Letlow projected to win Louisiana Senate seat as Johnson and Carter retain House seats

Republican Julia Letlow is projected to win the U.S. Senate race in Louisiana on Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to WAFB. The victory would make her the first Republican woman elected to the Senate from the state. Letlow is currently a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and will serve a six year term alongside incumbent Sen. John Kennedy if the projection holds.

Letlow defeated Democrat Jamie Davis in the general election. Davis is a farmer from Tensas Parish who secured the Democratic nomination after defeating New Orleans businessman Gary Crockett. Letlow won the Republican primary in June after a runoff against state Treasurer John Fleming. The seat became open because Sen. Bill Cassidy is retiring.

Three members of Louisiana's congressional delegation are also projected to win reelection. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is projected to keep his seat in the 4th Congressional District. Democratic Rep. Troy Carter is projected to win reelection in the 2nd District, which includes parts of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Republican Rep. Clay Higgins is projected to win reelection in the 3rd District, representing much of southwest Louisiana and Acadiana. Johnson's win does not automatically ensure he will remain speaker when the new Congress convenes in January.

In the local East Baton Rouge district attorney race, incumbent Hillar Moore III is projected to defeat challenger Ryan Thompson. Moore was first elected in 2008 and is seeking another term for the 19th Judicial District. Thompson, a former assistant public defender, criticized Moore's approach to criminal justice. This is the first contested reelection campaign for Moore since taking office.

Republican Brad Cascio is projected to become the next district attorney for the 21st Judicial District. The district covers Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Helena parishes. Cascio defeated former state Rep. Sherman Mack to replace Scott Perrilloux, who is retiring after 30 years in office. Cascio has cited his experience prosecuting cases in the office as a key part of his campaign.

Voters in the redrawn 6th Congressional District are still waiting for results. Ten candidates are competing for the seat held by Rep. Cleo Fields, who chose not to seek reelection after the district was redistricted earlier this year. Candidates include Republican state Sens. Blake Miguez and Rick Edmonds, and Democratic former Metro Council member Chauna Banks. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff on Dec. 12. The election also included seven contested races for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board seats and two Family Court seats.