Democratic Strategist Switches to No Party for Louisiana Senate Primary

Cheron Brylski cites desire to have a say in Republican primary as reason for change

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:52am

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring the Louisiana state flag repeated and overlapping in fractured, geometric waves of red, white, and blue, conveying the dynamic political shifts surrounding the state's primary elections.Louisiana's closed-party primary system prompts strategic voter registration shifts ahead of the high-stakes Senate race.New Orleans Today

Longtime Democratic political strategist and consultant Cheron Brylski has changed her voter registration from Democrat to No Party ahead of Louisiana's closed-party primaries for the U.S. Senate race. Brylski says she made the switch so she could choose which primary to vote in on May 16, allowing her to potentially influence the Republican nominee.

Why it matters

Louisiana's return to closed-party primaries has prompted some voters to change their registration, with Brylski citing a desire to 'have a say' in the Republican primary and vote against a 'MAGA-endorsed candidate.' The move highlights the potential impact of the state's new primary system on voter participation and the dynamics of the Senate race.

The details

Under the new system approved by lawmakers in 2024, registered Democrats can only vote in Democratic primaries and registered Republicans can only vote in Republican primaries. Voters registered as No Party can choose either the Democratic or Republican ballot at the polls. Brylski says she made the switch to No Party so she could vote in the Republican primary and try to influence the nominee, though she plans to vote as a Democrat in the general election.

  • Voter registration changes must be made by April 15 for in-person or mail changes, and April 25 for online changes through GeauxVote.
  • Early voting for the May 16th primary will be held from May 2-May 9.

The players

Cheron Brylski

A longtime Democratic political strategist and consultant who has switched her voter registration from Democrat to No Party ahead of Louisiana's closed-party primaries.

Trey Williams

The Deputy Secretary of State for Communications and Policy, who explained the new primary system and voter registration options.

Sen. Bill Cassidy

The Republican U.S. Senator from Louisiana who some political observers believe the state's return to closed primaries is intended to hurt, after he voted to convict former President Donald Trump during an impeachment trial.

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What they’re saying

“'I felt that this whole exercise is meant to disenfranchise urban voters who are largely Democrats.'”

— Cheron Brylski, Democratic Strategist

“'When the runoff occurs in June, you would still need to vote in that party primary that you selected. Then when we get to the general election in November you can vote for anybody you would like, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green party, whoever is on the ballot there.'”

— Trey Williams, Deputy Secretary of State for Communications and Policy

“'I definitely think that the purpose was to empower MAGA-endorsed candidates, and he has not.'”

— Cheron Brylski, Democratic Strategist

What’s next

Voter registration changes must be made by April 15 for in-person or mail changes, and April 25 for online changes through GeauxVote. Early voting for the May 16th primary will be held from May 2-May 9.

The takeaway

Louisiana's return to closed-party primaries has prompted some voters like Cheron Brylski to change their registration to No Party in order to have a say in both party's primaries, highlighting the potential impact of the new system on voter participation and the dynamics of the high-profile U.S. Senate race.