Legislative Briefing from SSG

We received this update from our Lobbyist Kevin Cummingham of Southern Strategy Group providing an update on the upcoming session.

Leading up to and during the 2026 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session, we will bring you this short synopsis of highlights from recent political news.

• Louisiana’s House Committee on Appropriations has released its budget hearing schedule for the 2026 Session. The schedule is linked HERE.
•  Kyle Ruckert, Governor Landry’s chief of staff, has exited his role to lead Protect Louisiana Values, a nonprofit. The organization has provided resources needed for a few of Landry’s efforts.
•  After Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced her bid for Sen. Bill Cassidy’s Senate seat, Louisiana State Sen. Blake Miguez pivoted and left the U.S. Senate race to run for Letlow’s 5^th District seat in Congress. In the Louisiana Senate race, Letlow has the endorsement of President Trump. Other notable Senate race candidates include John Fleming, Louisiana State Treasurer, and Eric Skrmetta, member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission from the 1^st district.
•  In the race for Letlow’s District 5 seat, Miguez has Trump’s endorsement. Other notable candidates for this seat include State Sen. Stewart Cathey, State Sen. Rick Edmonds, State Rep. Dixon McMakin, and Louisiana Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell. Louisiana House majority leader and State Rep. Mike Echols is expected to enter the race as well.
•  In the Louisiana Public Service Commission races, John Atkins is gaining momentum for Foster Campbell’s District 5 seat and has already raised significant funds. State Rep. Larry Bagley has dropped out of this race due to health concerns, while two Democrats have jumped in: State Rep. Travis Johnson and Reverend James E. Green. For the District 1 seat, Republican state representatives Stephanie Hilferty and Mark Wright are the announced candidates.
•  Five vacant Louisiana Legislature seats are up for a special election this Saturday, including one Senate seat and four House seats. Read more HERE.