Louisiana Republican Senate nominee?
$742.2K
JUN 27, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age38 years old (Feb 29, 1988)
GenderFemale
Show moreShow less
LocationLouisiana
BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette (B.S.)
Notable personal detailsJulie Cathryn Emerson is a Louisiana Republican politician and communications/business professional. She served in the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 39 from January 2016 until resigning on February 11, 2026, and later became chief of staff to Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. She founded Lagniappe Communications Group in 2011 and has focused on fiscal and tax policy, healthcare, education, and government reform. Emerson launched a bid for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Louisiana but ended the campaign in January 2026.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate has led and authored major state tax-cut initiatives, including a 3% flat income-tax reduction, proposals to phase out or eliminate the state income tax, and elimination of the corporate franchise tax to make Louisiana more business‑friendly. She has publicly stated a goal of eventually eliminating the state income tax and advocated continued tax reductions to attract investment and improve competitiveness. Her record as chair of the House Ways & Means Committee emphasizes lowering taxes and reducing business tax burdens.
Healthcare
Julie Emerson has sponsored and cosponsored state legislation addressing specific health policy issues (e.g., Medicaid dental coverage for certain adults, maternity services, PBM transparency) and has supported measures limiting vaccine verification requirements. Her record shows engagement on targeted healthcare policies rather than advocacy for broad federal expansions (Medicare for All) or for full ACA repeal. Overall her positions reflect issue-specific reforms without a clear single overarching stance on universal coverage or major federal healthcare restructuring.
Show moreShow less
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports strong restrictions on abortion, including legislation that enforces near-total bans and limits access to medication abortion; has sponsored and stewarded bills that tighten regulation and civil penalties related to abortion and abortion drugs.
Climate & Energy
Supports revitalizing and defending Louisiana’s oil and gas industry, favors cutting regulatory red tape for energy producers and prioritizing energy jobs and infrastructure investment rather than aggressive emissions regulation or fossil-fuel phaseout.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports Second Amendment rights and has an A rating from the NRA. As a state representative she sponsored and supported bills expanding concealed-carry provisions and other firearm-related legislation. Her public materials emphasize defending gun rights while supporting law enforcement.
News
Julie Emerson is appearing in coverage tied to the political fallout from the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium credits, which is driving up health insurance costs for millions. The issue is being framed as a potential factor in Louisiana’s Senate campaign environment, alongside reporting on shifts in ACA plan choices as people look for cheaper options despite higher deductibles.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements