Why It Matters
Louisiana voters made key decisions Saturday in two Republican primaries that will shape oversight of the state’s public utilities and education policy. The results set the stage for competitive November 3 general elections in both the Public Service Commission and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
What Happened
State Rep. Stephanie Hilferty of New Orleans secured the Republican nomination for the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s District 1 seat, defeating former Jefferson Parish President John Young with 62 percent of the vote. Hilferty, known in the state legislature for a moderate voting record, has also been a visible voice pushing for accountability and reform within the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.
The District 1 seat is open because Republican Eric Skrmetta of Metairie is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. In the November 3 general election, Hilferty will face Democrat Connie Norris, a consumer utility advocate from Slidell, and Chris Justin, a New Orleans engineer running without party affiliation.
In the Public Service Commission’s District 5 race, Caddo Parish Commissioner John Atkins had already secured the Republican nomination in May. He will meet Democrat James Green, a Shreveport City Councilman, in the general election. That seat is currently held by Democrat Foster Campbell, whose political career spans more than five decades and who is also term-limited.
Cao Advances to November BESE Contest
Former Congressman Joseph Cao of Harvey won the Republican nomination for Board of Elementary and Secondary Education District 1, capturing 52 percent of the vote against Ellie Schroder, a retired teacher from Abita Springs. Governor Jeff Landry had appointed Cao to the BESE seat on an interim basis earlier this year, and Saturday’s result allows him to pursue a full term.
The District 1 seat became available after Paul Hollis, who previously held the position, was named director of the U.S. Mint by President Donald Trump. Cao will face Angela Hershey, a retired teacher from Madisonville who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, when voters return to the polls on November 3.
By the Numbers
62% — Hilferty’s share of the Republican primary vote in PSC District 1.
52% — Cao’s margin in the BESE District 1 Republican contest.
50+ years — Length of Foster Campbell’s political career; he is term-limited in PSC District 5.
November 3 — Date of the general elections for both the Public Service Commission and BESE seats.
3 candidates — Number of candidates who will appear on the November ballot in the PSC District 1 general election.
Zoom Out
The Louisiana Public Service Commission regulates electric, gas, telephone, and transportation utilities across the state, making its membership consequential for both consumers and energy providers. The open seats in Districts 1 and 5 represent a generational shift on the body, as two long-serving incumbents exit simultaneously due to term limits.
The BESE contest carries its own significance, as the board sets statewide education policy and curriculum standards. Cao’s background as a former member of Congress and his gubernatorial appointment give him a relatively high public profile heading into the fall race. Louisiana’s education debates have drawn national attention in recent years amid broader discussions over parental rights and curriculum oversight.
Louisiana’s Republican primaries have seen heightened attention following recent high-profile races. Earlier this month, Julia Letlow won the GOP Senate runoff with backing from President Trump, while the Democratic side produced a historic result, signaling active voter engagement heading into the fall cycle.
What’s Next
Both the PSC and BESE general elections are scheduled for November 3. Hilferty will need to broaden her appeal beyond the Republican base to prevail in a three-way race in District 1, while Cao will work to convert his interim appointment into a full elected term against Hershey. Atkins faces Green in the District 5 PSC contest, where he will attempt to flip a seat held by a Democrat for decades.