Day 2 of qualifying is traditionally a slow day and this one was no exception. A couple of additional statewide candidates qualified but some remain unopposed.

Independent Gary Landrieu qualified for governor, rounding out the expected major candidates running. A minor candidate, Republican Manuel Russell Leach, also qualified for governor.

The Secretary of State’s race saw an additional qualifier today. Republican Amanda “Jennings” Smith entered the race. According to her Facebook page, she appears to be heavily emphasizing Southern and Confederate heritage in her run.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Attorney General Jeff Landry remain unopposed.

Suburban New Orleans has some interesting races developing

One race which has just gotten interesting is Senate District 11 in west St. Tammany and parts of Tangipahoa Parish. The powers that be in St. Tammany Parish have largely gotten behind State Rep. Reid Falconer and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him win unopposed. But he two challengers, fellow Republicans Daniel Ducote and Patrick McMath, qualified to take on Falconer. Falconer is still the favorite in the race.

Meanwhile, Democrats are going to try and flip Senate District 12. Democrat Darrell Fairburn qualified to take on Republican incumbent Beth Mizell. Although Washington Parish still has a heavy white, rural Democratic population, Mizell is the favorite to retain her seat.

They’re also trying to flip House District 77 which was won in a special election by State Rep. Mark Wright. Wright will face off against Democratic challenger Beverly Johnson. Wright is favored to retain his seat.

For their part, Republicans are going to flip House District 75 in Washington Parish. Democratic incumbent Malinda White will face off against Republican challenger Phillipp Bedwell.

Democrats are also making challenges in a couple of open Republican suburban seats which are normally not contested, House District 74 on the Northshore and House District 82. In House District 74, Republican Larry Friedman is taking on Democrat Cindy Renee Winch. In House District 82, Democrat trial lawyer Trey Mustian is taking on Republican Charles Henry who is the brother of incumbent State Rep. Cameron Henry. Republicans are expected to retain both seats.

One seat remains empty

After day 2 of qualifying, only one state representative seat remains empty. No one has qualified yet for House District 4 which is in the Shreveport area. The current state rep, Democrat Cedric Glover, is not term-limited. He should qualify tomorrow.