U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, a Republican, visited Bogalusa on Saturday for a “meet and greet” at the home of Ted and Carmen Jones.

Abraham and political associate Mallory Henderson welcomed the guests. They enjoyed the warm outdoors, food and fellowship with Abraham, and country music by a live band. Ted Jones joined the band by playing his acoustic guitar.

Joannie Miller, the president of the Washington Parish Republican Women, introduced Abraham. Miller is also a member at-large of the Washington Parish Republican Executive Committee.

Abraham briefly spoke on several issues, and answered questions from those in attendance.

“Too many in Washington are working only for what’s in the best interests of Washington, not the people,” Abraham said. “If we are ever going to get our nation going in the right direction, our leaders must remember they are there to serve the people, not the other way around.”

Abraham is the only member of the Louisiana congressional delegation who serves on the House Agriculture Committee. He also serves on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, and is the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Abraham is a family physician, veterinarian, business owner, veteran, pilot and farmer, who grew a family medical practice in rural Mangham. He and his wife, Dianne, have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Others who addressed the crowd included Louisiana Supreme Court Judge Greg Guidry, District Attorney Warren Montgomery, Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette and Carmen Jones.

Abraham has qualified for re-election and is seeking his second term. This is the first public office that Abraham has held. His general election opponent in November will be Billy Burkette, a fellow Republican.