Democrat Pat Moore and Republican Gabe Firment head to runoff in 5th District

(The Center Square) – Republican Gabe Firment and Democrat Pat Moore advanced to a December runoff Tuesday in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District, giving both parties another month to compete for the open seat.

The race was the most competitive of the night in Louisiana. Firment, Moore, State Rep. Michael Echols, Board of Regents Chair Misti Cordell and state Sen. Stewart Cathey were all within six points of eachother, as of 10PM.

WBRZ, an ABC affiliate, called the race.

Moore and Firment received 18% and 17% of the vote, respectively. The runoff is scheduled for Dec. 12.

The result sets up a head-to-head contest in a district that has been represented by Republicans for more than a decade. Letlow, who has held the seat since 2021, declined to seek reelection after entering Louisiana's U.S. Senate race with President Donald Trump's endorsement.

Her departure attracted a crowded field of candidates, including three sitting state legislators and the chairwoman of Louisiana's Board of Regents, which governs the state's higher education institutions.