On August 29, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry told Republican U.S. House candidates that he will suspend the May 16 congressional primary so as to facilitate the legislature’s passing a bill drawing new district boundaries. This was not a public announcement, but such an announcement is now expected for May 1.

No minor party or independent candidates for U.S. House qualified this year under the existing requirements, which includes an unconstitutionally early February deadline for minor party and independent candidate petitions. Presumably if new districts are drawn, filing will be re-opened and new candidates can qualify.

On April 29, the legislature passed HB 1D, which draws new U.S. House districts. Governor Ron DeSantis is certain to sign the measure. Florida law has easier petitions in lieu of filing fee in redistricting years. Only 2,564 signatures are needed for U.S. House, and they can be collected anywhere in the state. However, petitions in lieu are due May 11, 2026.

It is likely the new districts will be challenged in court. It may be possible to sue for more time on the in-lieu petition. The filing fee for U.S. House is over $10,000, so the in-lieu petition this year is a bargain, relatively speaking.

The bill passed 83-28 in the House, and 21-17 in the Senate. Some Republican Senators opposed the bill.

On April 28, the Missouri Senate Local Government, Elections & Pensions Committee heard testimony on HB2387/2480, the bill to bring back presidential primaries. The bill has already passed the House.

See this story. The Committee did not vote on the bill and it is difficult to predict what will happen when they do vote.