Landry Defeats Downer in Third District Runoff

In Saturday’s Republican primary runoff for the Third Congressional District, attorney and businessman Jeff Landry defeated Hunt Downer. Landry had fallen 160 votes short of securing a primary victory, netting 49.6% of the vote four weeks ago. (The Third District represents the southeastern boot tip of Louisiana, outside of the Greater New Orleans area. The incumbent, Charlie Melancon (D), left the seat open in order to challenge for David Vitter’s Senate seat.)

Now, Having been forced to wage two campaigns within a month to secure the Republican nomination, Landry will face a Democratic opponent who has not had to face a primary opponent challenger: Ravi Sangisetty of Houma, a 28 year-old attorney. Sangisetty is the favorite of the plaintiff’s bar, and sits atop a $667,000 war chest.
LA-03 is an expensive district to compete in. Three major media markets (New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette) serve the district, but none of those cities are within the district.

LA-03 should be an easy pickup for the Republicans, but Downer’s refusal to drop from the contest sapped Landry’s coffers. Jeff is going to need some money help to contend on Nov 2.