Qualifying for the March Congressional special elections is set with 15 candidates running in the 2nd district race and 13 candidates in the 5th.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat said Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s widow, Republican Julia Letow, is a shoo-in to win the 5th and likely to win it outright in the March 20th primary.
“Especially in this district, it takes a lot of money to get known. Her name is known already is known already because of her husband who unfortunately died of COVID, but it gives her a huge advantage, maybe a sympathy vote,” said Pinsonat.
Alexandria lawmaker Lance Harris, who was runner-up for the seat in the December run-off, elected not to run again, leaving Letlow as the only established candidate in the race.
In the 2nd District New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter look most likely to make the run-off. Pinsonat expects this to be a highly competitive race.
“Both are elected officials from the New Orleans area where the biggest population base is located. Both of them have great name recognition, and both of them can raise money,” said Pinsonat.
Baton Rouge community activist Gary Chambers has also begun to raise a bit of cash for the race.
Of the 28 candidates in the two fields combined Pinsonat said it’s unlikely more than a few of them are serious candidates.
“It doesn’t cost a lot to qualify so people just sign up, they won’t really get a lot of votes, maybe one or two percent,” said Pinsonat.
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