Democrat Wins Election 'Comfortably' in Big Donald Trump District

Chastity Verret Martinez received about 62% of the vote to defeat Republican Brad Daigle in Louisiana's House District 60.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Democrat Chastity Verret Martinez has won the special election for Louisiana House District 60, defeating Republican challenger Brad Daigle by a wide margin in a district that supported former President Donald Trump in 2024. Martinez received about 62% of the vote to Daigle's 38%.

Why it matters

Voters in Louisiana's 60th House District, which covers parts of Assumption and Iberville Parishes, have historically supported Democrats at the state and local level, but have shifted toward Republicans in federal elections in recent years. Trump carried the district by a 56-43 margin in 2024 against former Vice President Kamala Harris.

The details

Martinez, an Iberville Parish Council member, will fill the seat vacated by Democrat Chad Brown, who resigned to take a state appointment. Because Louisiana's special primary system awards the seat outright if a candidate wins a majority, no runoff is needed. Martinez campaigned on a platform focused on affordable insurance, stronger local infrastructure, and expanded access to health care, including mental health and substance-abuse services.

  • The special election was held on February 8, 2026.

The players

Chastity Verret Martinez

A Democrat and Iberville Parish Council member who won the special election for Louisiana House District 60.

Brad Daigle

The Republican challenger who lost the special election for Louisiana House District 60 to Chastity Verret Martinez.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose 2024 victory in Louisiana's 60th House District was overturned by Chastity Verret Martinez's win as a Democrat.

Kamala Harris

The former U.S. Vice President who lost to Donald Trump in Louisiana's 60th House District in 2024.

Chad Brown

The Democrat who previously held the Louisiana House District 60 seat before resigning to take a state appointment.

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What they’re saying

“She was outspent 3-to-1 and still won. This is what happens when grassroots Democrats show up and organize.”

— Louisiana Democrats (X)

“I'd like to extend heartfelt congratulations to my friend Chasity Martinez on her win tonight and express my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in this extraordinary journey. This experience has been truly life-enriching and I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made it so special. Sending love and blessings to all.”

— Brad Daigle, GOP candidate (Facebook)

What’s next

Martinez will be sworn in to the Louisiana House of Representatives once the election results are certified.

The takeaway

This election result in a district that heavily favored Donald Trump in 2024 suggests that grassroots Democratic organizing and a focus on local issues can still win over voters, even in traditionally Republican-leaning areas.