For Immediate Release Contact: Andrew Bautsch March 18, 2015 985-655-7248 JJ Buquet to Run for Louisiana House, District 52 Houma- Businessman JJ Buquet today formally announced his candidacy for State Representative in District 52, promising to focus his efforts on improving our economic vitality through workforce development, removing the constitutional roadblocks to our state budget, improving the effectiveness of higher education, and continuing our momentum on hurricane protection and coastal restoration.

This District is too important to the health of Louisiana not to have a strong voice in Baton Rouge. With the support of the people of South Louisiana, I hope to be that voice and continue the good work of Rep. Gordon Dove. JJ graduated with honors from Vandebilt Catholic High School and went on to attend college at Washington and Lee University, where he received his bachelors degree. He returned home to continue his studies, and earned his MBA from Tulane University in 1990. Following his time at Tulane, JJ joined the family business; the Houma based Buquet Distributing Company, the Anheuser-Busch beer distributor. He took over as President of the company in 1997. JJ is a lifelong resident of Terrebonne Parish. where he is actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations, including past Chairman of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, current Chairman of the Bayou Community

Foundation, Chairman of the South Louisiana Economic Council, board member of the James J. Buquet Jr. Family Foundation and the Greater New Orleans Foundation and past Chairman of the Terrebonne Foundation For Academic Excellence. Mr. Buquet also currently serves as Chairman of Coastal Commerce Bank and Vice Chairman of Louisiana Community Bancorp.

JJ was fortunate to marry his best friend, Sinclair Mercer. They have 2 wonderful kids, James and Mary Mercer. JJ is a Republican. He supports lower taxes, smaller government, ethics reform, and sufficient funding for higher education.

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