Former Governor John Bel Edwards opts out of U.S. Senate race

BATON ROUGE, La. (LouisianaFirst) – Former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards will not be a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026.

The seat is currently held by Republican Bill Cassidy, who is running for re-election.

Edwards said this isn’t the right time to re-enter public office.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Edwards posted:

“Over the last several months, Donna & I have fielded calls from people all across LA asking us to run for the US Senate. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support we have received.

After giving it careful consideration, we have decided that now is not the right time to re-enter public office. After eight years in the Governor’s Office, and with two grandbabies at home, we’re committed to being the best Papa and Nonna we can be.

Serving as Governor and First Lady of the state of Louisiana was the honor of a lifetime. We accomplished so much to rebuild our state because – unlike Washington, DC – we worked with anyone, of any political party, to Put Louisiana First.

As a country, the path we’re headed down is troubling, to say the least. I hope that in next year’s election, the people of LA will reject the extremist politicians that have paralyzed progress in this nation. I’m going to do all I can as a private citizen to advance that cause.”

Several Republicans, including current State Treasurer John Fleming, State Senator Blake Miguez and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, are challenging Cassidy.

Qualifying for the U.S. Senate race is set to begin in January.