Chad Lauga

Chad Lauga (Democratic Party) ran in a special election to the Louisiana State Senate to represent District 3. He lost in the special primary on February 7, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong resident of St Bernard, a graduate of Chalmette High School. After high school, I went through an electrical apprenticeship. After Katrina the IBEW hired me to be an advocate for working families with the LA AFL-CIO. My career in public service began 20 years ago, in Baton Rouge at the legislature and later serving as the President of the IBEW. I've fought for and delivered for working families on issues such as lower prescription cost, lower insurance and coastal restoration. I'm running because i was there for 10 years and there's still more work to be done. I know how the system works and I'm ready to make it work for you.

I want to lower insurance costs, create a state minimum wage and fight to bring teachers pay up to the national average. Being a husband, step-father and grandfather are my most important jobs. But like you, I want my family to work, live and play in a place that is safe, prosperous and equitable. Let's green light a brighter future with laugaforlouisiana.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My plan to Lower Insurance Cost:

1) fully fund the Fortified Roof Program. as a legislature we can't mandate people get a fortified roof. We have to help people fortify their roof.

2) permanently eliminate the 10% premium for Citizens insurance. This gives insurance companies an unfair advantage. We need to make Citizens more competitive with insurance companies.

3) We must get serious about rebuilding our coast. We all know that the more land between the levees and the Gulf, the better our levee system will perform as designed.Affordability. there is a lot that goes into affordability. As your next State Senator I will:

1) implement my plan to decrease insurance premiums.

2) Create a state minimum wage

3) Raise teachers pay to the National averagePort of New Orleans/Corps of Engineers:

I am firmly against ANY state or federal agency, bullying its way into a community and not address any of the concerns of the residents that live there.

This includes the LIT terminal in St Bernard Parish as well as the Grain Terminal in the lower 9th ward. I would also not be afraid to speak up against the Corps of Engineers lock widening project which affects the 7th and 9th wards.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, Labor and Crime Prevention

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO

Southeastern Louisiana Building and Construction Trades

United Teachers of New Orleans

St Bernard Democratic Executive Committee

St Bernard Sherriff James Pohlmann

St Bernard Council at Large Gillis McCloskey