Here's a look at who is running in the race for Louisiana State Representative District 53.

With the Louisiana State Representative and Speaker Pro-Tem Tanner Magee relinquishing his seat, three people have tossed their hats in the ring.

Magee, R, District 53, has chosen not to seek re-election, citing a toxic working environment at the capitol. Two Terrebonne Parish Council members and a real estate investor are running for the seat.

Early voting for primaries begins Sept. 30 and ends Oct. 14. The deadline to register to vote in person is Sept. 13, with the last day to register online being Sept. 23. Here's a list of important dates: https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ElectionsCalendar2023.pdf.

Here's a list of the candidates running for the District 53, State Representative seat. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order:

Jessica Domangue

Domangue is the Terrebonne Parish Councilwoman representing District 5, and has served on the council for four years. A resident of Houma, she is currently Council Chair, and is also a therapist with Start Corporation, where she has worked 15 years.

According to Domangue, her focus, if elected, would be on the rising insurance rates and attracting businesses to Louisiana.

"We don't need to reinvent the wheel," she said. "We just have to look at what worked for other states that has been effective and bring that to Louisiana."

Dirk Guidry

Terrebonne Parish Councilman Guidry has served District 8 for 11 years. Hailing from Chauvin, he is the longest-serving member on the board, and will term out at the end of this, his third term.

Guidry owns Pizza Express in Chauvin and Gator Mini Storage in Bourg.

He said if elected, he will focus on infrastructure like roads and bridges, hurricane protection and education.

"I've always wanted to run for that seat, but I didn't want to run against Tanner," he said. "Now that it's open, I figured I'd give it a shot."

Willis Trosclair Jr.

Dulac native Trosclair is a Real Estate investor and business owner of 15 years who got his start as a shrimper. Speaking via phone call Aug. 10, he said the plight of shrimpers and the state of the economy has driven him to want to try to make changes.

If elected, he said, he'd want to stiffen penalties on drugs like fentanyl, address homelessness and mental health, bolster the shrimping industry and increase accessibility to local ports.

"I'm just tired of it, somebody's got to put the gloves on and fight," he said.

Trosclair's son, Creed Trosclair, passed away Aug. 11. It is unclear if Trosclair will remain in the race.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Race for Louisiana State Representative District 53 draws three candidates