Who's running in Louisiana's 2nd congressional district
5 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
5 candidates · ballot order · Troy Carter currently holds this seat
Low confidenceLow confidenceOnly one weak source, dated material, or indirect evidence. Treat specifics with caution.What would raise it: An official filing record and at least one independent report about this candidate would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Nothing documented in the sources reviewed.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Qualified August 7, 2026 as the Libertarian candidate for the November 3 open primary.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No campaign website, positions or news coverage could be found.
No published argument for or against this candidacy could be found.
Fair representation reflecting Louisiana's one-third Black population, including two districts where Black voters have a say.
Equal and fair housing legislation.
Criminal justice reform, environmental justice, equal pay and a living wage.
Reducing or eliminating student loan debt.
Reproductive rights.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Louisiana's 2nd District since 2021.
Louisiana state senator and minority leader, 2016–2021; New Orleans City Council, 1994–2002; state representative, 1992–1994.
Qualified August 5, 2026 for the November 3 open primary.
Endorsed by the Louisiana Democratic Party for the November 3 open primary.
Arguments in favor
'As your Congressman I have been your voice in Washington representing the needs of the people in Louisiana... Let's work together to keep this change that is long overdue.'
— Troy Carter for Congress campaign website
Arguments against
Voters 'have an option, instead of having to accept the status quo party chosen candidate based on popularity and not policies and people priorities'; without change the district faces 'another two (2) or more years without fair and equitable representation.'
— Peter Williams, Republican opponent, campaign announcement
What we couldn’t verify
No criticism of Carter by a party committee or news outlet could be found after searching 'Troy Carter criticism', 'Troy Carter challenger' and coverage in the American Press and Louisiana Illuminator; the criticism above is his opponent's.
Whether any candidate forums will be held had not been reported.
Being 'the unifying candidate' who rebuilds trust between voters and elected officials and cooperates across parties.
Compassion for people who rely on safety-net programmes, including the poor, disabled veterans, women and children.
Small business development in Opportunity Zones in Baton Rouge, New Orleans East and rural communities.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Filed for the old 6th District before the May primary was suspended.
Qualified August 7, 2026 as a Republican for the November 3 open primary in the 2nd District.
University of Southwestern Louisiana graduate (1980); former public school teacher; owner of Resource One Nursery since 1999.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Williams could be found, so no arguments are listed for him (his own case is in his positions). Searched: 'Peter Williams Republican Lettsworth 2nd congressional district', Carter campaign and Louisiana Democratic Party statements, Inside Elections, and American Press and WWNO coverage.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Louisiana's election system for this seat changed in 2026. Closed party primaries were scheduled for May 16, but after the US Supreme Court struck down the state's congressional map in Louisiana v. Callais (April 2026), Gov. Jeff Landry suspended them, and the Legislature moved the House races to an open 'jungle' primary on November 3: all candidates of every party appear on one ballot, a candidate with more than 50% wins outright, and otherwise the top two advance to a runoff on December 12, 2026. Votes already cast for the May House primaries were voided. The new map signed May 29, 2026 keeps this as Louisiana's only majority-Black district, stretching from New Orleans along the Mississippi River to north Baton Rouge; lawsuits over the map were filed or threatened from both sides, including one arguing this district still relies on race, and their outcome was not established. Five candidates qualified August 5–7, per the Secretary of State's candidate inquiry, listed here alphabetically: Libertarian Lisa Ballay, no-party candidate Walter 'Rocky' Beach, Democratic incumbent Troy Carter, no-party candidate Renada 'Honey' Collins and Republican Peter Williams.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Louisiana ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Louisiana Secretary of State.