US Senate candidates in Louisiana release new campaign ads

With midterm elections only seven weeks away, Louisiana’s likely front-runners in this year’s U.S. Senate race — Republican Sen. John Kennedy and former Navy fighter pilot Luke Mixon, a moderate Democrat — released television ads in the hopes of reaching more voters and getting them to the polls Nov. 8.

As Republicans fight for control of the U.S. Senate, Kennedy released an ad Tuesday morning in which he touted his voting record, which he said includes bills to cut taxes, “secure the border” and “stand up to China.”

“You have to watch what people do, not just what they say,” Kennedy, who is seeking a second term, says in the 30-second video.

While Kennedy, who has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, entered the closely watched race as the likely favorite, 12 other candidates are hoping to unseat him.

Among them is Mixon. The Louisiana native, endorsed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, a fellow Democrat, released an ad of his own Tuesday. In it, Mixon notes his background as a fighter pilot who graduated from TOPGUN and says he spent 20 years “fighting extremism around the world.”

“Now, I’m fighting extremism at home, running against Sen. Kennedy,” Mixon said.

Mixon has repeatedly attacked Kennedy for his opposition to abortion and for being among the Republicans who refused to certify the 2020 election results in which Joe Biden defeated Trump to become president.

Notably, Mixon says in the ad that if he is elected, he would vote to codify the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, and which was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court this summer.

Challengers face an uphill battle against Kennedy, who last reported $15.8 million on hand in campaign funds. Based on the most recent reports from the Federal Election Commission, Mixon has nearly $600,000 on hand.

SportsPlus

life

Salvation Army starts giving season 100 days before Christmas 

Local News

Cassidy: Second assassination attempt ‘beyond concerning’

Business

PPG reaches agreement to sell silicas products business

Local News

Lottery registration for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants opens Wednesday

Crime

9/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Trump, Harris resume campaigning after apparent assassination attempt

Crime

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges

McNeese Sports

Understudy takes center stage

Business

Cameron school employees to get boost in pay

Crime

Fired police officers accused of using racist language

McNeese Sports

McNeese looks to keep momentum

Business

Citgo vice president: Sale of petroleum refiner nearing the finish line

Local News

Sulphur Council hears arguments against borrow pit

McNeese Sports

McDowell earns SLC honors

Crime

Suspect in apparent assassination attempt against Trump charged with federal gun crimes

Local News

‘All good here’ was 1 of the final texts sent from the doomed Titan submersible, hearing reveals

Crime

9/16: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

Jeff Davis Registrar of Voters office to conduct voter registration drives

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: No work of art but Tigers can build on victory

Crime

UPDATE: FBI says shooting at Trump was an apparent assassination attempt

Crime

Trump safe following shooting at Florida golf course; suspect detained

life

SW La. school lunch menus Sept. 16-20

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

life

Weekend Talk: Grizzlies in Glacier