal and state investment in our parishβcreating opportunities for education, recreation, and community events for generations to come.
This is action, not just words. Iβm proud to help move Avoyelles forward and grateful to everyone working to make these projects a reality.
I’m in Rapides so we have the best State Rep Mike Johnson but I think you are a close 2ndπ-appreciate all you do for your constituents and our state!
Where is this located?
Any idea who going to provide all the signage for the facility? We would love the opportunity!
I enjoyed a wonderful evening at LSUAβs Shrimp Jam last night. It was great to visit with friends and see our community come together in support of LSUA.
A special thank-you to my friend Verge Ausberry, LSUβs Vice President and Director of Athletics, for serving as the keynote speaker.
As a fellow LSUA Foundation board member, Iβve seen the time and effort my fellow board members put into making this event a success. I appreciate their hard work and dedication, along with the Foundation staff and everyone who helped bring the evening together.
Weβre fortunate to have LSUA right here in Central Louisiana, creating opportunities for our students and strengthening our region.
It has been a busy few weeks for economic development in Louisiana, and I wanted to take a minute to highlight a few announcements I was fortunate to attend.
I joined state and local leaders for the announcement of Hyundaiβs new $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish β the first fully integrated steel mill to be built in the United States in more than 60 years. This is a historic investment for Louisiana and another sign that our state is becoming increasingly competitive for major economic development projects.
I also attended announcements at the Central Louisiana Regional Port and the Natchitoches Parish Port, where both received funding through Louisianaβs FastSites program to expand their facilities and prepare for future growth.
FastSites is especially meaningful to me because I authored the legislation that created the program. The goal was simple: Louisiana cannot wait until a company is ready to build before we start preparing our sites and infrastructure. We need communities and industrial sites ready when opportunities come knocking.
It is rewarding to see that legislation now producing real investments and improvements right here in Central Louisiana.
And I havenβt forgotten about Avoyelles. I am working diligently to bring a meaningful tenant to the Avoyelles Parish Airport, and we are making good progress. There is still work to be done, but I am encouraged by where things are headed.
More to come.
Louisiana is moving forward, and I intend to make sure Avoyelles is part of that growth.
Do you foresee anything ever happening with the Industrial Park Site in Bunkie? I believe it was part of a civil suit or something at one time but not sure about now
Id love to see some sort of industry come to Bunkie near the interstate or simmesport near the river.
Louisiana has a lot of new industry in the makings! Great job!
Avoyelles Parish β if you still have needs from the flood, we need to hear from you NOW.
Our community has shown incredible resilience and continued moving forward with recovery, but we know the work isnβt finished.
We are working together with Building A Better Avoyelles, which is leading our Avoyelles Early Recovery Group, to identify the needs that still remain across the parish.
Maybe your home still needs to be gutted or you need help removing debris and flood-damaged items. Maybe your home is already down to the studs and youβre ready for the next phase of rebuilding. Or maybe you have another flood-related need that hasnβt been addressed.
Whatever the need, we need to know about it β and we need your response as soon as possible.
Our goal is to get an accurate assessment of where Avoyelles stands today so Building A Better Avoyelles and our Early Recovery Group can share those needs with churches, nonprofits, volunteer groups and recovery organizations that may have resources to help.
Submitting your information does not guarantee assistance, but if you still need help, please donβt assume we already know. Complete the assessment below.
And if you know a neighbor, friend or family member who still needs help, please make sure they see this too.
Today, I had the opportunity to attend the SpaceX announcementβa $100 billion investment expected to create 10,000 jobs in Louisiana.
This is truly an inflection point in Louisianaβs history.
I want to thank Governor Landry, the entire Legislature, and everyone who played a role in making this possible. A special thank you to Secretary Susan Bourgeois and her team at Louisiana Economic Development for their leadership and tremendous work in bringing this transformational investment to our state.
As Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, I canβt help but think beyond the announcement itself. Imagine the ancillary businesses, suppliers, manufacturers, technology companies, contractors, and entrepreneurs that will locate and grow around Louisiana Starship.
