5 Sign Up for State House Races

Candidates have started signing up for two vacant state House seats.

A race for the Baton Rouge area House District 65 seat Wednesday attracted two Republicans — businessman Barry Ivey, of Baton Rouge, and Metro Council member Scott Wilson, of Central.

They're seeking to fill the seat formerly held by state Rep. Clif Richardson, R-Central, who resigned for health reasons.

The Advocate reports an open Jefferson Parish House District 79 seat so far has drawn three Republican contenders — Allison Bent Bowler and Jack Rizzuto, both of Metairie, and Julie Stokes, of Kenner.

State Rep. Anthony Ligi, R-Metairie, resigned to take a job heading the Jefferson Business Council.

Qualifying continues through 5 p.m. Friday. The election is March 2.