Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon has endorsed Nick Albares in Louisiana’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, giving Albares the support of a former congressman and past statewide Democratic nominee as the May 16 primary approaches.
Melancon announced his endorsement in a campaign press release, praising Albares’ work on healthcare and framing him as a candidate focused on accountability, disaster recovery, and investment across the state.
“I’m proud to endorse Nick Albares for the U.S. Senate,” Melancon said in the release. “He has proven he’s willing to stand-up for Louisiana families when he worked with Governor [John Bel] Edwards to protect Medicaid expansion ensuring millions of Louisianans have access to affordable healthcare. We can trust him to hold Washington accountable to stop the corruption, help our communities recover from natural disasters, and invest in every parish.”
Melancon represented Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District from 2005 to 2011 and was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010. His endorsement adds a recognizable name in Louisiana Democratic politics to Albares’ corner as the primary contest continues.
Albares welcomed the endorsement and said Melancon’s support reflects the kind of campaign he is trying to run.
“I’m honored to have the support of Rep. Melancon in my campaign to bring dignity, solutions, and results to the U.S. Senate,” Albares said in the release. “I’ve spent my career fighting for Louisiana families, and I’m ready to bring that fight to Washington to ensure Louisianans have a Senator who is focused on building community and ready to deliver policy results.”
Albares is one of three Democrats running in the race, alongside Gary Crockett and Jamie Davis, in the contest for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy.