As the three-day qualifying period for the Nov. 8 elections wraps up today, the biggest—and perhaps most controversial—name to jump into the field is David Duke.
The former Ku Klux Klan leader and gubernatorial candidate has joined the already crowded field to replace U.S. Sen. David Vitter. Duke had hinted at running against House Majority Whip Steve Scalise in the 1st Congressional House District, but opted for the Senate race.
In a video posted on his website, Duke says he believes in “equal rights for all and respect for all Americans.”
“However, what makes me different is I also demand respect for the rights and heritage for European Americans,” he adds.
Hours after qualifying, Duke was one of the top trending topics on Twitter.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Duke says he has espoused principles for years that are similar to the themes Republicans are embracing now in the candidacy of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, on issues such as immigration and trade.
He says the majority of Americans “are embracing the core issues I have fought for my entire life.”
By tossing his name in the mix, Duke brings the total number of candidates seeking the Senate seat to 24. Rob Maness, a Tea Party favorite who has been campaigning for the seat for months, also qualified today.
At the local level, the field running for mayor has swelled to 12. Qualifying on the last day are Greg LaFleur, the former Southern University athletic director; 22-year-old Braylon Hyde; Libertarian Rufus Craig; and Cade Williams, who is running as a no party candidate.
As for the Metro Council, at least two members seem to be running unopposed. Trae Welch in District 1 and Donna Collins-Lewis of District 6 have no challengers, as of 3 p.m.
On the opposite side, Lamont Cole and Erika Green, who were appointed to the seats earlier this year, as well as Tara Wicker, each have three challengers for their respective seats. Buddy Amoroso and Chauna Banks each have two challengers, while Chandler Loupe and Scott Wilson each face one challenger.
At the federal level, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves now faces five challengers for his seat and fellow Rep. Cedric Richmond faces three challengers, including Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden.
See the full list of candidates for local races.
