Two Republican state senators are sparring publicly over residency and tax issues as they compete for the open U.S. House seat covering Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Sen. Rick Edmonds, a Baton Rouge native, said a complaint filed by former Democratic House candidate David Levy alleges that Sen. Blake Miguez does not reside in the state Senate district that includes parts of Iberia, Lafayette and St. Martin parishes.
Residency complaint filed with Attorney General
Levy’s complaint, obtained by the Illuminator through a public‑records request, asserts that the Louisiana Constitution requires state legislators to maintain a domicile within the district they represent. He writes, “Senator Blake Miguez cannot have it both ways. His domicile is either in New Iberia or in Baton Rouge.” Edmonds told reporters that if the complaint proves accurate, Miguez could be forced to vacate his Senate seat under Article III of the state constitution.
Miguez’s response
Miguez maintains he lives in New Iberia but acknowledges he owns a house in Baton Rouge, a property he kept while attending LSU and earning his law degree at Southern University. His spokesperson, Chris Pack, said the complaint would be reviewed and added, “While he’s home, maybe he can check to see if he has any more Mississippi tax liens to pay off from unpaid income taxes.”
Edmonds’ own tax lien and residency questions
Edmonds, who also serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of McComb, Mississippi, has a $5,243.25 unpaid tax lien recorded by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The lien lists a Baton Rouge address because the notice was sent to his former Louisiana residence. Edmonds’ spokeswoman, Delia Taylor, said the senator will address the lien and clarified that his wife, Cindy, briefly owned a house in McComb that was renovated and sold, but the couple never lived there.
Political backdrop
Both men are vying for the open congressional seat after Rep. Garret Graves announced his retirement. While U.S. House members are not required to live in the district they represent, Louisiana state lawmakers must meet the residency requirement. The dispute highlights how local residency rules can become a campaign flashpoint, especially in a race that could shape the balance of power in the U.S. House.
Local reactions
Levy, a former Democratic candidate, emphasized that the issue is “about whether the people of District 22 have a senator who actually lives among them.” He added that the matter is not about party but about representation. Both campaigns have framed the accusations as attacks from political opponents, underscoring the heated nature of the contest.
What’s next?
The complaint will be reviewed by Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office. If officials determine Miguez does not meet the constitutional residency requirement, his Senate seat could be declared vacant, prompting a special election. Meanwhile, the two candidates continue to campaign across the district, each urging voters to consider their record and character as the primary factors in the upcoming November election.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
