Louisiana voters headed to the polls Tuesday, November 3, to decide several major races and 10 proposed constitutional amendments. Election-night returns showed Republican Julia Letlow winning the U.S. Senate race, Congressman Mike Johnson securing another term representing Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, and John E. Atkins winning the Public Service Commission District 5 seat.

Voters also supported seven of the 10 proposed constitutional amendments, while three were rejected in the unofficial returns.

All results remain unofficial until certified by the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Letlow Wins U.S. Senate Race

Republican Julia Letlow was projected the winner of Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race, defeating Democrat Jamie Davis.

Letlow received 688,723 votes, or 53%, compared to Davis’ 600,185 votes, or 47%, according to the unofficial statewide returns available Tuesday night.

The margin between the two candidates stood at 88,538 votes.

Johnson Wins reelection to Congress

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson secured another term representing Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Red River Parish.

Johnson received 134,241 votes, or 58%, with 682 of 684 precincts reporting.

Democrat Cord Cabler finished second with 52,699 votes (23%), followed by Democrat Matt Gromlich with 32,727 votes (14%). Republican Mike Nichols received 7,254 votes (3%), while Republican Gordon Heslop received 2,559 votes (1%).

Johnson also carried Red River Parish, receiving 1,417 votes, or 55%, in the local returns.

Atkins Wins Public Service Commission District 5

Republican John E. Atkins defeated Democrat James Edward Green in the race for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 5.

Atkins received 160,508 votes (59%), compared to Green’s 110,864 votes (41%). The district-wide results included 867 of 869 precincts reporting.

Red River Parish voters also favored Atkins, giving him 1,417 votes (56%), while Green received 1,097 votes (44%).

The Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates public utilities, including certain electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water services.

Louisiana Voters Favor Seven Constitutional Amendments

Louisiana voters considered 10 proposed changes to the state constitution, with seven receiving majority support and three failing in the election-night returns.

Amendment 1 – Approved (75% Yes, 25% No)

Allows a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran to transfer a qualifying property tax exemption one time to another home.

Amendment 2 – Rejected (43% Yes, 57% No)

Would have allowed taxing authorities to continue using a reduced property tax millage rate without losing the ability to adjust it back up to the authorized maximum.

Amendment 3 – Approved (69% Yes, 31% No)

Prohibits release on bail for defendants who have been convicted of certain offenses against children.

Amendment 4 – Approved (57% Yes, 43% No)

Establishes a lifetime limit on serving as Louisiana governor of no more than two and one-half terms.

Amendment 5 – Rejected (38% Yes, 62% No)

Would have allowed public retirement systems to apply funds toward any unfunded accrued liability rather than being required to address only the oldest liability.

Amendment 6 – Approved (65% Yes, 35% No)

Allows an extension of an additional property tax exemption for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older.

Amendment 7 – Approved (64% Yes, 36% No)

Authorizes public funds to be used to identify, inventory, remove or replace certain water service lines.

Amendment 8 – Approved (64% Yes, 36% No)

Prohibits the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent acting on behalf of a foreign adversary.

Amendment 9 – Approved (59% Yes, 41% No)

Increases the income limit for homeowners to qualify for the special assessment level associated with a homestead exemption.

Amendment 10 – Rejected (47% Yes, 53% No)

Would have allowed property tax exemptions for rehabilitated blighted properties under conditions established by law.

Election Results Remain Unofficial

Although most precincts had reported Tuesday night, election results remain unofficial until the Louisiana Secretary of State completes the certification process.

Voters can review all election results through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s election results website.

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