Who's running in Louisiana's 4th 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 · Mike Johnson currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reversing policies he says have devastated Louisiana farmers, including the soybean industry.
Defending constitutional institutions and the rule of law.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Fifth-generation farmer in Farmerville.
Endorsed by the Louisiana Democratic Party.
Qualified August 5, 2026 for the November 3 open primary.
Has not held elected office.
Won the Democratic State Central Committee's March 2026 endorsement over Matt Gromlich, 95–13, saying working people deserve someone 'who is part of the working class, not the Epstein class'; Gromlich objected to the endorsement process as undemocratic.
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 Cable himself by Johnson's campaign, a party committee or an outlet could be found, so neither column is filled; Gromlich's objection was aimed at the party's endorsement process. Searched: 'Conrad Cable Matt Gromlich forum criticism', Johnson campaign statements, and Louisiana Radio Network, Red River Radio and Bayou Progressive coverage.
His detailed platform beyond farm policy and constitutional concerns was not found.
Making sure students don't go to school hungry and establishing universal pre-K.
Expanding economic opportunity and investing in infrastructure.
Supporting veterans and military families.
Protecting individual freedoms.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Professor at Louisiana State University Shreveport.
Qualified August 7, 2026 by voter signature petition for the November 3 open primary.
Has not held elected office.
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 argument for or against Gromlich by a named opponent, party or outlet could be found; the Louisiana Democratic Party endorsed Cable instead.
Working with President Trump on lower costs, 'American energy dominance' and 'peace through strength'.
The 2025 'working families tax cuts'.
The principles that 'made Louisiana and America great'.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Louisiana's 4th District since January 2017.
Speaker of the House since October 2023.
Constitutional law attorney.
Qualified August 5, 2026 for the November 3 open primary.
Arguments in favor
'Working together with President Donald Trump, we have delivered lower costs, American energy dominance, peace through strength, and working families tax cuts that will save families in our District nearly $1,300 in tax hikes. However, there is much more to do.'
— Mike Johnson, statement on qualifying reported by Louisiana Radio Network
Arguments against
'The very fabric of our constitutional republic, it's laws and institutions, are stretched to the breaking point. My Congressman, Speaker Mike Johnson, has enabled it at every step of the way.'
— Conrad Cable, Democratic opponent, to Louisiana Radio Network
He prioritises Republican donors and special interests over the district: voters say 'they haven't ever met Mike Johnson or seen Mike Johnson. Or that he comes into town and he goes to the Independence Bowl, and then he leaves again.'
— Matt Gromlich, Democratic opponent, to Louisiana Radio Network
What we couldn’t verify
Johnson's 2026 campaign website could not be confirmed.
Whether any candidate forums with Johnson 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. Five candidates qualified August 5–7, per the Secretary of State's candidate inquiry, listed here alphabetically: Democrat Conrad Cable, Democrat Matt Gromlich, Republican Gordon Heslop, Republican incumbent and House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Republican Mike Nichols. Republican Joshua Morott, who filed for the May primary, did not requalify. The Louisiana Democratic Party endorsed Cable. The district covers northwest and western Louisiana, including Shreveport-Bossier City.
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.