Qualifying Begins for Louisiana's May 16 Party Primary Election

House Speaker Mike Johnson faces Republican challenger Joshua Morott in the 4th Congressional District race.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Qualifying has begun for candidates to officially enter the May 16 party primary election in Louisiana. Key races include the 4th Congressional District, where House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a Republican challenger, and the newly debated 6th Congressional District, where Congressman Cleo Fields is seeking reelection.

Why it matters

The upcoming party primaries will determine the candidates who will advance to the general election in November, shaping the political landscape in Louisiana for the next term. Voters will have important decisions to make regarding their congressional representation and other state and local offices.

The details

In the 4th Congressional District, House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a Republican challenger, Joshua Morott, who also ran against Johnson in the last election cycle. In the newly debated 6th Congressional District, Congressman Cleo Fields is seeking reelection, with three Republicans vying for the seat: Monique Appeaning, Larry Davis, and Peter Williams. Additionally, several state Supreme Court and Public Service Commission races are on the ballot.

  • Qualifying for the May 16 party primary election in Louisiana began on February 13, 2026.
  • Early voting for the primary election will take place from May 2 to May 9, 2026.

The players

Mike Johnson

House Speaker representing Louisiana's 4th Congressional District.

Joshua Morott

Republican challenger for Louisiana's 4th Congressional District.

Cleo Fields

Congressman seeking reelection in Louisiana's newly debated 6th Congressional District.

Monique Appeaning

Republican candidate for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District.

Larry Davis

Republican candidate for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District.

Peter Williams

Republican candidate for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District.

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What’s next

Early voting for the May 16 party primary election in Louisiana will begin on May 2, 2026 and continue through May 9, 2026.

The takeaway

The qualifying process for the May 16 party primary election in Louisiana is underway, setting the stage for key congressional, state Supreme Court, and Public Service Commission races that will impact the state's political landscape in the coming term.