Yesterday, Rep. Erick Ponti (R-Baton Rouge) was one of two veteran Republicans in the Louisiana legislature announcing they would not be seeking re-election. Ponti, who voted for all 11 of the tax increase bills passing the House this session, is pursuing business interests outside his district.

Ponti’s seat could be heavily sought-after this fall, but it looks like there might be a favorite. A press release out this afternoon…

Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Ryan Heck, a Republican, stated Wednesday that he is exploring the possibility to run for the open Louisiana House of Representatives District 69 seat this fall. Incumbent Erich Ponti announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election.

“I’d like to congratulate Erich for his eight years of service,” said Heck. “He’s fought the good fight in the Louisiana legislature to shrink government, improve education and keep our economy competitive. But as this  session has shown, our system of government in Louisiana is badly in need of serious structural reform. We have a government that is simply too big and too entrenched to be supported by our current tax base.”

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and innovation to solve the problems, and District 69 badly needs a state representative willing to fight for the change needed. I’m fighting for that change on the Baton Rouge Metro Council now, but over the next several days I’m going to think and pray about whether to throw my hat in the ring for that legislative seat this fall.”

Heck will announce his intentions on June 30. Details of the announcement will be forthcoming.

Our readers know we’re big fans of Heck’s, as he’s one of the few politicians extant in Baton Rouge who recognize that the old ways of running government are nonsensical in the 21st century and possess the sand to try something new. That’s one reason Heck was instrumental in bringing Uber to Baton Rouge, it’s a factor in his support for St. George and it’s why he’s been the chief critic of the Baton Rouge’s Library Board in its rather constant money grab.

For more on Heck, who we think would be a difference-maker in the House in short order, here’s his appearance on the Red Bayou Show a month ago in which a number of important issues were discussed.