Qualifying for Louisiana's congressional races is now under way. Already, three of Louisiana's incumbents are facing challengers. However, one political analyst says the state's congressional delegation will see little change.
"More than likely, we'll see our incumbent members of Congress reelected," LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford said.
According to Alford, New Orleans-area Reps. Steve Scalise (R-Metairie) and Troy Carter (D-New Orleans) will likely breeze to reelection.
"That's especially true for Troy Carter, whose district has become slightly more compact and easier to travel," Alford said. "Troy Carter can expect help as needed from the Congressional Black Caucus.
"Steve Scalise just absolutely shattered all of his previous fundraising records," Alford continued. "He's going into reelection with more resources available to him than ever before."
In fact, Alford believes Scalise will use his war chest to help other Republicans win their races.
"I would expect Scalise to spend some of that cash on helping members of Congress around the country get reelected," Alford said.
Alford says he also expects Rep. Clay Higgins (R-Lafayette), whose Third Congressional District now includes parts of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes, and Rep. Julia Letlow (R-Start), whose Fifth Congressional District now includes part of the Northshore, to win their races. That, Alford believes, will put a spotlight on the Sixth District race and the campaign of state senator and former congressman Cleo Fields (D-Baton Rouge). Although Fields has two challengers, including former state senator Elbert Guillory (R-Opelousas), Alford believes Fields is the favorite in LA-6.
"In the Baton Rouge area where the Sixth District is anchored, Cleo Fields is sort of a politician of legend and lore," Alford said. "He has a really sophisticated turnout operation for votes. A lot of folks would go to him for help in their own elections. We're talking about busloads of voters being sent to the polls through his operation. He also has an incredible amount of money raised already. I don't think anybody's going to be able to catch up to the amount of money he has. He is a former member of Congress. He is the personality to watch in this race."
Qualifying continues through Friday afternoon.