The impact of this investment will reach far beyond the 10,000 jobs announced today. It has the potential to create an entirely new economic ecosystem in Louisiana.
This is a generational opportunity for our state and I believe we are only seeing the beginning of what it can become.
Any chance they might buy land in Avoyelles Parish or another major corporation?
What impacts on the immediate and surrounding communities have been assessed and thought through thoroughly? On the surface, yeah, great opportunity but down the road will we still be singing praises for this?
Now you can use the Delhi, Louisiana manufacturing plant that is scheduled to close next year to build something that SpaceX will need.
Create jobs for Delhi, Louisiana!
Iβve received numerous calls, text messages, and Facebook messages regarding the D-SNAP program. I understand many people are frustrated, and I certainly understand the disappointment.
However, I want to clarify one important fact: the State of Louisiana does not determine who is eligible for D-SNAP. The eligibility requirements are established by the federal government, not the state, and I have no authority to change those rules.
My role was simply to support bringing the D-SNAP program to our parish. The decision I had was whether to participate in the programβnot who qualifies. In fact, some parishes chose not to participate at all, and after seeing the frustration directed at local officials, I understand why they made that decision.
If you believe the federal eligibility requirements are unfair or should be changed, I encourage you to contact your U.S. Representative or U.S. Senators, as they are the ones who can advocate for changes at the federal level.
I will always listen to respectful concerns and do everything I can to help when itβs within my authority. But please understand that sending insults or threats to state officials over federal rules will not change the outcome.
The SNAP eligibility changes were enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. The final votes were largely along party lines.
Senate (July 1, 2025)
* Final vote: 51–50
* Republicans: 50 voted Yes, while 3 Republicans voted No:
* Rand Paul
* Susan Collins
* Thom Tillis
* Democrats: All Democrats voted No.
* Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the bill.
House of Representatives (Final Passage, July 3, 2025)
* Final vote: 218–214
* Republicans: 218 voted Yes.
* Democrats: 212 voted No.
* Two Republicans and two Democrats did not vote on final passage.
I hate they giving you a hard time about this. But I do thank you for getting bf dsnap for us affected by Arthur. Dsnap has an income limit and most people are not pleased with it. But that’s out of your hands.
π§ Road Closure Notice β LA 115 (North of Hessmer) π§
Please be advised that LA 115 will be closed beginning Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. through Friday, July 31, 2026, approximately ΒΌ mile south of Large Road, while DOTD replaces cross drain pipes.
A signed detour will be in place through Mansura and Marksville to help motorists safely reach their destinations.
Please allow extra travel time, use caution in the work zone, and follow all posted detour signs. Thank you for your patience while these improvements are completed. ... See MoreSee Less
Today I flew to meet with the good people at Love Acadiana. Along the way, I spotted a cross below meβand on the flight home, I saw another.
To me, those two crosses were a reminder of Godβs work being done through people willing to serve others. I thought about what Love Acadiana and Building a Better Avoyelles were able to accomplish together during the flood, helping our neighbors through a difficult time.
That spirit of service continues as Love Acadiana plans a Thanksgiving giveaway to bless more families.
Iβm grateful for this partnership and for everyone who gives their time, resources, and heart to helping others. Faith in action. Godβs work. π
#BuildingABetterAvoyelles #LoveAcadiana ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thanks for coming to see us and sharing these great sights. God is good! π
Need that in Lake Pearl β€οΈ
There’s your sign.
AVOYELLES VOTES: Early voting is happening NOW through Tuesday, October 27!
As your State Representative, I want to make sure you are fully prepared before heading to the polls . Be on the lookout in todayβs Journal newspaper for this plain-language flyer that summarizes the 10 constitutional amendments for your consideration.
Take a few minutes to review and make your plan to vote this week Oct 20-27 (excluding Sunday) or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
Your vote is your voiceβplease let it be heard! ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please advise which amendment is for the animal shelter.
Journal is only published EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY.
