Michael Echols

Michael Echols and his wife, Christie, an architect, are raising two daughters in Monroe.¹ He also hosts the KMLB radio program Echols at Eight, offering conservative commentary on Louisiana affairs.¹ His community work has included leading the Monroe Symphony Orchestra and the Monroe Kiwanis Club.¹

A lifelong Northeast Louisiana resident, Echols earned an accounting degree and an MBA from the University of Louisiana Monroe.² His career has included work as a licensed contractor and commercial real estate investor and builder.¹ He has also chaired the Louisiana State Arts Council and served as president of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation.¹

Elected to the state House in 2019, Echols represents District 14 and chairs the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation.² His committee assignments include Health and Welfare and Labor and Industrial Relations.² His 2025 pharmacy benefit manager bill became Act 474, addressing drug rebates, pharmacy payments and state oversight.³ A 2026 insurance directive explains its minimum pharmacy reimbursement formula, combining a drug cost benchmark, a markup and a dispensing fee.⁴

In his congressional campaign, he emphasizes prescription costs, rural hospitals and jobs, and says data center companies should pay their own infrastructure costs.⁵ His opponents in the crowded Fifth District race include Republican Gabe Firment and Democrat Pat Moore.⁶