Raymond Crews

Raymond Crews is a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, representing District 8 as a Republican. He has been in office since May 2017 and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Freedom Caucus. A retired Air Force pilot and small business owner, Crews has a diverse background that includes military service, aviation, and entrepreneurship.

Early life and career

Raymond Crews was born in south Shreveport, Louisiana. His family later relocated to the Northeast, where he completed his high school education. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in computer science. This academic foundation provided him with skills that would later be beneficial in both his business endeavors and his legislative career.

Crews dedicated a significant portion of his life to military service, spending a total of 17 years in the United States Air Force. His military career included nine years of active duty, during which he participated in combat operations in Iraq. Following his active duty, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserve, where he served as a pilot for B-52 bombers. His reserve service also included combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, further solidifying his commitment to national defense.

After concluding his military service, Crews transitioned into the aviation industry, where he worked as an airline pilot for 17 years. He flew various civilian aircraft, including the B-727, DC-9, and A-320. His diverse experiences in aviation and military service have contributed to his understanding of complex operational environments and leadership dynamics.

In addition to his aviation career, Crews is an entrepreneur. He operates small businesses, including an aerial mapping service named "Infrared Services LLC" and a consulting firm focused on building energy performance called "The Green Home Advantage LLC." He holds a 33% stake in each of these companies. In 2016, he began working as a full-time pilot for Delta Air Lines while also holding a part-time position with Diabetes Assessment & Management Centers.

Legislative service

Raymond Crews was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives on April 29, 2017, defeating his opponent Robbie Gatti with a significant margin. He was sworn into office on May 10, 2017, succeeding Republican Mike Johnson, who had moved on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Jeff R. Thompson, a former legislator from District 8 who is now a judge in the Louisiana 26th Judicial Court. During his inaugural address, Crews expressed his desire to be a defender of liberty and to harness the potential of Louisiana's people and resources.

Crews has garnered support from various political organizations and figures throughout his political career. Notably, he received an endorsement from NORTHPAC, a Political Action Committee associated with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, which supports candidates who advocate for free market principles. He also received endorsements from Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and former District 8 candidate Patrick Harrington, among others.

In the Louisiana House, Crews is a member of several legislative committees, including the Administration of Criminal Justice, Civil Law and Procedure, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Military and Veterans Affairs. His involvement in these committees reflects his interests in various legislative areas, including criminal justice reform, labor issues, and veterans' affairs.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Raymond Crews identifies as a Christian conservative, advocating for both social and fiscal conservatism. He is a proponent of the right to life from conception and emphasizes the importance of Judeo-Christian principles as foundational to the United States' legal framework. Crews believes that these principles underpin the rights enshrined in the Constitution and are essential to the recognition of individual dignity and religious freedom.

Crews is also an advocate for the Second Amendment, supporting the right to bear arms. He emphasizes the need for strong national security, which includes robust support for U.S. military forces and improved cybersecurity measures. His views on governance advocate for a limited government that imposes minimal tax burdens on citizens, which he believes fosters a favorable business climate and job creation.

During his tenure, Crews has participated in significant legislative votes, including a notable decision on May 17, 2017, when he voted against a proposal to abolish capital punishment in Louisiana. He also opposed a measure that sought to restrict the transfer of fully automatic weapons to minors. These votes reflect his commitment to his constituents' values and his broader political philosophy.

On a personal level, Raymond Crews is married to Dianah, who works as a chemist and science teacher at Providence Classical Academy. The couple has two children and has resided in Bossier Parish for two decades. Crews has been actively involved in his community, serving as a past Chairman of Deacons and Sunday School Teacher at First Bossier Baptist Church. He is also an advisory board member at Diabetes Assessment & Management Centers.

In summary, Raymond Crews has built a multifaceted career that spans military service, aviation, entrepreneurship, and public service. His legislative work in the Louisiana House of Representatives reflects his commitment to conservative principles and the interests of his constituents in District 8.