Louisiana House District 67 will hold a special election on May 3, 2025, to fill the seat vacated by Larry Selders, who recently moved to the state Senate after a February 15 race with notably low turnout. Terry Landry Jr., a Democrat and longtime Baton Rouge resident, is vying to represent this majority-Black district in hopes of bringing what he views as a collaborative and service-driven approach to the legislature.
Background and Motivation
Landry was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, attending Teurlings Catholic High School before moving to Baton Rouge in 1999 to pursue undergraduate studies at LSU. He later enrolled at Southern University Law Center, earning a Juris Doctor and adding a master’s in public administration along the way.
Though brief professional stints took him to Lake Charles and back to Lafayette, he ultimately returned to Baton Rouge, where he says he’s spent the better part of two decades. “I fell in love with the city and the school,” Landry said.
Professional Experience
A licensed attorney, Landry began his career with Acadian Ambulance, focusing on governmental affairs and associate counsel work. He then moved to the Louisiana Department of Health, overseeing Medicaid fraud efforts, and served as legislative liaison for the Department of Children and Family Services.
Today, Landry works as Louisiana Policy Director for the Southern Poverty Law Center — an opportunity he says has allowed him to spend significant time inside the State Capitol, shaping and opposing legislation. “Since 2009, for every legislative session, I spent 90% of those days in the state capital,” he noted.
Why He’s Running
Landry describes the current political climate as “turbulent” and believes that his years inside the Capitol have prepared him to be an effective voice on the House floor. “Nothing can happen in this building without some type of collaboration,” he said. “We can make a bigger impact on the inside. We know the process. We know the people. We know the administration.”
He emphasized the importance of bipartisanship, acknowledging that Democrats are in the minority. “In order to get any meaningful legislation passed, there’s going to be some collaboration with the other 73 members of the House,” he explained.
Guiding Principles and Faith
When asked about his political “North star,” Landry pointed to faith, family, and a future-driven vision. “I wouldn’t do anything to your children that I wouldn’t do for my own,” he said, framing his focus on improving educational outcomes and leaving the city, state, and district “in a better place” for the next generation.
Platform and Priorities
Landry distilled his policy approach into three themes: opportunity, public safety, and accountability. “We build opportunity through investing in our children, investing in small and local businesses,” he said. On public safety, he pointed to broader investments that address root causes of crime, while emphasizing the importance of transparency: “I want to be held accountable… I want to let you know what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and when I’m doing it.”
He also shared his “legacy” priority: transforming Louisiana’s education system until it ranks in the top 10 nationwide. Though he admits it may take a decade or more, he sees it as a lasting goal worth spending political capital on.
Voter Engagement, Turnout, and Local Politics
Landry expressed concern over low turnout in recent elections, calling voting “the start” of every solution—from roads to schools to policing. At the same time, he noted a moderate uptick in the March 29 constitutional amendments vote. “I am pleased with a 10% increase in the projected turnout,” he said. “I am not pleased with 21% turnout.” Landry hopes to mobilize more residents to the polls, emphasizing consistent civic engagement as key to progress.
Regarding the realities of a Republican governor and Republican supermajorities in the legislature, Landry suggests he’ll rely on the relationships and respect he’s built across the aisle, favoring passionate but respectful debate. “We’re not going to always agree,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean we have to be combative every time.”
Local Issues
Asked to assess new EBR Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ early days, Landry gave the mayor a provisional rating of “five to seven,” acknowledging that “he hasn’t had enough time” and is “drinking from a fire hydrant” when it comes to St. George, library controversies, and other local concerns. On St. George, Landry said he wants “a unified city” but acknowledges that St. George is now a reality. “We’re going to have to work together. We all want the same things: better schools, safer neighborhoods, and a better Baton Rouge.”
The Path Forward
Landry concludes by emphasizing that he sees himself as “a man of the people,” pointing to a diverse support base as evidence of his grassroots appeal. He invites voters to share in his vision.
“On May 3rd, I just ask that you vote… Trust in me because I will do right by this state, I will do right by the city, and I will do right by the people of this district.”