Biography

PROFILE

Former Senator Richard “Rick” Ward III was elected to serve Senate District 17 in 2011 at the age of 29. Senate District 17 is comprised of St. Helena, East and West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Assumption, and portions of St. Martin and East Baton Rouge parishes. The 17th District is a large geographic district that required the energy and passion that Rick Ward brought to servicing the citizens of this area.

Although he was the youngest serving member of the Louisiana State Senate prior to leaving in 2022, Ward was one of the most productive and effective members of the Senate. Ward was known for pursuing his legislative agenda in a quiet manner that respects decorum and collegiality.

Among his more important legislative achievements, Senator Rick Ward was the father of the new and comprehensive effort to ensure transparency in state spending - Louisiana Checkbook, a “real-time” accounting of state expenditures the public can easily access. Ward has also authored important legislation to ensure free speech rights on college and university campuses.

Ward served as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary A Committee, the committee responsible for major aspects of Louisiana’s Civil Code. He was also a member of the Insurance and Natural Resource committees.

Rick Ward is a graduate of Bethany Christian School, LSU, and Southern University Law Center. He practices law with the firm of Clayton, Fruge, and Ward.

He is married to Dawn Ward and they have three children, Reese, Hayes, and Hudson. When not practicing law, Rick Ward spends his time with his children enjoying the outdoors of Louisiana. He is an avid hunter and fisherman.