Letlow wins Louisiana Senate seat, first Republican woman elected to post

Republican Julia Letlow is projected to win the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana, defeating Democrat Jamie Davis to replace retiring Sen. Bill Cassidy.

WAFB political analyst Jim Engster made the projection for the seat currently held by Cassidy. Letlow currently represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. She secured the Republican nomination in June by defeating state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff. Davis, a farmer from Tensas Parish, won the Democratic primary against New Orleans businessman Gary Crockett.

If the projection holds, Letlow will become the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Louisiana. She would serve a six-year term alongside Republican Sen. John Kennedy.

Three incumbent members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation are also projected to win reelection. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from the 4th District, is expected to retain his seat. Johnson’s reelection does not guarantee he will remain House speaker, as members will select leadership when the House convenes in January. Democratic Rep. Troy Carter is projected to win reelection in the 2nd District, which covers portions of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Republican Rep. Clay Higgins is projected to win another term in the 3rd District, representing much of southwest Louisiana and Acadiana.

In local races, incumbent District Attorney Hillar Moore III is projected to win reelection in East Baton Rouge Parish. Moore, first elected in 2008, defeated challenger Ryan Thompson. This was Moore’s first contested reelection campaign since taking office. Thompson, a former assistant public defender, 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 includes Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Helena parishes. Cascio defeated former state Rep. Sherman Mack to replace longtime District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, who is retiring after 30 years in office. Cascio emphasized his experience prosecuting criminal cases in the district attorney’s office.

Voters in the Capital Region are also watching the race for Louisiana’s redrawn 6th Congressional District. Ten candidates are competing for the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, who did not seek reelection after state lawmakers redrew the district. 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% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff on December 12.

Ballots also included races for the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and two Family Court seats. Seven of the school board’s nine districts had contested races. WAFB projected winners in the major races Tuesday night, November 3.