This is part of a Reveille series on the candidates running for Louisiana State Senate District 14. For Quentin Anthony Anderson, click here. For Carolyn Hill, click here.
Democrat Larry Selders, a Baton Rouge native and current state representative for District 67, is running for the Louisiana State Senate’s 14th District seat.
Endorsed by former State Sen. Cleo Fields, whose election to the U.S. House of Representatives left the District 14 seat vacant, Selders has centered his campaign on experience and continuity.
“My experience in the House has prepared me to serve in the Senate,” Selders said in a recent campaign statement. “I know how to get things done, and I’m committed to fighting for the issues that matter most to our community.”
His campaign has emphasized the need for policies that uplift working-class families, improve public schools and expand mental health services. His background in social work, including a bachelor’s degree from Southern University, and his legislative experience have shaped his policy priorities, and he believes these issues are essential for the future of District 14.
One of Selders’ key policy goals is improving access to mental health care, particularly for children and young adults. He argues that early intervention in mental health can prevent long-term issues and reduce crime rates. In addition, he has advocated for increasing the state’s minimum wage and expanding funding for public education, emphasizing that economic stability and education go hand in hand.
Selders has pointed to his legislative record as proof that he can effectively pass laws and advocate for District 14 residents. As a member of the Capital Region Legislative Delegation, the Democratic Caucus and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, Selders has worked closely with lawmakers across the state to push for legislation that benefits his constituents.
“As a State Representative, Larry has fought for quality education, mental health, and fair wages, and he’s ready to do even more in the Senate,” Selders said in a recent Instagram post.
In the House he serves on multiple committees, including Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development; Health and Welfare; Ways and Means; the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay; and the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.
Throughout his tenure, which began in 2019, Selders has worked to turn these priorities into legislative action. He sponsored House Bill 554 in the 2021 legislative session, which established Juneteenth as an official state holiday and recognized the historical significance of the day and its impact on Louisiana communities. In 2024, he pushed for H.B. 913, a measure aimed at improving transparency in utility billing, ensuring that residents have clearer information about their electricity and water charges.
Beyond these, Selders has championed efforts to expand access to crime victim reparations, enhance firearm purchase regulations and increase funding for disaster relief – initiatives he believes are crucial for public safety and economic stability.
Additionally, he has worked on legislation that allows public employees to rent recreational facilities at discounted rates and authorizes the East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority to use a trade name to improve local governance efficiency.
As he campaigns for the State Senate, his focus remains on uplifting working-class families and fighting for a better future for the residents of District 14.
Despite repeated attempts to schedule an interview, Selders could not be reached for comment.
Early voting began Feb. 1 and ends Feb. 8. Election day is Feb. 15.
