There are now three declared candidates for the 2022 U.S. Senate race in Louisiana this fall. They are incumbent Republican John Kennedy, Democrat challenger Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers, also a Democrat. U.L.-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross said he thinks Kennedy has a clear advantage. He has millions in his campaign fund and can easily raise millions more.
“To really make it a challenging race, one or both of these democrats needs to start raising money, and start getting in a position to mount a credible challenge. If they can’t raise enough money, they won’t be a factor in the race.”
Mixon, who lives in Bunkie, is a Navy vet and airline pilot. Chambers is a Baton Rouge area businessman and self-styled “advocate.” Dr. Cross said anyone challenging Kennedy has an uphill climb.
“Well, the reality is it’s going to be tough sledding for the democrats. So, there are two democrats – one white and one black – who are challenging John Kennedy. John Kennedy has a lot of money in the bank and he looks to be very safe.”
Both challengers have been vocally critical of Kennedy’s vote against the federal Infrastructure Bill; now signed into law by the President. Cross said the senator – though unpopular with most left-leaning voters – is scandal-free, so his challengers will need more than that to counter his message and defeat him. Cross said Kennedy has the clear advantage, though an upset is indeed possible.
