(The Center Square) — Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District has a clear favorite, incumbent U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., facing an underfunded field for the Nov. 5 election.
There are four candidates competing to represent the district that runs across the bottom of the boot from Cameron Parish to Terrebonne Parish. Higgins is used to crowded fields as every primary election for the district has had at least four contenders since he was first elected to the seat in 2016.
Higgins has also won every election since 2018, with a 64% majority vote in 2022. In 2024, he faces one Republican and two Democrats.
Higgins is widely regarded as one of the most conservative members of Congress and is a core member of the House Freedom Caucus. He serves on the House Homeland Security Committee and as Chairman of the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee.
He has been recognized for supporting smaller government, lower taxes, secure borders, and individual freedom according to his campaign website.
A previous story from The Center Square showed Higgins was the only candidate who received campaign donations which has now gone up to over $950,000 as of October 16. He has spent almost $600,000 of that money on the campaign.
The other three candidates have still not received any campaign contributions according to the Federal Election Commission.
Xan John is the Republican challenger and his professional experience includes working as a sommelier and a project manager for oil and gas production, according to Ballotpedia.
John wants the U.S. to be energy independent and wants to take down “rogue intelligence agencies.”
He also says, “J6 (Jan. 6, 2020) was a peaceful protest and infiltrated by the feds!” on his Ballotpedia page.
Priscilla Gonzales is a marketing director from McAllen, Texas. She has usual Democratic values on most issues like criminal justice reform, economic diversification and educational outcomes but also advocates lower taxes and protecting veterans’ health care.
Her website also has a section dedicated to what she believes are false claims by Higgins.
Sadi Summerlin is the other Democrat in the race. Her career experience includes being the founder of Pro Choice With Heart and a teacher.
According to Summerlin’s website, she says it is the duty of a member of Congress to further progress towards a more equal and equitable society.
This is represented by her positions, which include support of reproductive rights, educational rights and workers’ rights.
