Former Louisiana Gov John Bel Edwards won't run for Senate in 2026, challenge GOP incumbent Cassidy

Former Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said he will not run for Senate – dashing his party's hopes of fielding a strong candidate to unseat incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy.

“Most of the energy was not coming from his inclination to run. It was coming from our interest in him running,” Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines said. “That was our first hope. 

Edwards announced his decision on Monday, according to NOLA.com.

“We have decided that now is not the right time to re-enter public office,” said Edwards and his wife, Donna. “After eight years in the Governor’s Office, and with two grand-babies at home, we’re committed to being the best Papa and Nonna we can be.”

He also painted a bleak picture of the state of politics, despite his decision not to try to help Democrats regain the Senate majority in Washington, D.C. 

“As a country, the path we’re headed down is troubling, to say the very least," he said. "I hope that in next year’s election, the people of Louisiana will reject the extremist politicians that have paralyzed progress in this nation. I’m going to do all I can as a private citizen to advance that cause as best I can.”

Edwards has been practicing law in New Orleans and Hammond.

Edwards said he had received numerous requests to run for Senate, less than two years after ending his two-term governorship.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was reportedly among those who wanted Edwards to run.

t's unclear yet which Democrat will run against Cassidy, who is facing four primary challengers.

Democratic Louisiana state Sen. Jay Luneau said he is still considering whether to run.

Gaines also said: “We have suitable candidates who are considering it. But we don’t have a deep bench on this. We hope we can find a young person who wants to start off their career with a real challenge.”

In Louisiana, Republicans hold all six statewide offices and a two-thirds majority in the state legislature.