BATON ROUGE, La. ( Louisiana Illuminator ) – State Rep. Julie Emerson of Carencro announced Monday she will challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, adding an interesting element to the state’s first Republican party primary in 50 years.

“I’m running for the United States Senate because Louisiana deserves a senator who can lead, deliver, and help rebuild America’s confidence,” Emerson said in a statement from her campaign. “For the first time in years, the future feels brighter than the past.”

In a polished 4-minute online video, Emerson, 37, declared her intention to join a crowded GOP field, touting her 10 years experience in the legislature. As chairman to the House Ways and Means Committee, she authored the extensive state tax overhaul lawmakers approved last year. It included t

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