MAURICE - Local small businessman Troy Theriot has announced his candidacy to run for the State Representative District 31 seat recently vacated by Don Trahan.

Qualifying began Monday and he was the first to qualify.

A special election will be held Nov. 4 to elect someone to finish out Trahan’s three years as state representative.

Theriot currently holds a position with an oilfield supply boat company where he owns, markets, and operates a fleet of vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.

“As a small business owner, I recognize the problems currently faced by businessmen and women as well as working people throughout District 31,” Theriot said.

“I was brought up to respect our CAJUN IDEALS of hard work and family that we cherish here in Southwest Louisiana. Let me say I am humbled by the response I’ve received thus far. Recent market studies show that working people, farmers, and business people in our district are concerned about their future and that of our state. I am excited about the campaign. As a husband, father and businessman, I certainly have a strong interest in seeing our children get a great education here and continue to work in our great State of Louisiana,” Theriot said.

“My priorities will be focused on improving our education system, creating affordable access to healthcare, getting our fair share for roads, infrastructure improvements and coastal erosion, and reforming our state income tax. I will also work to keep southwest Louisiana a friendly environment for businesses and a fair environment for consumers. We have passed the largest Ethics Reform bill in the history of our state, and we must stand behind it to keep our great state on top of the list.”

Theriot also stressed being accessible and working across party lines as an important attribute to being a good State Representative. “Availability and access to your voice in Baton Rouge are most important to me as well as working hand in hand in a bi-partisan manner with other members of the Legislature. I will do my very best and look forward to meeting the good people of this district over the next several weeks leading up to the election.”

Theriot has been married to Monica Benoit Theriot for the past 17 years and they have two daughters, Morgan and Mia.