Republican files to run in U.S. Senate primary

Thursday was a slow day for qualifying in the run-up to the May 16 primary.
Mark Spencer of Belle Chasse qualified on run in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Another Republican, state Treasurer John Fleming, qualified Wednesday. Qualifying ends Friday.
"Jamie" Davis of Ferriday qualified Wednesday to run in the Democratic Senate primary.
This election will be the first with closed party primaries for U.S. House and Senate races.
Also among qualifiers:
--Thomas Hutchinson Jr., now serving as interim Morgan City Council member for District 5, has qualified for run for the seat in a May 16 special election.
Hutchison was appointed to fill the seat last year after Eriq Blanchard, who won the seat in November 2024, resigned.
Also qualifying on Wednesday was incumbent Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard.
The entire Franklin City Council is up for election. Qualifying Wednesday were:
--Lester "Motor" Levine, member at large
--Jaime B. Robison, District A
--Chuck Autin, District B
--Former School Board member Pearl Barnes Rack in District C.
--Joseph "Joe" Garrison, District D
--Incumbent 3rd Congressional District Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, has qualified for the Republican primary.
Two Democrats filed to run for that seat: Tia LeBrun of Sulphur and John Day of Lake Charles.
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