Julie Emerson
Louisiana Republican Senate nominee?
$1.7M
JUN 27, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age38 years old (Feb 29, 1988)
GenderFemale
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LocationLouisiana
BackgroundPolitician
EducationWestminster Christian Academy (Opelousas, Louisiana)
Notable personal detailsJulie Cathryn Emerson is a Louisiana Republican politician and former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing District 39 (Lafayette and St. Landry parishes). She served in the legislature from 2016 until her resignation in February 2026 and chaired the House Committee on Ways and Means. Emerson previously ran for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Louisiana and filed with the FEC in 2025. She is also a small business owner and founded Lagniappe Communications Group in 2011.
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.
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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 in the news mainly because Louisiana’s election rules and redistricting fight are shaping the political landscape around her race. Recent Supreme Court rulings weakened Voting Rights Act protections and could affect how congressional maps are drawn, while Louisiana is also using closed-party primary rules that may affect turnout and voting access. Broader election changes, including tighter mail-in voting rules and GOP efforts to boost 2026 prospects, are also part of the backdrop.
No party voters face special process before Saturday vote
Supreme Court's dramatic moves will reshape elections and give the GOP a midterm boost
State lawmakers push to expand laws allowing guns on college campuses
First reaction of those paying higher health premiums
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