The district is currently represented by Republican Caleb Kleinpeter.

It was previously represented by Democrat-turned-Republican Rick Ward III from 2012 until his resignation in June 2022.

[3] District 17 spans Acadiana and the Florida Parishes, including all of East Feliciana and Pointe Coupee Parishes and parts of Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, St. Helena, St. Martin, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana Parishes.

Towns in the district include Greensburg, Clinton, Jackson, New Roads, Plaquemine, White Castle, and Pierre Part.

If no candidate receives 50% in the first round of voting, when all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, the top-two finishers advance to a runoff election.