New Iberia Rep. Taylor Barras Elected La. Speaker Of The House

In a move that many people may have not seen coming, New Iberia Representative Taylor Barras (R) has won election as Louisiana Speaker of the House in 56-49 vote over New Orleans Democrat Walt Leger (D).

Rep. Barras was nominated by fellow Acadiana area Republican Rep. Stuart Bishop as he became one of four nominated lawmakers for the position. Initially, Representatives Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) and Leger were chosen from the four candidates to be in the runoff, but Henry then stood down, allowing Barras to run against Leger.

"For the first time in modern political history a Louisiana governor does not get his choice for House speaker," points out Jeremy Alford with LaPolitics.com. Leger was La. Governor John Bel Edwards' choice for Speaker.

Leger was later named Speaker Pro Tem.

Barras was elected in 2007. He serves on several committees including House and Governmental Affairs, Ways and Means, Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay and Legislative Budgetary Control Council