Dec 31, 2024 Story by: Editor
How He Won: Cleo Fields secured his return to Congress by defeating Republican Elbert Guillory and Democrat Quentin Anderson, winning nearly 51 percent of the vote.
Campaign Background: The race for this seat heated up when Republican Governor Jeff Landry approved a new congressional map, creating a second majority-minority district. This move resulted in a seat that covers much of Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette, ultimately leading to the exit of incumbent Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.).
Focus Areas: Fields, who is no stranger to Washington, having served two terms in the House during the 1990s, promised to prioritize education, healthcare, expanded broadband, and economic growth as part of his return to Congress.
Political Background: Fields is well-known in Louisiana politics. He served in the U.S. House from 1993 to 1997 and has had three separate terms in the Louisiana State Senate, most recently winning a new seat in 2020. Fields has also faced defeats, including a loss to Republican Mike Foster in the 1995 Louisiana governor’s race and an unsuccessful 2004 run for the Louisiana Public Service Commission seat. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments next year regarding the redistricting decision, which could impact Fields’ future in the U.S. House.
Memorable Campaign Ad: Louisiana has a tradition of standout campaign ads, and Fields’ ad was no exception, featuring a smooth jazz beat that added a unique touch to his campaign.
Fun Fact: At the age of 24, Fields became the youngest person ever elected to the Louisiana State Senate, a record that stood as the youngest person to win a state Senate seat in the country at the time. Source: Politico
