Jim Harlan, a businessman from Lacombe, announced Tuesday he will challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise for the 1st District congressional seat in November.

Harlan, 56, ran an oil and gas storage company before Hurricane Katrina, campaign spokesman Joel Coon said. Harlan plans to focus on revamping energy policy, improving affordable health care, and creating jobs in the 1st District, Coon said.

Harlan has an immediate advantage over other recent challengers for the 1st District seat: He has accrued a war chest of $554,378, according to his campaign finance report.