. Kennedy is the junior senator from Louisiana and is a Republican. Louisiana 's lone U.S. Senate race features Republican incumbent John Kennedy, who is seeking a second term. Congressman Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, is expected to qualify by proxy but hadnt done so by close of business Wednesday. ", data from the American Civil Liberties Union, Algorithm Targets Marijuana Convictions Eligible To Be Cleared. Public Policy Polling, a progressive firm, has Kennedy winning outright in November with 53 percent of the vote. Thats the difficult terrain that confronts Mixon. And while plenty of officeholders (mostly Democrats) will say they, Youll know that cannabis has really become mainstream when even politicians will say its something they partake of. "Im running for Louisiana Senate because its time for real change in Louisiana from a candidate who understands first-hand the challenges facing Louisianans every day, he said. in the upcoming midterm election. Steib founded and leads Operation Restoration, a non-profit which focuses on current and formerly incarcerated women and girls. Chambers faces tall odds simply because no Black candidate has won a statewide race in Louisiana since 1872, said Michael Martin, a history professor at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Id rather drink weed killer.. Louisiana has voted Republican in every presidential race since 1980 except for two elections: 1992 and 1996, when the state when for Democrat Bill Clinton. Sen. Kennedy seeks re-election; Democratic Party-endorsed candidates Watch: It's almost 3 minutes long, rich in policy and short on sensationalism. But Higgins did pick up three opponents, all Republicans. We need better jobs that provide the people of Louisiana with a living wage to support their families., Sen. Mixon made the announcement Tuesday, criticizing Kennedy for what he calls voting against. The organization says arrest rates have actually risen in the past few years. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Naval Academy. He has served since Jan 3, 2017. Senator for Louisiana. Democrats Gary Chambers and Syrita Steib both spoke about how Kennedy's yet to participate in any debate or forum in his re-election bid. He captured the attention of the media, which had been entirely ignoring his campaign before that. Mixon went on to graduate from the Naval Academy in 2001. BATON ROUGE, La. His first campaign video, "37 Seconds," features him smoking a blunt and discussing marijuana arrests and policy. There are still more registered Democrats than Republicans (31%) and independents (27%). On the abortion debate, none of the three-Democratic Party endorsed candidates would back a federal abortion ban. Heres what. We could not be happier to see a decorated veteran step up and answer the call to serve his country once again by fighting back against failed Sen. John Kennedy.. Its all talk, Mixon said. Chambers raised nearly as much as Peterson during the primary while offering full-throated support for the Green New Deal, Medicaid for All and a $15 per hour minimum wage. Blue America has endorsed him because he would make a great senator, because there is a difference between slim and non-existent and because there are voters in the great red state of Louisiana who are going to learn something from Gary about what the difference is between a progressive and a conservative. He is raising his two children, Samantha and Charlie, alongside his loving wife Renee. Mixon appears set to run a serious campaign against the incumbent. The general election will happen on December 10, 2022, if necessary. Louisiana politician's ad, 'The next time you get in trouble, call a In every state, this problem is worse for Black people. John Kennedy begins 2022 with huge money advantage as he seeks re-election to U.S. Senate U.S. Sen. John Kennedy is running for re-election this year with a campaign war chest that dwarfs. Gary Chambers is running for Senate in Louisiana on a pro-marijuana legalization platform, which he would like to make very clear by ripping a blunt in his first campaign ad.. Chambers' ad . Democrats channel disappointment into Louisiana Senate race We could not be happier to see a decorated veteran step up and answer the call to serve his country once again by fighting back against failed Sen. John Kennedy, she said in a statement. He had the opportunity to do the right thing, to speak the truth, to uphold his oath to the Constitution and defend our democracy. Senator John Kennedy, a Republican, is re-elected to another term in office. Incumbent Republican U.S. senator John Kennedy was first elected in 2016. Publishing a shocking campaign video a move used since at least the 1960s can get a candidate some serious name