PSC Races Take Center Stage
Daniel Erspamer, CEO of the Pelican Institute, previewed the major issues shaping Louisiana’s political landscape as the 2026 session approaches. He highlighted the Public Service Commission races as one of the most important — and overlooked — contests in the state.
Erspamer pointed to rising frustration after the sale of Baton Rouge’s gas lines to Delta Utilities. Residents watched bills quadruple while natural gas prices rose only 150 percent. “People deserve straight answers,” he said, noting that candidates from District 5 and District 1 will speak at today’s forum.
Fresh Poll Numbers Show a Tight GOP Senate Primary
The Pelican Institute also plans to release its latest poll. Erspamer previewed the numbers: Bill Cassidy leads with 30 percent, while Julia Letlow sits at 16 percent and John Fleming follows closely at 15 percent among Republican voters.
He expects a heated race as negative ads start rolling and candidates shift from introducing themselves to throwing punches. “Money is about to pour in,” he said.
Louisiana’s GATOR Program Sparks Debate
Erspamer declared the upcoming fight over the GATOR education program as the session’s hottest issue. He pushed back on critics who label it a voucher system. “This is about letting state education dollars follow each child,” he said. He emphasized that families often struggle to keep their children in the schools that fit them best.
With 17 states already moving to universal programs, he warned that Louisiana cannot sit still.
What to Expect at the Solutions Summit
The Pelican Institute’s annual Solutions Summit kicks off today, serving as what Erspamer calls “the last preseason game before kickoff.” Attendees will hear from national policy experts, Louisiana leaders, and special guest speaker Walter Isaacson, who will discuss his new book The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.
Erspamer said the day offers a chance to regroup, share ideas, and set the tone before lawmakers gavel in next Monday.