Three Democrats to Compete for Louisiana District Seat
The Democratic field faces six Republican opponents on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Political Parties
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Three Democratic candidates will contest the open seat for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District on November 3, 2026. The seat is currently held by Republican Julia Letlow, who is running for U.S. Senate.
Why it matters
The election will determine who replaces the incumbent in this district as candidates vie for a seat in a contest that requires a majority to avoid a runoff. Because multiple candidates from both parties are running, observers expect no single person to secure the necessary threshold on Election Day.
A candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win the seat outright on November 3. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the two highest vote-getters will advance to a December 12 runoff.
The players
Antonio Wilson
He is a Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District who manages over 400 employees at his construction company and holds the endorsement of the Louisiana Democratic Party.
Dan McKay
He is a Democratic congressional candidate and U.S. Army veteran who has practiced law for more than 40 years.
Pat Moore
He is a Democratic candidate who has served in the Louisiana House of Representatives since 2019 and previously served on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
Julia Letlow
She is the incumbent U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District who is currently running for the U.S. Senate.
The details
The Democratic field includes Antonio Wilson, a construction company manager from Tallulah; Dan McKay, an attorney from Richland Parish with over 40 years of legal experience; and Pat Moore, a current member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. Republican Julia Letlow currently holds the district seat, but her candidacy for the U.S. Senate has left the position open.
Timeline
Pat Moore began serving in the Louisiana House in 2019.
Early voting takes place from October 20 to October 27, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
A potential runoff election is set for December 12, 2026.
Political Context
Louisiana's open primary system dictates that all candidates appear on a single ballot rather than separate partisan primaries. Republicans often argue that this system can dilute party-specific platforms by forcing candidates to appeal to a broad, non-partisan electorate.
Voters in the 5th District will see nine total candidates on their ballot, requiring them to research a diverse field before casting their vote. Residents should prepare for the possibility of a runoff election in December if no individual candidate secures an outright majority.
The takeaway
Understanding the open primary system is crucial for voters to navigate the crowded field of nine candidates for this congressional seat. Residents should monitor election results closely on November 3 to see if a runoff is required.
What happens next
Early voting will take place from October 20 through October 27, 2026. If no candidate secures a majority of the vote on November 3, the final runoff election will be held on December 12, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local candidate platforms at the Louisiana Political Parties section.
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