Josh Carlson is a Republican serving as the state representative for Louisiana House District 43 since January 8, 2024. His current term ends January 10, 2028, and he is eligible to serve through 2032. Prior to this, he was elected to the Lafayette Parish Council for District 3 in November 2019. An IT consultant and small business owner with nearly 20 years in the field, including roles as Director of Innovation and Technology and Senior Information Security Specialist, Carlson also serves as a volunteer youth pastor.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to Louisiana House District 43 in the October 2023 primary with 84% of the vote.
  • Elected to Lafayette Parish Council District 3 in 2019.
  • Current committee assignments: Civil Law and Procedure, Education, Retirement, House Select Committee on Homeland Security.
  • Member of Acadiana Delegation and Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation.

Notable Achievements and Positions

Carlson introduced House Bill 414 in 2024 to eliminate public library exceptions from state obscenity laws, though it died in committee. He opposed House Bill 98 to remove constitutional language defining marriage as between one man and one woman, citing protection of Louisiana's religious values. He earned an 8/10 legislative score from Citizens for a New Louisiana.