Michael Charles Echols (born February 11, 1977) is an American politician from the state of Louisiana. A Republican, he represents the 14th district in the Louisiana House of Representatives.
Early life and education Echols was born in Bastrop, Louisiana, and lives in Monroe. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in business from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His professional background includes development, construction, healthcare, real estate and insurance.
Political career Echols served on the Monroe City Council from 2016 to 2020 and served as council chair. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2019 from the 14th district and was listed by the legislature as a member elected for the 2024–2028 term.
In the House, Echols represents part of Ouachita Parish. His committee assignments have included Health and Welfare, Labor and Industrial Relations, Ways and Means, the House Executive Committee, the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee and the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. He has also served as chair of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation and as a member of the Louisiana Rural Caucus.
On December 11, 2025, the Louisiana House Republican Caucus elected Echols as majority leader of the caucus. KNOE-TV reported that the position is responsible for coordinating the Republican legislative agenda on the House floor.
Glenwood Regional Medical Center In 2024, Echols and West Monroe Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell testified before the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about Steward Health Care's management of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. In 2025, Echols authored House Bill 317, a bill related to accountability for hospital mismanagement after the Steward bankruptcy and the change in Glenwood's operator.
2026 congressional campaign On February 10, 2026, Echols announced his candidacy for Louisiana's 5th congressional district. After Louisiana lawmakers changed the election schedule for the 2026 congressional race, the primary was set for November 3, with a runoff scheduled for December 12.
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