recognition, while they talk about major issues, said Adolphus Belk, a professor of political science at Winthrop University in South Carolina. Republican incumbent Sen. John Kennedy defeated Democrat Luke Mixon and several other challengers in Louisiana to represent the state in the US Senate. Marijuana, once a taboo subject for American politicians, is featured front and center in a new campaign ad out of Louisiana. Since the civil rights era, numerous Black candidates have run statewide, but none has won. He is 42 and was raised on a farm in Bunkie in Avoyelles Parish. John Kennedy (R-LA) tore into the Biden administration and liberal political establishment in typical colorful fashion at the Conservative Political Action . Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. But sooner or later, its bound to happen. Louisiana's Senate race was rated as "solid Republican" by Inside Elections, "solid Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Black people are four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana laws than white people," he says in the video, citing data from the American Civil Liberties Union. The primary is scheduled for November 8, 2022. An infrastructure bill that provides better roads and bridges, clean water and drainage, internet access to rural Louisiana and storm protection for all of us, he voted against all of it, he called it wasteful spending and stupid stuff, said Mixon. All rights reserved. Among the 12 challengers Kennedy faced included Democrats Mixon, a Navy veteran and TOPGUN graduate endorsed by Gov. Kennedy, a staunch Trump ally, was endorsed. Hes not really interested in solving the problem. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) The Washington Post didn't mention him jumping into the Senate race. Incumbent Republican Sen. John Kennedy is running against candidates from both parties in Louisianas open primary system. Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy draws first Democratic opponent, Luke Mixon, for 2022 race Greg Hilburn Lafayette Daily Advertiser 0:00 1:11 Former U.S. Navy fighter pilot Luke Mixon of Baton. However, a summary page of House Republicans policy agenda called The Commitment to America says that plan would Save and strengthen Social Security and Medicare but does not mention cuts. Democrats Win 51 Seats Democrats will gain a. Let's make 'em squeal.". Results: John Kennedy Defeated Luke Mixon: Louisiana's US Senate U.S. Navy veteran Luke Mixon has announced his intention to take Kennedys seat in the 2022 election. Is it a stunt? Chambers is pointing to Georgias election of Raphael Warnock, a Black minister, to the Senate in 2020, to prove the doubters wrong. Mo Brooks discusses biggest challenge he faces in Senate race Troy Carter, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Piper Griffin, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor Adrian Perkins, District Attorney Jason Williams, and a variety of others candidates and political action committees. Luke is a native of Bunkie, Louisiana. Kennedy is expected to win the most votes, but he needs to win 50 percent of the vote to avoid a run off election. MADISONVILLE, La. In the primary, Carter finished first with 36%, followed by Peterson with 23% with Chambers finishingjust out of the money with 21%. John Kennedy attempts to hold senate seat, avoid runoff election, Lawmakers join Urkaines fmr. And, he will support the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes, leave decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states, and reschedule cannabis as a schedule II drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts. John Bel Edwards; and Gary Chambers, an entrepreneur and community organizer. Jan 18, 2022, 10:38 AM EST. Kennedy, a Republican, is running for reelection. In 2014, now-Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa published a lighter video, but one that no less grabbed attention and was later spoofed on late-night television. All criticized Kennedy and said voters should fire the incumbent. Qualifying begins on July 20 and ends two days later. All rights reserved. Published: Nov. 3, 2022 at 6:50 PM PDT NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Louisiana voters will decide whether U.S. Mixon and Chambers also slammed Kennedy for not supporting the bipartisan $1T infrastructure package which is now law. They hope to force Kennedy into a runoff. John Kennedy Is America's Folksiest Senator. President to rally Americans to support the Ukraine war, LNL: 2024 Presidential hopeful Asa Hutchinson speaks to Local News Live exclusively Part 1, LNL: 2024 Presidential hopeful Asa Hutchinson speaks to Local News Live exclusively Part 2. The longtime community activist from Baton Rouge is running to replace