By Baptist Message staff
BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – State Rep. Julie Emerson, a member with First Baptist Church, Lafayette, has been named chief of staff for Gov. Jeff Landry.
Most recently, Emerson ran for the U.S. Senate, but on Jan. 22 ended her campaign citing a “diminished” path to victory once Congresswoman Julia Letlow entered the race.
“As we all know when God closes one door, he often opens another,” Emerson told the Baptist Message. “The offer from Gov. Landry came as a surprise, but after much prayer, it was clear that this was the best way I could continue to serve the state I love so much.”
Landry in a statement commended Emerson, saying her skill set is such a good fit for this position.
“Julie Emerson is a proven leader with a deep understanding of Louisiana’s people, our state legislature, and the work that needs to be done to move Louisiana forward,” he said.
“Her experience and commitment to conservative reform makes her the perfect person to help lead this administration as we continue fighting for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Louisiana.”
During her time as a state representative, Emerson served as the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and was the first woman to chair a finance committee in the state’s legislative history. Moreover, she has sponsored consequential legislation, including bills to cut state income taxes, provide school choice and to end abortion.
Emerson, R-Carencro, is a graduate of Westminster Christian Academy in Opelousas, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Bachelor of Science) and the University of South Carolina (Master of Business Administration). Emerson is a leader in the state (10 years in the legislature), the local community (small business owner, Lagniappe Communications Group) and her faith community (13 years as a trustee overseeing Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky).
