Democrat wins election “comfortably” in big Donald Trump district

Democrat Chastity Verret Martinez has won the special election for Louisiana House District 60, defeating Republican challenger Brad Daigle by a wide margin in a district that supported President Donald Trump in 2024.

Martinez, an Iberville Parish Council member, will fill the seat vacated by Democrat Chad Brown, who resigned to take a state appointment. Because Louisiana’s special primary system awards the seat outright if a candidate wins a majority, no runoff is needed.

Martinez received about 62 percent of the vote to Daigle’s 38 percent, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State website.

Why It Matters

Voters in Louisiana’s 60th House District, which covers parts of Assumption and Iberville Parishes, have historically supported Democrats at the state and local level, but have shifted toward Republicans in federal elections in recent years. Trump carried the district by a 56‑43 margin in 2024 against former Vice President Kamala Harris, according to calculations by The Downballot. In Assumption Parish, Trump received 67.17 percent of the vote to Kamala Harris’ 31.57 percent, while Iberville Parish was closely divided, with Trump at 49.6 percent and Harris at 48.87.

What To Know

Martinez campaigned on a platform focused on affordable insurance, stronger local infrastructure, and expanded access to health care, including mental health and substance-abuse services. She also focused on government transparency, support for public education, and advocacy for working families. A longtime community advocate, Martinez pointed to her record of grassroots engagement, including volunteering with local food pantries and assisting families in need, as central to her approach in representing District 60.

In New Orleans, Ed Murray was projected the winner in House District 97, defeating fellow Democrat Eugene Green by about 52 percent to 48. The district covers parts of Gentilly and eastern New Orleans and was left open after Matthew Willard moved to the New Orleans City Council.

House District 100 produced no majority in a five-candidate field, with Kenya Rounds and Dana Henry advancing to a March 14 runoff.

In State Senate District 3, Sidney J. Barthelemy II led, and Kenn Barnes finished second, but neither surpassed 50 percent, sending that contest to a March 14 runoff. And in House District 37, Reese “Skip” Broussard won the special primary outright.

What People Are Saying

Louisiana Democrats wrote in a post on X: “She was outspent 3-to-1 and still won. This is what happens when grassroots Democrats show up and organize.”

GOP candidate Brad Daigle wrote in a post on Facebook: “I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to my friend Chasity Martinez on her win tonight and express my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in this extraordinary journey. This experience has been truly life-enriching and I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made it so special. Sending love and blessings to all.”

What Happens Next

Martinez will be sworn in to the Louisiana House of Representatives once the election results are certified.

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