The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice partnered tonight with Voice of the Experienced (VOTE) and the UL Lafayette College of Liberal Arts to host a forum for candidates running for state representative in three Lafayette area House districts.
The forum was held in HL Griffin Hall, Room 147, on UL's campus. It started at 6 p.m.
Candidates running for House Districts 31, 43, and 45 will meet tonight and citizens will get the chance to evaluate each candidate. The candidates will address several topics, including criminal justice reform.
Tonight's event was open to children and families.
Dr. Pearson Cross, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at UL, said that tonight's forum was a chance for those candidates who are not typically in the spotlight to shine.
"There have been a lot of forums this time around, this election season, which seems great, we're happy about that. This is another forum showing people that haven't been in the limelight too much lately that they do a great job in the legislature."
The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice works to build voice and power in traditionally ignored communities. Their mission is to organize impacted communities, educate and turn out voters, and fight for policies that create a more equitable and just system in Louisiana.
Below is a list of candidates running in Districts 31, 43, and 45:
District 31
"Jim" Dore - Republican
Jonathan Goudeau - Republican
"Gus" Rantz - Republican
Quinta Thompson - Democrat
District 43
Stuart Bishop - Republican
Leslie Bourque - Democrat
District 45
Jean-Paul Coussan - Republican
Rhonda Kim Gleason - Democrat
A full list of candidates for all races in Louisiana, Lafayette, and other Acadiana parishes can be found here.
Early voting lasts until this Saturday, October 5. Election Day is October 12.