And let’s steer clear of idolatry when we do.
Progress you can see in Avoyelles Parish!
I took these aerial photos of the new Avoyelles Community Education Center, the new show arena, and the start of our new ball fields. All of these projects are underway, with the main buildings expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Together, these projects represent more than $20 million in federal and state investment in our parishβcreating opportunities for education, recreation, and community events for generations to come.
This is action, not just words. Iβm proud to help move Avoyelles forward and grateful to everyone working to make these projects a reality.
#BuildingABetterAvoyelles #BuildingABetterLouisiana ... See MoreSee Less
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
I’m in Rapides so we have the best State Rep Mike Johnson but I think you are a close 2ndπ-appreciate all you do for your constituents and our state!
Where is this located?
Any idea who going to provide all the signage for the facility? We would love the opportunity!
View more comments
I enjoyed a wonderful evening at LSUAβs Shrimp Jam last night. It was great to visit with friends and see our community come together in support of LSUA.
A special thank-you to my friend Verge Ausberry, LSUβs Vice President and Director of Athletics, for serving as the keynote speaker.
As a fellow LSUA Foundation board member, Iβve seen the time and effort my fellow board members put into making this event a success. I appreciate their hard work and dedication, along with the Foundation staff and everyone who helped bring the evening together.
Weβre fortunate to have LSUA right here in Central Louisiana, creating opportunities for our students and strengthening our region.
Geaux Generals!
#BuildingABetterAvoyelles #BuildingABetterLouisiana ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Thanks for your support.
It has been a busy few weeks for economic development in Louisiana, and I wanted to take a minute to highlight a few announcements I was fortunate to attend.
I joined state and local leaders for the announcement of Hyundaiβs new $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish β the first fully integrated steel mill to be built in the United States in more than 60 years. This is a historic investment for Louisiana and another sign that our state is becoming increasingly competitive for major economic development projects.
I also attended announcements at the Central Louisiana Regional Port and the Natchitoches Parish Port, where both received funding through Louisianaβs FastSites program to expand their facilities and prepare for future growth.
FastSites is especially meaningful to me because I authored the legislation that created the program. The goal was simple: Louisiana cannot wait until a company is ready to build before we start preparing our sites and infrastructure. We need communities and industrial sites ready when opportunities come knocking.
It is rewarding to see that legislation now producing real investments and improvements right here in Central Louisiana.
And I havenβt forgotten about Avoyelles. I am working diligently to bring a meaningful tenant to the Avoyelles Parish Airport, and we are making good progress. There is still work to be done, but I am encouraged by where things are headed.
More to come.
Louisiana is moving forward, and I intend to make sure Avoyelles is part of that growth.
#buildingabetterlouisiana
#buildingabetteravoyellesοΏΌ ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you foresee anything ever happening with the Industrial Park Site in Bunkie? I believe it was part of a civil suit or something at one time but not sure about now
Id love to see some sort of industry come to Bunkie near the interstate or simmesport near the river.
Louisiana has a lot of new industry in the makings! Great job!
View more comments
*****************Avoyelles Flood*****************
Avoyelles Parish β if you still have needs from the flood, we need to hear from you NOW.
Our community has shown incredible resilience and continued moving forward with recovery, but we know the work isnβt finished.
We are working together with Building A Better Avoyelles, which is leading our Avoyelles Early Recovery Group, to identify the needs that still remain across the parish.
Maybe your home still needs to be gutted or you need help removing debris and flood-damaged items. Maybe your home is already down to the studs and youβre ready for the next phase of rebuilding. Or maybe you have another flood-related need that hasnβt been addressed.
Whatever the need, we need to know about it β and we need your response as soon as possible.
Our goal is to get an accurate assessment of where Avoyelles stands today so Building A Better Avoyelles and our Early Recovery Group can share those needs with churches, nonprofits, volunteer groups and recovery organizations that may have resources to help.
Submitting your information does not guarantee assistance, but if you still need help, please donβt assume we already know. Complete the assessment below.
