“Two Man Race” Emerges in Louisiana’s 5th District GOP Primary, Poll Finds

A newly released poll from the Rainey Center Freedom Project suggests Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District Republican primary is shaping up as a “two-man race” between State Rep. Michael Echols and State Sen. Blake Miguez.

SEE WHOLE POLL HERE: 

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The survey of 889 likely voters, conducted April 4–7 via text message, found Miguez leading with 23% support, followed closely by Echols at 20%. Baton Rouge Sen. Rick Edmonds registered 10%, while Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell received 3%. A significant portion of voters, roughly 42%, remain undecided. 

According to the report, the race is defined by the two leading candidates, with other contenders lacking the combination of support and name recognition to be competitive ahead of the May 16 primary. 

Favorability ratings in the poll show differences between the candidates. Echols recorded 36% favorable and 10% unfavorable, while Miguez had 36% favorable and 22% unfavorable. Edmonds posted 28% favorable and 10% unfavorable. 

The poll also examined the role of endorsements. While Miguez has received backing from President Donald Trump, 45% of respondents said Trump’s endorsement is not important to their vote. Another 37% said it is a factor but not the only consideration, while 18% said they would support Trump’s endorsed candidate. 

Additional findings cited in the accompanying report and commentary indicate that candidate residency may influence voter perceptions. When informed that Miguez lives outside the district, 42% of respondents said they would be less likely to support him.

The survey carries a margin of error of ±3.6 percentage points.

With a large share of undecided voters and relatively close support between the leading candidates, the poll suggests the outcome of the race remains fluid heading into the final weeks before Election Day.