State Representative Julie Stokes from Kenner, Louisiana says she is running for Secretary of State.

Stokes is a Certified Public Accountant who is a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 79.

Stokes says:

With the blessings and encouragement of family, friends, constituents, and doctors, I am announcing my candidacy to become our next Secretary of State.  I have tremendous respect for the proud history of this office, its role in protecting the integrity of our election system, and the service it provides to entrepreneurs.  I will strive to improve upon what I can, remove the obstacles that drag the office back, restore morale across the entire department, and ensure that our elections are fair, honest, secure, and carried out with professionalism.  Being a CPA, small business owner, and reform-minded legislator,  I am prepared for this challenge and expect to take this office to new heights for the citizens of Louisiana.

Stokes' announcement comes just a week after Secretary of State Tom Schedler resigned in disgrace after he was accused of sexual harassment of an employee in his office.

More From News Radio 710 KEEL