2026 is now underway, and there is one key development to watch in Louisiana politics this year—the beginning of semi-closed primaries.

For the past 50 years, nearly every election in Louisiana has used the jungle primary format, thanks largely to the machinations of former Gov. Edwin Edwards. But because of legislation passed two years ago (HB 17, 2024), Louisiana will no longer use the jungle primary for U.S. Congressional, BESE, PSC, and State Supreme Court elections.

Starting on May 16th, Louisiana voters will cast ballots in their respective party primaries for these offices. The only wrinkle in the new semi-closed system is that no-party voters will still have limited participation, depending on party rules.

Much to the chagrin of some establishment Republican politicians, the semi-closed primary format should better empower “Louisiana First” grassroots voters and candidates—much as closed or semi-closed primaries have done in states like Wyoming, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

In a world of closed primaries, we may finally see America First candidates in Louisiana running to the right of our current Republican Congressman in Louisiana.

Under the jungle primary system, conservative voters were often forced to choose between a moderate Republican incumbent—such as Steve Scalise—and a field of Democratic candidates. Now, Republican officeholders will actually have to earn the votes of grassroots Republicans if a more conservative challenger emerges in a party primary.

Personally, I believe the strongest case for semi-closed primaries lies at the state and local levels, where many of Louisiana’s most notorious RINOs hold office in the Legislature or on parish councils. Nevertheless, moving US Congressional, BESE, PSC, and State Supreme Court elections to a semi-closed primary format is a positive step in shifting the state to a more America First direction.

In fact, we may soon see Sen. Bill Cassidy become the first high-profile RINO tested under the new system. One can only hope.

In just four months, Louisiana will begin moving away from the pro-establishment jungle primary for some of its most important elections—and I, for one, will be glad to see the jungle primary go the way of the dodo.

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