Letlow Projected to Take Louisiana Senate Seat

Julia Letlow is projected to win the U.S. Senate seat in Louisiana, defeating Democrat Jamie Davis. WAFB political analyst Jim Engster confirmed the projection on Tuesday night, Nov. 3. Letlow will replace U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and serve a six-year term alongside Republican Sen. John Kennedy. If the result holds, she becomes the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the state.

Letlow, a U.S. Rep. from Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, won her party’s nomination in June. She defeated state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff. Davis, a farmer from Tensas Parish, secured the Democratic nomination after defeating New Orleans businessman Gary Crockett.

Three members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation are also projected to win reelection. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, retains his seat in the 4th Congressional District. Democratic Rep. Troy Carter wins in the 2nd District, which covers parts of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Republican Rep. Clay Higgins wins in the 3rd District, which includes much of southwest Louisiana and Acadiana. Johnson’s victory does not guarantee he will remain House speaker when the new Congress convenes in January.

In local judicial races, incumbent Hillar Moore III is projected to win reelection as district attorney for East Baton Rouge Parish. He defeated Ryan Thompson, a former assistant public defender. Moore has served since 2008. This is his first contested reelection campaign. Thompson challenged Moore’s approach to criminal justice and public safety.

Republican Brad Cascio is projected to become the next district attorney for the 21st Judicial District, which spans Livingston, Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes. Cascio defeated former state Rep. Sherman Mack. Both are Republicans. They competed to replace Scott Perrilloux, who is retiring after 30 years in office. Cascio emphasized his experience prosecuting criminal cases in that role.

Voters in the Capital Region are still awaiting results in several other contests. Louisiana’s redrawn 6th Congressional District has ten candidates competing for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields. Fields decided not to seek reelection after state lawmakers redrew the district earlier this year. Candidates include Republican state Sens. Blake Miguez and Rick Edmonds, and Democratic former Metro Council member Chauna Banks. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a Dec. 12 runoff.

East Baton Rouge Parish voters also decided on school board and judicial elections. Seven of the nine school board districts have contested races. Two East Baton Rouge Family Court seats were also on the ballot.