Today’s a big election day in Louisiana, with important races for the U.S. Senate, constitutional amendments, and other races on the ballot.
Click here to see results as they come in, and follow along with state politics editor Matthew Albright as we track the results.
10:00: After taking a commanding lead in tonight’s election, Julia Letlow gave an exuberant speech to a crowd of supporters.
“I have a feeling your ‘why’ looks a lot like mine. It’s your kids. They are the reason why we all fight so hard to make sure that we live in the greatest country in the world.” Letlow said. “I promise you this. I will never forget that this is not my seat, it is your seat. And that will be at the forefront of every decision I make and every vote that I ever take.”
John Fleming, who is on track to also make the runoff, did not have a public election night party.
9:54: Bill Cassidy will be the second senator in almost a century to lose a race for reelection.
Cassidy just gave a speech conceding that he had lost the race to Julia Letlow and John Fleming.
“I’ve had the privilege of representing the state of Louisiana for 12 years. I’ve gotten to participate in a democracy,” Cassidy said. “And when you participate in a democracy, sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way you want it to.”
Here’s a rundown on the race.
9:37: The amendment that would give teachers a pay raise is outperforming the other four amendments. But it is still on track to fail.
With roughly 60% of precincts reporting, the pay amendment is trailing 43% to 56%.
9:30: A proposed constitutional amendment to create a St. George school district looked like it was headed to defeat Saturday as it trailed statewide by a wide margin, with more half the precincts in the state voting.
About 62% of the statewide electorate had voted “no,” while 38% voted “yes” to forming the state’s 70th public school system as of 9:30 p.m.
In East Baton Rouge Parish, the proposition trailed by an even wider margin, with only 3 of 10 voters in favor of the new school system – about 35% of the precincts were in.
The measure needs to pass statewide as well as in East Baton Rouge Parish.
9:15: It also appears that all five constitutional amendments are going to fail.
With 1,411 out of 3,722 precincts reporting, only Amendment 3, which would fund teacher pay raises by liquidating education trust funds, was close, but it was losing by a margin of 44% to 55%.
The other four were all under 40% in support.
9:07: It seems certain that Julia Letlow is going to make the runoff for U.S. Senate — and Bill Cassidy is in trouble.
With most parishes reporting early voting results and roughly a third of precincts reporting, Letlow had 44% of the vote, and John Fleming had 29% of the vote, while Cassidy had 24% of the vote.
9:00: A proposed constitutional amendment to create a St. George school district trailed as early voting returns came in Saturday night from across the state.
About 60% of voters in the state were voting no, while 40% voted yes to forming the state’s 70th public school system. Early voting results were available for almost all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes
In East Baton Rouge Parish, it trailed in early voting by a 2-to-1 margin, with only 33% of early voters in favor. In only three parishes — East Feliciana, Livingston and West Feliciana — did yes votes outnumber no votes.
The measure needs to pass statewide and in East Baton Rouge Parish.
8:30: As the polls closed, supporters of Rep. Julia Letlow filled a room at MMR Contractors in Baton Rouge with red, white and blue outfits and nervous anticipation as country music played.
Letlow and her team were upstairs, though her two young children could be seen running up and down all evening.
Two supporters at the party were Oliver and Sandy Ainsworth, parents of Letlow’s fiance, Kevin.
“We are feeling we confident and extremely glad to be here to support such an amazing woman. Hopeful for good news shortly,” said Oliver Ainsworth.
Supporters of Rep. Julia Letlow at her election night watch party.
Meanwhile, at Boudreaux’s Catering on Government Street, Sen. Bill Cassidy’s campaign blared “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. Supporters said the outcome was in God’s hands.
“Obviously, we have some concern,” Keith Holmes, who said he was in Cassidy’s medical school class, said. “I know there’s somebody above this over everything.”
Terri Ezell said she came to “support Sen. Cassidy for all of the years of service that he’s given to Louisiana.”
7:20: There are several things we’re watching tonight, but the biggest one is who will represent Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.
Supporters show off their posters at Bill Cassidy’s election night watch party at Boudreaux’s Catering before election results begin to come in.
“I think it’s important when you have leaders that vote with conviction and based on what they believe is the right thing to do. That’s how I’ve always felt that Cassidy voted, whether it was popular or not.”
8:00: Polls are closed! Stay with us as results come in; the first precincts usually start reporting within the hour, but it will take longer for the full results to be known.
7:45: While the Senate race is the marquee item on the ballot, there are also several important constitutional amendments.
Perhaps the most closely watched is one that would turn the stipend Louisiana teachers have received several times over the past few years into a permanent pay raise. It would get the money by liquidating three trust funds that pay for various educational expenses.
If the amendment fails, state leaders have said they likely do not have the money to provide the stipend again this year.
7:35: Did you have to fill out a form picking which party to vote for? That’s new.
We’ve been hearing throughout the day that voters and poll workers are dealing with confusion over Louisiana’s new closed primary system. Unlike previous elections, where any voter could vote for any candidate regardless of party, this election requires registered Republicans and Democrats to vote for their party — and “no party” voters to pick one.
Here’s what we’ve heard from election officials and voters about how the new rules are causing confusion.
7:20: There are several things we’re watching tonight, but the biggest one is who will represent Louisiana in the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Bill Cassidy is fighting for his political life against U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, and Treasurer John Fleming, who is attacking both candidates from the right.
Here’s a look at the closing arguments each of the candidates are making.
7:10 p.m.: Haven’t voted yet? There’s still time! Polls close at 8 p.m.
Here’s our rundown of the major races and issues on the ballot. If you need to know your polling place or other information, you can go to the Secretary of State’s website here and enter some basic information.