And if you know a neighbor, friend or family member who still needs help, please make sure they see this too.
β‘οΈ COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENT HERE: form.jotform.com/262298947512165
β Representative Daryl Deshotel & Senator Heather Cloud & ... See MoreSee Less
Avoyelles Stage 1 Assessment
form.jotform.com
Please click the link to complete this form.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today, I had the opportunity to attend the SpaceX announcementβa $100 billion investment expected to create 10,000 jobs in Louisiana.
This is truly an inflection point in Louisianaβs history.
I want to thank Governor Landry, the entire Legislature, and everyone who played a role in making this possible. A special thank you to Secretary Susan Bourgeois and her team at Louisiana Economic Development for their leadership and tremendous work in bringing this transformational investment to our state.
As Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, I canβt help but think beyond the announcement itself. Imagine the ancillary businesses, suppliers, manufacturers, technology companies, contractors, and entrepreneurs that will locate and grow around Louisiana Starship.
The impact of this investment will reach far beyond the 10,000 jobs announced today. It has the potential to create an entirely new economic ecosystem in Louisiana.
This is a generational opportunity for our state and I believe we are only seeing the beginning of what it can become.
#buildingabetterlouisiana ... See MoreSee Less
33 CommentsComment on Facebook
Any chance they might buy land in Avoyelles Parish or another major corporation?
What impacts on the immediate and surrounding communities have been assessed and thought through thoroughly? On the surface, yeah, great opportunity but down the road will we still be singing praises for this?
Now you can use the Delhi, Louisiana manufacturing plant that is scheduled to close next year to build something that SpaceX will need. Create jobs for Delhi, Louisiana!
View more comments
Iβve received numerous calls, text messages, and Facebook messages regarding the D-SNAP program. I understand many people are frustrated, and I certainly understand the disappointment.
However, I want to clarify one important fact: the State of Louisiana does not determine who is eligible for D-SNAP. The eligibility requirements are established by the federal government, not the state, and I have no authority to change those rules.
My role was simply to support bringing the D-SNAP program to our parish. The decision I had was whether to participate in the programβnot who qualifies. In fact, some parishes chose not to participate at all, and after seeing the frustration directed at local officials, I understand why they made that decision.
If you believe the federal eligibility requirements are unfair or should be changed, I encourage you to contact your U.S. Representative or U.S. Senators, as they are the ones who can advocate for changes at the federal level.
I will always listen to respectful concerns and do everything I can to help when itβs within my authority. But please understand that sending insults or threats to state officials over federal rules will not change the outcome.
Thank you for understanding. ... See MoreSee Less
19 CommentsComment on Facebook
The SNAP eligibility changes were enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025. The final votes were largely along party lines. Senate (July 1, 2025) * Final vote: 51–50 * Republicans: 50 voted Yes, while 3 Republicans voted No: * Rand Paul * Susan Collins * Thom Tillis * Democrats: All Democrats voted No. * Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the bill. House of Representatives (Final Passage, July 3, 2025) * Final vote: 218–214 * Republicans: 218 voted Yes. * Democrats: 212 voted No. * Two Republicans and two Democrats did not vote on final passage.
I hate they giving you a hard time about this. But I do thank you for getting bf dsnap for us affected by Arthur. Dsnap has an income limit and most people are not pleased with it. But that’s out of your hands.
Vote Blue
View more comments
π§ Road Closure Notice β LA 115 (North of Hessmer) π§
Please be advised that LA 115 will be closed beginning Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. through Friday, July 31, 2026, approximately ΒΌ mile south of Large Road, while DOTD replaces cross drain pipes.
A signed detour will be in place through Mansura and Marksville to help motorists safely reach their destinations.
Please allow extra travel time, use caution in the work zone, and follow all posted detour signs. Thank you for your patience while these improvements are completed. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Can you tell me of potential road closure in the Moncla area?
No matter how many times u tell me i still forget π€£π€£ did it twice in one day!
Everyone drive safely!
View more comments