U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, the Republican incumbent, as the junior senator from Louisiana. Shelby's former aide and campaign manager, Katie . Mixon is hammering away at Kennedys vote against Bidens giant infrastructure package that the Democratic Congress approved last year, with support from Cassidy and a few other Republican senators. Copyright 2022 WVUE. Mixon is also calling for the federal government to make quality day care available to all parents and to expand spending on early childhood education. "My mission over the next 18 months of this campaign and throughout my presidency will be to end the corrupt merger of state and corporate power that is threateningto impose a new kind of corporate feudalism in our country," he said. You can read the announcement in full below. By SARA CLINE September 20, 2022. Cross said, given the Republican edge the state, and Kennedys strength relative to his opponents, he would not be surprised if the incumbent captured 60-66 percent of the vote. Senate Candidate Smokes Marijuana In Campaign Ad - HuffPost These four candidates have announced and raised money for the Senate race, but five others also arrived to throw their hat into the ring by the end of the first day of qualifying. Chambersmade his mark on the political landscape last year when he showed surprising grassroots support in his race against political heavyweights Troy Carter and Karen Carter Petersonin the 2nd Congressional District race. In an October 25, 2022, email to FOX 8, a Kennedy campaign staffer wrote, The senators schedule is packed until the election. The other candidates reported little or no fundraising activity through the campaign. And hours before the story aired on FOX 8 on Thursday (Nov. 3) FOX 8 again contacted Kennedys camp and was told he was not available for an interview. Leading The Progressive Fight Online Since 2000, Blue America - Building A Progressive Future -. You have permission to edit this article. Democrat Gary Chambers is seen lighting and inhaling a blunt in his debut TV ad, clocking . Over the next few years, the troops left, and White leaders soon disenfranchised Black voters. But in the context of handicapping next year's U.S. Senate race in Louisiana, it . Public Service Commission Chair Lambert Boissiere III, D-New Orleans, qualified to run again to regulate utilities for the district that covers metro New Orleans, up the Mississippi River into north Baton Rouge. Edwards would have an uphill challenge to take on Louisiana's senior senator. As you can see, he knows how to make a dollar work. Luke Mixon, a Baton Rouge pilot, announced Tuesday, October 5, 2021 that he will challenge the reelection of U.S. Sen. John N. Kennedy in the 2022 election. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s threat to Biden is inflated in polls - MSN His first campaign video, "37 Seconds," features him smoking a blunt and discussing marijuana arrests and policy. He faces a steep uphill battle in the U.S. Senate race to unseat Kennedy, the 70-year-old incumbent. The percentage of registered Democrats in Louisiana has plummeted from 59% in 2002 to 40% today. Sen. John Kennedy draws a challenger: Navy veteran Luke Mixon - KNOE Neither would criticize Higgins directly. It functions similarly to their position on marriage equality: While most havent actually changed their beliefs, they know theyre on the wrong side of public opinion, so its something they prefer not to talk about. While hehasknown Biden for many years, the challenger said they havediffering stances on issues likecorporate influence in government, censorship, civil liberties, poverty, corruption and war policy. This ad latches on to a major issue in the U.S. and one that voters have majorly shifted on in recent years, noted Belk of Winthrop. Gary Chambers (left) and Syrita Steib (right), Two candidates running against Senator John Kennedy, participated in the Baton Rouge Press Club forum Monday. "There is right and wrong and I will not stand by while people spit in the face of the democracy that my friends and I have fought so hard to defend.". The former attorney is an anti-vaccine activist and has received criticism in the pastfor criticizing COVID-19 restrictions, making anti-vaccinecomments and spreading misinformation about the pandemic and vaccines. He went on to complete his service to the nation as the Commanding Officer of the Navys F/A-18 squadron based in New Orleans, LA. We believe that Kennedy is vulnerable, said Chambers. MONROE, La. The jungle primary, featuring Kennedy and all of his opponents, regardless of party, will be Nov. 8. Ive seen it abroad in our foreign policy and here in Louisiana, said Mixon. Sen. John Kennedy draws a challenger: Navy veteran Luke Mixon, 10-year-old shot