St. Martinville — Mayor Jason Willis will face three opponents in the upcoming Party Primary and Municipal Primary Election set for May 16.
Willis, first elected in 2022 after defeating then-incumbent Mayor Melinda “Mel” Narcisse Mitchell, will once again face Mitchell this spring. Also entering the race are Lisa Nelson and Mark Pratt, both of whom also challenged Willis in the 2022 contest. City Council Races Voters will see at least two new faces on the St. Martinville City Council this year. Veteran council member Mike Fuselier, who has served the city for 32 years, announced he would not seek re-election. Instead, Fuselier plans to run for a seat on the school board. Hoping to succeed him are candidates Brad Horton and Marty Theriot.
District 2 representative Carol Frederick has decided not to run for another term. Community activist and political newcomer George Choplin qualified unopposed for that seat and will assume the position.
In District 3, incumbent Jonas A. Fontenette faces a challenge or from Patrick Wiltz. District 4 representative Janise Anthony will contend with Monica Charles and Harold “Cat” Pickney for her seat.
Mayor
Florita “Flo” Chapman will continue to represent District 5 as she was unopposed.
Other Elections
Also qualifying for the May 16 ballot are several candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. Representative races.
Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate include Nicholas “Nick” Albares, Gary Crockett, and Jamie Davis. On the Republican side, incumbents and challengers include Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Julia Letlow, and Mark Spencer.
In the race for U.S. Representative, 3rd Congressional District, Democratic candidates are John Day, Tia LeBrun, and Caleb “With A C” Walker. The Republican candidate is Clay Higgins.
The qualifying period for this election was Feb. 11-13, 2026.
