Louisiana voters have never sent a Black woman to represent them in Congress, but that could change because of two winnable special elections this March. Karen Carter Peterson is running to fill the vacancy left by Cedric Richmond (D) in Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District when he was appointed by President Biden to direct the White House Office of Public Engagement. Candy Christophe is running to flip Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, which was left vacant after Luke Letlow (R) died from COVID-19 complications.
Karen Carter Peterson LA-02
Karen Carter Peterson has held leadership positions in the Louisiana state government for two decades. She served in the Louisiana House for 10 years, her final two as speaker pro tempore. In 2010 she was elected to the state Senate. Additionally, she has been the chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party since 2012.
Peterson’s leadership in the state legislature has led to meaningful change in the lives of Lousianans, like her work to ensure disaster assistance and rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. From demanding Medicaid expansion to overhauling the criminal justice system to fighting for women’s rights in the face of anti-choice legislation, Peterson has stood up for progressive values and vision.
Peterson is facing 15 challengers in the LA-02 nonpartisan primary. LA-02 is a blue district (D +25) and her strongest Democratic challengers are Troy Carter and Gary Chambers. Karen Carter Peterson’s endorsers include Stacy Abrams, Democrats Work For America, EMILY’s List, Elect Democratic Women and Our Revolution.
Donate to help elect Karen Carter Peterson. Your donation will directly benefit her campaign and grassroots action.
Become a volunteer for Karen Carter Peterson. Virtual phonebanks are available weeknights through the election.
Candy Christophe LA-05
Candy Christophe is the only Democrat running to fill the vacancy left by Luke Letlow’s death from COVID-19. While it’s true that Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District is considered safely Republican (R +15), a crowded primary field of nine Republicans and two independents, along with a 25,000+ voter registration lead for Democrats, gives her a strategic advantage.
Christophe, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Counselor who has served her community for over 25 years, is a small business owner and founder of a nonprofit to combat economic strife and family separation. She has deep roots in the community and was only 424 votes shy of qualifying for the 2020 runoff against the Louisiana Democratic Party–backed candidate, winning 21 of 24 parishes. This time Christophe has the full backing of the state party. Her focus on small business, health care, veterans, mental health, substance abuse and economic justice resonates with the needs of the people of her district. We, at Democrats Work For America, believe that she is capable of flipping this seat with grassroots support.
Donate to help elect Candy Christophe. Your donation will directly benefit her campaign and grassroots action.
Become a volunteer for Candy Christophe. Sign up for virtual phonebanks on Thursday evenings. Any amount of time is appreciated!
Early voting for the Louisiana Special Elections begins March 6 and the absentee voting deadline is March 19. If no one wins the March 20 primary with 50% of the vote, a general election will be held for the top two winners on April 24.
