WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — According to officials, the Republican party of Louisiana welcomed State Rep. Francis Thompson on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Francis Thompson is the longest-serving member of the Louisiana Legislature, having served 32 years in the House, 12 years in the Senate, then back to the House for four years. He represents District 19 in East Carroll, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and West Carroll parishes.

Thompson is a retired college professor and businessman. He hosts a lifelong dedication to education at all levels in Louisiana. He serves as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and from 2008-2019 served as chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee.

A lifelong Democrat, Thompson said he now feels more comfortable as a member of a party with traditional values.

My choice to move to the Republican Party is one that best represents my views and those of the constituents who elect me to serve them.

State Representative Francis Thompson