during argument, Marion man arrested, Black mans decapitated remains found after he warned his mom he was targeted by truckloads of white guys, Senators working to improve tornado safety, KNOE Sunday Night Forecast with Jake Lambright, KNOE Sunday Evening Forecast with Jake Lambright, KNOE Saturday Night Forecast with Jake Lambright. Kennedy has caught national attention with his pro law enforcement pitch to Louisiana voters, where in an advertisement, the incumbent says If you hate cops just because theyre cops, the next time you get in trouble, call a crackhead.. Louisiana's 2022 U.S. Senate race is taking shape as Democrat Gary Chambers Jr., a Baton Rouge community activist who made a splash in last year's 2nd Congressional District election before. He isnt running as a joke; even if the odds are against him, hes trying to be a serious candidate. "Which shows not that we are so brilliant, but that so many people care about this issue and that we should do something about it.". Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy draws first opponent for 2022 race U.S. Navy veteran Luke Mixon has announced his intention to take Kennedy's seat in the 2022 election. That was during Reconstruction, when federal troops protected Black voting rights. The other Democrat in the race is a Black progressive who grew up in Baton Rouge and has attracted a horde of online followers with a compelling message against White privilege and for all working people. Democratic Gov. Kennedy, first elected in 2016, served on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Banking, Budget, Judiciary, and Small Business through the campaign. John Kennedy (Louisiana politician) - Wikipedia MADISONVILLE, La. Neera Tanden called Sanders 'everything but ignorant slut': Sen. Kennedy We can make a change in Louisiana because there are more of us who are willing to help our neighbors and lift our communities, Gary Chambers Jr. said in a Facebook post this week just after announcing his candidacy. This week some other candidates told FOX 8 they too would not vote to cut the programs. John Neely Kennedy ( Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Louisiana. ", 2022 by Howie Klein. The election is set for Nov. 8, 2022 with officially qualifying July 20-22, 2022. Unless one candidate gets more than half the ballots, the top two vote-getters will be in a runoff Dec. 10. as well as other partner offers and accept our. John Bel Edwards (D) is term-limited, and many Republicans had already been eyeing a run in the red state. In the ad. John Kennedy begins 2022 with huge money advantage as he seeks re When it comes to infrastructure, Louisiana is one of the most important states in the nation. "Some may dismiss it as a stunt, but he has said something important" by talking about a major issue on voters' minds, Belk said. In his losing 2020 campaign, Donald Trump carried Louisiana with 58% of the vote, while U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, also a Republican, won re-election with 59%. The night of Nov. 8th were going to find theres going to be a runoff between John Kennedy and Luke Mixon.. While the current top-down, one-size-fits-all approach does not give seniors the access and choices they deserve, the RSC Budget would provide seniors with more control and flexibility over their healthcare future. Who else? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider All rights reserved. SHREVEPORT, La. On Tuesday, April 19, 2022,. The ad, put together by President Lyndon B. Johnson's campaign, attacks his opponent Barry Goldwater's position on nuclear weapons. If he does his that, it will indicate to everybody that he is essentially unassailable, Cross said. Louisiana's 2022 U.S. Senate race is taking shape as Democrat Gary Chambers Jr., a Baton Rouge community activist who made a splash in last year's 2nd Congressional District election before falling short, will challenge Republican Sen. John Kennedy. RFK Jr. details how he differs 'profoundly' with Biden ahead of 2024 Chambers said there are other issues he would like to tackle. Kennedy was considering a run for governor in the state's off-year election. Gary Chambers Smokes Blunt in First Louisiana Senate Campaign Ad But the Biden administration hasnt taken the political opportunity afforded to it by changing the federal governments approach to cannabis-- even though it was what the president promised in the 2020 campaign. On Tuesday, Chambers released a now-viral campaign video. Chambers, another Democratic challenger, raised $1.6 million, spent $1.6 million, and had $54,500 cash on hand, as of October 19. Sen. John Kennedy ran against Democrats Luke Mixon and Gary Chambers in a crowded slate of challengers to represent Louisiana in the US Senate. It's been all over