Quick Facts
Biography
Michel H. Claudet (born September 20, 1948) is the current President of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. First elected in 2007, he was the first Republican to be elected President of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, and the sixth person elected as "parish president" of the combined City of Houma and Terrebonne Parish government. In 2011, he was overwhelmingly re-elected in a historic landslide. An attorney, businessman, CPA and CLU, Claudet had never before held political office.
Early years and education
Claudet was born in Lockport, Louisiana. He graduated high school in 1966 from Holy Savior Central High School in Lockport. After graduation, he chose Louisiana State University as his college, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 allowing him to take the test to be certified as a CPA. While working full-time as a CPA, he went on to further his education and graduated in 1977 from Loyola Law School with a Juris Doctorate.
The election of 2007
Claudet announced his candidacy for Parish President in August 2007 with his "New Way" campaign. After months of campaigning, he faced off against Sheriff Jerry Larpenter, Former Parish President Barry Bonvillain, Businessman Mike Fesi II and Solid Waste Director Eulin Guidry in the October 20 primary election. No candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast, Claudet (31%) and Larpenter (37%) were elected to go against each other in a run off election.
On November 17, voters went back to the polls and chose the political newcomer, Claudet (53%) over the popular incumbent Sheriff, Larpenter (47%) in what was considered to be a major political upset.
2011 campaign for re-election
Claudet announced in November 2010 that he intended to seek re-election in October 2011. Other candidates included Former Parish Council Chairman Clayton Voisin, Former Parish President Barry Bonvillain, business owner Michael Fesi Sr., and Herdis Neil, a cattle rancher from Dulac, LA. Claudet was overwhelmingly re-elected in the primary election with 61% of the vote on his platform of continued levee construction, drainage improvements, and lower insurance rates.
Electoral history
2007 Race for Terrebonne Parish President – Primary
- Voters to choose one:
Name Votes Percent Outcome Barry P. Bonvillain, Dem. 5,620 20% Defeated Michel H. Claudet, Rep. 8,731 31% Runoff Michael Fesi II, Rep. 2,326 8% Defeated Eulin Guidry, Rep. 1,013 4% Defeated Jerry J. Larpenter, Dem. 10,395 37% Runoff
2007 Race for Terrebonne Parish President – Runoff
- Voters to choose one:
Name Votes Percent Outcome Michel H. Claudet, Rep. 11,629 53% Elected Jerry J. Larpenter, Dem. 10,344 47% Defeated
2011 Race for Terrebonne Parish President – Primary
- Voters to choose one:
Name Votes Percent Outcome Barry P. Bonvillain, Dem. 3,547 15% Defeated Michel H. Claudet, Rep. 14,873 61% Elected Michael Fesi, Sr., Rep. 3,133 13% Defeated Herdis Neil, No party 332 1% Defeated Clayton J. Voisin, Dem. 2,332 10% Defeated