Louisiana voters went to the polls on , to fill five vacant seats in the state legislature, including four in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. The special elections were prompted by the recent departures of several lawmakers, creating a series of contests that, in at least one district, could shift the balance of power in the state capitol.
The most closely watched race centers on election for Louisiana House District 60, encompassing parts of Assumption and Iberville parishes. The seat became vacant following the resignation of Democrat Chad Brown, who was appointed commissioner of the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. The contest pits Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez, a member of the Iberville Parish Council, against Republican Brad Daigle, from the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission. This race is considered particularly significant as the district, while previously represented by a Democrat, leaned towards Donald Trump in the presidential election, with a 56% to 43%
margin, according to analysis by 270toWin.
With only two candidates vying for the position, the winner of the primary election will be immediately elected, avoiding a runoff. The outcome in District 60 is being viewed as a potential bellwether for the political climate in the region and could signal a shift in the state’s legislative landscape.
Beyond District 60, elections were also held in three districts in the New Orleans area and one in the Lake Charles area. Details regarding the specific candidates and races in those districts were less readily available, but the elections collectively address a significant number of vacancies within the Louisiana legislature.
In the Louisiana Senate, voters filled a vacancy in District 3, a New Orleans-based district previously held by Democrat Joseph Bouie, who resigned in October. This election featured four Democratic candidates, suggesting a strong likelihood of a runoff election on , should no candidate secure a majority of the vote on .
Further south, in House District 37, located east of Lake Charles, voters chose between Republican Coy Myers, Reese Broussard, and independent Ivy Woods to replace Tony Romero, who resigned in December. However, Myers announced his withdrawal from the race late last month, leaving Broussard and Woods as the primary contenders. Like the Senate race in District 3, a runoff election is possible if neither candidate achieves a majority.
The special elections come at a time when the Louisiana legislature is already navigating a complex political environment. Republicans currently hold a substantial majority in both the Senate (28-10) and the House of Representatives (71-29, with five vacancies). The outcome of these elections could further solidify Republican control or, in the case of District 60, potentially narrow the gap.
Polls were open from to on , providing Louisiana residents with an opportunity to weigh in on the future direction of their state government. The elections were closely monitored by political observers, who recognize the potential implications for policy debates and legislative priorities in the coming months.
The results of the elections are expected to provide insight into the evolving political dynamics within Louisiana and could foreshadow trends in future statewide elections. While the immediate impact of these special elections may be limited to the specific districts involved, the broader implications for the state’s political landscape are significant.
In District 97, covering much of Gentilly in New Orleans, Ed Murray was projected as the winner of the special primary election. Speaking after the projection, Murray stated, I’m excited. I’m excited for the future of District 97. I’m tired, but I’m ready to get to work.
He identified homeowners insurance as a key issue, stating, We got to get a hold of it. It’s completely unsustainable right now.
Murray also emphasized his ability to work across the aisle, noting his existing relationships with members of the City Council.
