Rayne native ousts incumbent to become new state senator

Rayne native and Shreveport resident, Republican Barry Milligan, defeated Democrat State Senator John Milkovich in the October 12 primary to become the new state senator for District 38 which encompasses southern Caddo and all of DeSoto Parish.
Election night results reported a 51% victory for Milligan with 16,266 votes against the incumbent with 26% or 8,447 votes and a third opponent, Democrat Katrina Early garnered 23% or 7,359 votes. Milligan entered the race on May 11 of 2019 and six months later won the seat.
The senate win is Milligan’s first entry into politics although he has worked in numerous campaigns for other state and congressional level representatives. He ran on a platform of reduced taxes, tort and insurance reform, making Louisiana a business-friendly state, repairing our crumbling infrastructure, supporting education and workforce development, and creating opportunities for our children and grandchildren. When asked why he was running Milligan would often state he was running for the future of our state and our families.
Election night at the podium an elated Milligan thanked God, his family, friends and supporters present in the crowded banquet hall and throughout the district.
He stated, “As I traveled the district and knocked on over 10,000 doors, the message I heard from everyone was very clear. They are concerned about their families’ future in this state. We all are losing friends and family to opportunities out of state and it’s time to stop that. We have the best people, the best resources, in this state. It’s time for Louisiana to be at the top of every good list, not the bottom. It’s time for Louisiana to shine!”
Milligan is a veteran banker of 29 years, a small business owner and lives in Shreveport with his wife of 25 years, school teacher Kristin Crew Milligan of Baton Rouge, daughter Madison Milligan Oliver and her husband Clinton Oliver, both school teachers, and daughter Chandler Milligan who is a senior at C.E. Byrd High School and plans to be a school teacher.
The new state senator is the oldest son of Dr. Edward and Laura Milligan, formerly of Rayne, the grandson of the late Fair Craig King and Helen Milligan of Rayne, and the great-grandson of the late Mrs. Myrta Fair Craig, the long-term editor of the Rayne Acadian-Tribune.
Milligan will be sworn into office on January 13, 2020, at the state capitol in Baton Rouge.