Early Voting Numbers Shape Louisiana Senate Contest
Early voting data from Louisiana’s largest cities shows significant Democratic turnout, creating a potential path for Democratic challenger Jamie Davis in a historically Republican Senate race against Republican Julia Letlow. Davis, a farmer from Tensas Parish in northeast Louisiana, faces a Republican in a state that last elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate when Mary Landrieu won in 2008 before losing her seat in 2014 to current Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Observers have characterized the participation levels across Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish, and New Orleans as “gigantic.” Having studied elections for decades, demographer Greg Rigamer remarked that this robust early turnout will shape the final result.
“These are really big numbers, and that’s going to influence the race,” Rigamer said.
Rigamer pointed to a map displaying the state’s largest cities and noted the widespread interest. He explained that Davis could replicate the playbook former Gov. John Bel Edwards used during his 2019 victory. Although Edwards failed to carry a majority of parishes in that race, cartographic data from the contest indicated he achieved success by sweeping the state’s most populous parishes, where voter activity was notably intense.
Voter Dissatisfaction Drives Turnout
Voter dissatisfaction regarding the cost of living could play a significant role in the election, according to Rigamer.
“An angry voter is far more reliable than a supporter, because a supporter may get distracted and not vote,” Rigamer said. “An angry voter wants to come out and express their dissatisfaction.”
Davis is running against Letlow, the current congresswoman for Louisiana’s 5th District. The district spans from Baton Rouge to Monroe and includes parts of Tangipahoa Parish and all of Washington Parish.
Presidential Tele-Rally Scheduled Before November Election
President Donald Trump announced plans to host a tele-rally for Letlow on the eve of Nov. 3. Trump wrote about Letlow in a post on Truth Social.
“I know Julia well, have seen her tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and she is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump wrote.
Election day is Nov. 3.