Kate Cotten to Challenge Clay Higgins in 3rd District
The Republican small business owner seeks to provide an alternative to the four-term incumbent this November.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Law
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Republican challenger Kate Cotten is set to face incumbent Clay Higgins for Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District seat in the November 2026 election. The race features a crowded ballot that also includes candidates John Day, Caleb Walker, Priscilla Gonzalez, and Tia LeBrun.
Why it matters
Cotten entered the race on the final day of qualifying to offer Republican voters an alternative to Higgins, citing her belief that the party has changed. The incumbent has faced scrutiny, including criticism for his 2025 vote against releasing the Epstein files.
Incumbent Clay Higgins has successfully defended his seat 4 times, while challenger Kate Cotten first registered to vote at age 18. The current field also includes Democratic candidate John Day, who registered with his party in February 2026.
The players
Clay Higgins
He is the incumbent Republican representative for Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District who has won reelection four times.
Kate Cotten
She is a Republican small business owner who entered the race on the final day of qualifying to challenge the incumbent.
John Day
He is a candidate for the 3rd District seat who registered as a Democrat in early 2026.
The details
Louisiana utilizes a jungle primary system for congressional contests, which consolidated the field after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the state's initial map and cancelled the original May 2026 primary. Cotten has pledged to prioritize town hall meetings if elected to represent the 3rd District.
Timeline
February 2026: John Day officially registered as a Democrat.
May 2026: The original primary date was cancelled following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
November 2026: The final election for the congressional seat will take place.
Political Context
The race is governed by Louisiana's jungle primary system, which forces all candidates onto a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. This structure forces incumbent Clay Higgins to compete against multiple challengers in a high-stakes environment.
Voters in the 3rd District will decide the representation for their community in the upcoming November election. The result will determine whether the incumbent maintains his position or if the district adopts new leadership.
The takeaway
Voters should review the full list of candidates to understand the specific policy platforms offered by the challengers. Engaging in town halls and reviewing voting records allows citizens to make informed decisions for the district's future.
Further reading
Learn more about local statutes at Louisiana Law.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Current.
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