Louisiana Voters Weigh Party Affiliation Ahead of Closed Primaries

Longtime Democratic strategist Cheron Brylski switches to 'No Party' to influence Republican primary

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:04am

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and gold, conceptually representing the chaotic energy and shifting political dynamics surrounding Louisiana's closed primary system.Louisiana's shift to closed primaries has sparked a flurry of voter registration changes as residents seek to influence the outcome of key political races.New Orleans Today

Louisiana is returning to a closed-party primary system for the 2026 elections, prompting some voters like longtime Democratic strategist Cheron Brylski to change their party affiliation to 'No Party' so they can vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries. Brylski said she made the difficult decision to switch in order to have a say in who ends up on the November general election ballot, even though she plans to vote Democratic in the fall.

Why it matters

Louisiana's return to closed primaries is seen by some as an effort to empower more conservative, 'MAGA-endorsed' candidates by limiting the ability of Democrats and independents to influence the Republican primary. This could impact high-profile races like the U.S. Senate election, where incumbent Republican Bill Cassidy is running for re-election after voting to convict former President Trump during an impeachment trial.

The details

Under the new system, registered Democrats can only vote in Democratic primaries and registered Republicans can only vote in Republican primaries. Voters registered as 'No Party' can choose which primary they want to participate in. If a runoff is needed in June, 'No Party' voters must stick with the same party primary they selected in May, but they can vote for any candidate in the November general election.

  • Voter registration changes must be made by April 15 for in-person or mail changes, or 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 switched her voter registration from Democrat to 'No Party' in order to have a say in the Republican primary and vote against the 'MAGA-endorsed' candidate.

Trey Williams

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

Bill Cassidy

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator running for re-election, who voted to convict former President 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 political 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 political strategist

What’s next

Voters have until April 15 (or April 25 for online changes) to update their party affiliation ahead of the May 16 closed primaries. Early voting will be held from May 2-May 9.

The takeaway

Louisiana's return to closed primaries is seen by some as an effort to limit the influence of Democrats and independents on Republican nominations, potentially impacting high-profile races like the U.S. Senate election. This has prompted some voters like Cheron Brylski to switch to 'No Party' affiliation to try to influence the outcome of the GOP primary.