Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez has won the special election for Louisiana House District 60, defeating Republican challenger Brad Daigle by a decisive margin in a district that backed President Donald Trump in 2024.
Martinez, an Iberville Parish Council member, will take over the seat previously held by Democrat Chad Brown, who stepped down after accepting a state appointment. Under Louisiana’s special primary rules, a candidate who wins a majority takes the seat outright—meaning no runoff will be held.
According to the Louisiana Secretary of State website, Martinez won roughly 62 percent of the vote to Daigle’s 38 percent.
Why it matters
House District 60—covering parts of Assumption and Iberville parishes—has long leaned Democratic in state and local races, but has trended more Republican in federal elections in recent years.
In the 2024 presidential contest, Trump carried the district 56–43 over former Vice President Kamala Harris, based on calculations by The Downballot. Assumption Parish was particularly lopsided, with Trump at 67.17 percent to Harris’ 31.57 percent. Iberville Parish was far closer, with Trump at 49.6 percent and Harris at 48.87 percent.
What to know
Martinez ran on a platform centered on affordable insurance, stronger local infrastructure, and expanded health care access, including mental health and substance-abuse services. Her campaign also emphasized government transparency, support for public education, and advocacy for working families.
She highlighted her community work—such as supporting local food pantries and helping families in need—as a foundation for how she plans to represent District 60.
Other races on the ballot
In New Orleans, Ed Murray was projected to win in House District 97, defeating fellow Democrat Eugene Green by about 52 percent to 48 percent. The district covers parts of Gentilly and eastern New Orleans and became vacant after Matthew Willard moved to the New Orleans City Council.
House District 100 did not produce a majority winner in a five-candidate field, with Kenya Rounds and Dana Henry advancing to a March 14 runoff.
In State Senate District 3, Sidney J. Barthelemy II finished first and Kenn Barnes placed second, but neither cleared 50 percent—sending that race to a March 14 runoff. In House District 37, Reese “Skip” Broussard won outright in the special primary.
What people are saying
Louisiana Democrats posted on X: “She was outspent 3-to-1 and still won. This is what happens when grassroots Democrats show up and organize.”
Daigle wrote on Facebook: “I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to my friend Chasity Martinez on her win tonight and express my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in this extraordinary journey. This experience has been truly life-enriching and I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made it so special. Sending love and blessings to all.”
What happens next
Martinez is expected to be sworn in to the Louisiana House of Representatives after the results are officially certified.
