Who's running in Louisiana's 3rd congressional district
6 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.
6 candidates · ballot order · Clay Higgins 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 a Republican 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, so this candidate's background could not be established.
No published argument for or against this candidacy could be found.
Lower costs, better pay and a higher minimum wage.
Federal oversight of insurance companies that market aggressively and delay or deny claims.
Real storm protection for south Louisiana.
Protecting personal medical decisions and LGBTQ rights.
Government that works 'for the people — not the parties'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Navy veteran.
About 30 years in health care, insurance and the private sector.
Plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the suspension of Louisiana's May 2026 House primaries.
Qualified August 7, 2026 for the November 3 open primary.
Has not held elected office.
Endorsed by the Louisiana Democratic Party for the November 3 open primary.
Won the Democratic State Central Committee's March 2026 endorsement with 60 votes to Tia LeBrun's 37 and Caleb Walker's 5.
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 Day by Higgins, a party committee, his Democratic rivals or an outlet could be found, so no arguments are listed for him (his own case is in his positions). Searched: 'John Day Priscilla Gonzalez Caleb Walker debate forum criticism', Higgins campaign statements, and American Press, Louisiana Illuminator and Bayou Progressive coverage.
Border security, reflected in his subcommittee chairmanship.
National unity: 'An American nation standing as one, is a force that the world's evils cannot defeat.'
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Louisiana's 3rd District since January 2017.
Chairman of the Border Security Subcommittee, House Homeland Security Committee.
Former law enforcement officer.
Won reelection outright in the November 2024 primary.
Qualified August 5, 2026 for the November 3 open primary.
Endorsed by President Trump for reelection.
Member of the House Freedom Caucus board; cites 100% ratings from the Heritage Foundation, Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity.
Arguments in favor
'Congressman Clay Higgins is doing a truly fantastic job representing the incredible people of Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District!... Clay Higgins has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.'
— President Donald Trump, endorsement on Truth Social reported by KLFY
As a House Freedom Caucus board member he has 'stood shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to advance the America First agenda, secure our border, and cut wasteful Washington spending,' and has 'secured billions of dollars for important Louisiana flood mitigation and disaster relief efforts.'
— Clay Higgins, statement on qualifying
Arguments against
Higgins has grown politically complacent in a safe seat and is both 'an embarrassment and an ineffective member of Congress'; 'We're better than that and we deserve better than that.'
— John Day, Democratic opponent, interview with The Bayou Progressive
What we couldn’t verify
Whether any candidate forums with Higgins will be held had not been reported.
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. A new congressional map was signed May 29, 2026; lawsuits over it were filed or threatened, and their outcome was not established. Six candidates qualified August 5–7, per the Secretary of State's candidate inquiry, listed here alphabetically: Republican 'Kate' Cotten, Democrat John Day, Democrat Priscilla Gonzalez, Republican incumbent Clay Higgins, no-party candidate Tia LeBrun (who had filed as a Democrat for the suspended May primary) and Democrat Caleb Walker. The district covers Lafayette and southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles.
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.