In 2026, Louisiana faces a significant shift in its electoral process by implementing a closed primary system, a departure from its long-standing jungle primary system. This change will reshape the political landscape of the state. Historically, Louisiana has utilized a jungle primary system, where all candidates compete on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. Voters could choose any candidate irrespective of their party registration. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two candidates proceed to a runoff. This system has allowed for diverse candidates and has often led to unique electoral outcomes.
Jungle Primary VS Closed Primary
Open primaries, or jungle primaries, allow voters of any political affiliation to select a party’s candidate. They are said to encourage broader voter participation. Jungle primaries allow independents and members of other parties to vote in a party’s primary election and may lead to candidates who appeal to a wider electorate. However, this system can lead to strategic voting, where members of opposing parties might vote for weaker candidates to undermine the competition.
Testing the closed primary system for the first time in 2026 will introduce a different dynamic. It will restrict participation to registered party members. This election model ensures that only those with a vested interest in the party’s success have a say in candidate selection. It means that Democrats will vote for Democratic candidates, Republicans for Republican candidates, and so on. This shift will ensure that party nominees genuinely represent their party’s views, preferences, and core values. This change will have several implications for both voters and candidates. Voters must register with a political party to participate in the primary elections. This requirement may also lead to an increase in party registration.
For candidates, the closed primary system may alter campaign strategies. Candidates must focus more on appealing to their party’s base to secure the nomination, significantly shifting campaign messaging and priorities. Candidates will likely adopt more partisan positions during the primaries. The closed primary system may even impact voter turnout. In states with closed primaries, there is often a noticeable drop in participation among independent or unaffiliated voters. This new primary model could decrease voter engagement among those who prefer to remain unaffiliated with any political party.
Louisiana’s 2026 Senate Race
Bill Cassidy, a Republican senator from Louisiana, will face some challenges. On the one hand, Cassidy’s established record and name recognition within the Republican Party could work to his advantage, as loyal party members may be more inclined to support a familiar figure. On the other hand, his past actions, such as voting to convict former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial, may alienate some conservative voters who view such decisions as a betrayal of party loyalty.
Cassidy faces a crowded field of potential challengers, including State Treasurer John Fleming, who has already declared his candidacy. There is speculation about several possible candidates. One of the most talked-about potential candidates is Senator Blake Miguez. Rumors are swirling that he could soon announce his own candidacy, adding another prominent name to the race. Political analysts are closely watching Miguez’s potential entry, as it could significantly alter the dynamics of the race. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta has suggested a possible Senate run for a while. Meanwhile, outgoing Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has not dismissed the idea of joining the race. There is also speculation surrounding Congressman Clay Higgins, with many believing he might consider a Senate bid.
How can closed primaries help?
Proponents of closed primaries argue that this system strengthens the electoral process by ensuring that party nominees are selected exclusively by registered party members. By restricting participation to party members, closed primaries can prevent individuals who may not fully share the party’s ideology from influencing the nomination process.
This new closed primary system will result in candidates who more accurately reflect the party’s platform and present more apparent ideological distinctions during the general election. It provides a straightforward choice between candidates with distinct policy positions and political philosophies. Additionally, closed primaries encourage political engagement and accountability within the party. Party members are motivated to participate in the selection process because their views are more likely to be represented in the outcome.
Supporters believe that closed primaries foster a political environment where candidates genuinely represent their party’s core values.
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The DOGE Effect: What If We Cut Waste in Louisiana?
Elon Musk and Donald Trump are slashing waste in Washington, and the whole world is watching. Many have said, “That’s great—but we need to do the same thing in Louisiana!”
What most don’t realize is that Citizens for a New Louisiana has been ‘DOGE before DOGE was cool.’ Our investigatory work exposes government waste, backroom deals, and left-wing slush funds. And when people know what their government is really doing, it stops.
Want proof? Just change a few words:
👉 If you knew your government was funding erotic children’s books, they’d stop doing it.
👉 If you knew your government was sending millions to activist NGOs, they’d stop doing it.
We’ve covered transparency issues for almost seven years. No one else in Louisiana is looking this closely at where your tax dollars are going. Are you fed up with the hundreds of millions of dollars flowing from Louisiana's treasury into the pockets of NGOs and left-wing activists? If so, you’re not alone. But exposing it isn’t enough—we need your help to stop it.
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