the news; everywhere. U.S. Sen. John Kennedy is running for re-election this year with a campaign war chest that dwarfs those of his Democratic opponents. Antonio Calanni/AP CNN Environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for president in 2024 as a. Looks Like Nobody's Running Against John Kennedy Next Year - The Hayride Melinda Deslatte/AP They have strengthened their hand substantially since then, falling just short of a two-thirds supermajority in both houses. Sen. John Kennedy draws a challenger: Navy veteran Luke Mixon - KALB He was inspired by his grandfather, Charles Mixon, who served as a flight engineer during World War II, to serve his country and attend the United States Naval Academy. Email Mark Ballard at mballard@theadvocate.com. Ive seen it abroad in our foreign policy and here in Louisiana. Mixon models himself after Gov. WOKE DA Alvin Bragg PANICKS As Judge REJECTS Restraining - Facebook More: Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy draws first Democratic opponent, Luke Mixon, for 2022 race. According to OpenSecrets, Kennedy raised $37.5 million, spent $25.2 million, and had $13.6 million cash on hand, as of October 19. WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Voters across Louisiana will soon make their choice for one of the states two U.S. Senate seats. Pew Research reports a majority of U.S. adults support legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Questions about Social Security and Medicare come up each election cycle. And not some elegantly subtle vape pen either, but a big fat blunt, which Chambers smokes as his voice-over describes the toll of the war on drugs. Kennedy also voted against the nomination of Gregory G. Katsas to the D.C. Which may not be surprising for a man who came of age in the 1950s, when cannabis was still considered an evil weed consumed only by criminals and jazz musicians. Copyright 2021 KNOE. More:Robert F. Kennedy Jr. becomes latest Democrat challenging Biden in 2024 for White House. Ive traveled the state, Ive spoken to tens of thousands of people, exactly zero people have told any of that is stupid., Chambers said, Hes voted against the policies that would actually help us create jobs, help us fix infrastructure, help us be able to deal with inflation.. Because hes not representing our state, hes representing himself. (KTAL/KMSS) - Democrat Luke Mixon is looking to unseat U.S. Mixon Announces Campaign (Full Announcement in Italics). Senator John Kennedy. Louisianians elected the Zachary native in 2016 with 61% of the vote. Our infrastructure is crumbling and communities are flooding, but Sen. Kennedy voted against billions of dollars to improve our roads and protect Louisiana communities from natural disasters, said Mixon. The former state treasurer, who has mostly provided a safe Senate vote for. "However, Ive also seen the consequences of irresponsible leadership. His campaign manager is Ben Riggs, who until recently served as the state partys press secretary. No, Lux said on any possibility of cutting the programs. Gary's a fighter for Justice. Senate candidate who smoked blunt in ad burns Confederate flag in "You do whats right. Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers announced Tuesday through social media that he will challenge incumbent John Kennedy for a seat representing Louisiana in the U.S. Senate. His video was not done for shock appeal, Chambers said. "We knew it would create conversation, but we had no idea that it would be to this degree," Chambers said. We need moderation and civility and folks who care more about the people they represent in the country than themselves and the political party they represent, Luke Mixon said on Jim Engsters Talk Louisiana radio show in October just after declaring his candidacy. Additionally, "Xan" John, of Lafayette; and W. Thomas La Fontaine Olson, of New Orleans; and Thomas Wenn, of Amite; all of whom dont have party affiliations, also signed up for the race. He represents our state poorly, he represents our nation poorly. Please include the headline. Leading The Progressive Fight Online Since 2000downwithtyranny@gmail.com. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Louisiana voters will decide whether U.S. Gary Chambers is a Democrat running for Senate in Louisiana. There was a problem saving your notification. Senator John Kennedy, who comes up for re-election in the fall of 2022. "Louisiana ranks number 50 in the nation and we have a U.S. senator who votes against our interests every day.". The Cook Political Report grades Kennedy . The. He previously was the state treasurer (2000-17). Kennedy crushed Foster Campbell, a Democratic member of the Public Service Commission from the Shreveport area, in 2016, taking nearly 61% of the vote.