State Representative Larry Bagley today announced his candidacy
for the Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 5, in the Republican primary
election scheduled for April 18, 2026. Public Service Commission District 5
encompasses 24 North Louisiana parishes, stretching from the northwest corner
of the state to the northeast.
Bagley has served as state representative for House District 7 for nearly a decade,
covering DeSoto, Sabine, and Caddo parishes. Throughout his tenure, Bagley has
become known for his ability to deliver results, cut through bureaucratic red tape,
provide a welcoming and constituent-focused legislative district office, and bring a
valuable return of tax dollars back to North Louisiana communities.
His record in the legislature includes significant achievements such as securing funding
for major infrastructure improvements, increased support for rural hospitals, securing
essential funds for local municipalities, and advocating for teachers through multiple pay
raises during his tenure.
One of Rep. Bagley’s premier accomplishments for the citizens of Northwest Louisiana
was securing $100 million in funding to advance the I-49 Inner-City Connector project in
Shreveport. In 2019, Bagley led the charge in persuading the Legislature to allocate a
portion of Louisiana’s settlement from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico (now
Gulf of America) oil spill to support the infrastructure initiative. The funding will help
move forward the $600 million project to complete a 3.6-mile stretch of I-49 in
Shreveport, connecting I-49 at I-20 with the I-49/I-220 interchange.
Bagley’s leadership has also proved critical during times of crisis, having effectively
coordinated responses through five hurricanes and three major winter storm events that
left residents without electricity for multiple days. He worked closely with utility and
telecommunications companies to expedite the restoration of services. Bagley was also
personally involved with his constituents, helping them regain essential services during
these emergencies—including securing emergency backup power for nursing homes
throughout District 7 for vulnerable adults reliant on oxygen tanks to survive. “When
disasters strike, our people come together to help each other in their most urgent time
of need,” said Bagley. “In those moments, folks need someone they can count on—someone who shows up, who takes action, and who knows how to get through to the right government agency to deliver results when it matters most.”
Representative Bagley stated that he will not actively campaign for the Public Service
Commission until the conclusion of the current legislative session on June 12, 2025.
“Right now, my absolute priority is to continue serving the citizens of District 7 during the
2025 Legislative Session,” Bagley said. “I am committed to providing strong
representation to ensure our region receives the attention and resources we deserve
and to deliver the level of results that my constituents have come to expect from me for
the last ten years.”
In the House of Representatives, Bagley serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, and
Agriculture Committees, as well as the powerful Joint Legislative Committee on the
Budget. He previously chaired the House Health and Welfare Committee during the
height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he took a bold stand against the overreach of
the previous administration. “They tried to tell us how to live—shut down our churches,
close our businesses, and force medical decisions on our people,” said Bagley. “But I
didn’t back down. I stood my ground for the people of Louisiana, because I believe in
freedom, faith, and the right to make our own choices.”
Bagley brings a long history of public service experience to his candidacy. A retired
public school teacher, basketball coach, and assistant principal, he also served two
terms on the Logansport City Council before being elected to the Louisiana House of
Representatives in 2015.
“My goal has always been straightforward—to serve people, solve problems, and
ensure that our area in North Louisiana remains in focus in Baton Rouge,” Bagley said.
“I will bring this same practical, results-driven approach to the Public Service
Commission.”
A comprehensive press release outlining Bagley’s full legislative record,
accomplishments, and policy goals for the Louisiana Public Service Commission
will be released at the conclusion of the Legislative Session in June.