Blog: Louisiana's May 16 Primary Election Results

Voter Participation in Louisiana

Voters across Louisiana made their way to the polls on Saturday, eager to cast their votes in a variety of significant races and ballot measures. The state's voters were presented with a range of choices, including the highly anticipated U.S. Senate race. Alongside this major contest, there were also local elections for positions such as judge, mayor, and police chief. Additionally, several constitutional amendments were up for consideration, adding to the importance of the day.

Key Contests and Ballot Measures

The U.S. Senate race was one of the most closely watched contests on the ballot. This race has drawn considerable attention due to its potential impact on national politics and policy decisions. In addition to the Senate race, voters had the opportunity to participate in local elections that determine the leadership of their communities. These included elections for judges, mayors, and police chiefs, all of which play crucial roles in shaping the daily lives of residents.

Alongside these races, a series of constitutional amendments were also on the ballot. These amendments could have significant implications for the state’s legal framework and governance structure. Voters were encouraged to carefully consider each measure before casting their ballots.

U.S. House Primary Races

In some cases, voters may have encountered U.S. House primary races on their ballots. However, these elections were temporarily paused and rescheduled for the fall following a ruling by the Supreme Court. The court determined that Louisiana’s congressional map was unconstitutional, leading to the decision to delay the primary elections.

Despite the postponement, the Secretary of State’s office clarified that votes in these races would not be counted. Nevertheless, political and legal experts are urging voters to complete their entire ballots. This recommendation is based on the idea that even though the specific races may not be counted, the act of voting can still serve as a meaningful expression of civic engagement and political preference.

WWL Louisiana's special coverage began at 8 p.m., after the polls closed. 

12:28 a.m.- St. Charles Parish voters approve one of two school millage renewals

St. Charles Parish voters approved a millage renewal to fund day-to-day operations for schools, but struck down a tax renewal proposal that would pay for construction or renovation projects. It comes after WWL Louisiana's David Hammer uncovered that the school district is dealing with a massive budget shortfall.

10:40 p.m.- Interim Lafourche Parish President wins full-term

Mitch Orgeron, the current interim Lafourche Parish President, has been elected for a full term, beating out his two competitors.

10:35 p.m.- Projected winners in Orleans Civil and Criminal Court Races

Stephanie Bridges, Sheryl Howard, and John Fuller projected winners in Orleans civil and criminal court races in Divisions M, N, and Section J.

10:30 p.m.- Kenner mayor projected to stay in office

Incumbent Michael Glaser is projected to hold onto the Kenner mayor’s office.  He defeated challengers Walt Bennetti and Diane Schnell in Saturday’s election. 

10:15 p.m.- Slidell has a new police chief 

Slidell voters chose Tommy Williams over competitor Brian Nicaud to lead the Slidell Police Department as its chief.

   

10:00 p.m.- All constitutional amendments fail 

Voters struck down all proposed constitutional amendments, which ranged from a teacher pay increase to creating a new school district and raising the retirement age for judges. 

9:45 p.m.-Incumbent Bill Cassidy speaks after projected loss 

Current U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy thanks his voter base after projected loss in U.S. Senate race.  "And as scripture says, to he or she to much has been given, much is required," he said during remarks. "And I feel in my life I've been blessed so much, I've been required to do a lot; and it's been a privilege to do it for the last 12 years."

9:42 p.m.-Projected U.S. Senate race front-runner Julia Letlow speaks 

Rep. Julia Letlow delivers remarks after being projected to advance to a runoff in the U.S. Senate race. 

“Tonight, Louisiana sent a clear message that they want a candidate to represent them in the Senate who will always put America first, and never turn her back on Louisiana voters.”

9:40 p.m. WWL Louisiana calls Louisiana Supreme Court race

Judge Billy Burris is projected to win the race for Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice in the 1st District, defeating Judge Blair Edwards.

9:30 p.m.- Clear lead in Democratic primary for U.S. Senate

Jamie Davis leads the Democratic primary in the U.S. Senate race, with Gary Crockett and Nick Albares tied for second place. Political Analyst Ron Faucheaux predicted there's likely to be a runoff. 

9:18 p.m.- WWL projects runoff in the closely watched U.S. Senate race.

WWL Louisiana has called a runoff between Trump-favorite U.S. Rep Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming, unseating longtime incumbent Bill Cassidy.

   

9:15 p.m.- St. Charles Parish at risk of losing key school district funding amid budget shortfall

As voters considered two millages to support the school district, WWL Louisiana filed a lawsuit against the St. Charles Parish School Board seeking documents that explain a budget shortfall.

8:40 p.m.-Projection: All but one amendment likely to fail

Political analysts Ron Faucheux and Clancy DuBos expect voters to reject all of the proposed amendments except Amendment 3. Those measures include a change in mandatory retirement age for judges, creating a new school system for St. George, changes to state job classifications, and revisions to parish property tax rules.

8:25 p.m.- Projection: U.S. Senate candidate Julia Letlow likely to advance 

Political analyst Clancy DuBos said Julia Letlow is expected to move forward in the U.S. Senate race, either by securing an outright win in the Republican primary or by advancing to a June runoff.

8:05 p.m.- Cassidy falls behind in early results for U.S. Senate race

Early poll results show Republican incumbent Bill Cassidy trailing behind Trump-backed challenger U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming. 

8 p.m.-Polls close across the state

Polls have closed across southeast Louisiana. WWL Louisiana will provide results as they come in.

6 p.m. -Polls close in two hours

Voters have two hours left to cast ballots in Saturday's primary elections. You can click here for more information on whether you're eligible to vote, where to vote, and a breakdown of key races.

WWL Louisiana will provide live results as they come in.

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