Louisiana voters will elect a U.S. senator on November 3, 2026, using the state’s nonpartisan blanket primary system for the Class II seat held by Republican Bill Cassidy. Cassidy, who has served since January 3, 2015, following his 2014 special election victory, announced his re-election bid on April 15, 2025. His campaign highlights support for agriculture, energy independence, and border security. As of June 30, 2025, Cassidy had raised $3,456,000, spent $1,789,000, and maintained $2,987,000 in cash on hand.
“Republicans are careening towards a nasty primary in Louisiana, where Senator Cassidy’s popularity with the base is cratering and multiple primary challengers are threatening a campaign against him – and whoever limps out of the primary will have to answer for the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts on Louisiana,”Maeve Coyle, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee communications director.
The race is rated solidly Republican, consistent with Louisiana’s political landscape where no Democrat has won a Senate seat since 2008. Cassidy secured re-election in 2020 with 60.8% of the vote against Democrat Adrian Perkins. The primary will feature all candidates on a single ballot, with a runoff on December 6, 2026, if no one receives a majority.
On the Republican side, State Sen. Blake Miguez of New Iberia announced his candidacy on June 17, 2025, positioning himself as a conservative alternative to Cassidy. Miguez, who has served in the legislature since 2019, criticizes Cassidy’s past votes against former President Donald Trump and emphasizes fiscal conservatism and Second Amendment rights. As of June 30, 2025, Miguez had raised $456,000 and held $289,000 in cash on hand. No other Republican challengers have declared as of September 15, 2025.
Democrats are actively recruiting for the race, with party leaders indicating plans for a strong contender to capitalize on any Republican primary divisions. No candidates have formally announced as of September 15, 2025, though speculation includes figures with statewide name recognition. The party’s strategy focuses on turnout in urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where Democrats hold a voter edge. Qualification for the ballot runs from July 22 to July 31, 2026.
Polling remains preliminary. A survey conducted from April 25 to May 1, 2025, showed Cassidy leading a generic Republican challenger 44% to 28%, with 28% undecided among likely voters. No general election polls have been released.
The contest could highlight national themes such as economic policy and immigration, given Louisiana’s reliance on energy and agriculture sectors. Cassidy’s incumbency advantage, combined with the state’s Republican lean—evident in Trump’s 58.5% win in 2024—positions him favorably, though a contested primary may test party unity.