U.S. House, Louisiana 5th Congressional District · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District?
Michael Echols has the strongest record in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Michael Echols scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Pat Moore at 63, Gabe Firment at 60, Stewart Cathey Jr. at 59, Misti Cordell at 53 and Dan McKay at 53, as of October 6, 2026. Michael Echols's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Pat Moore's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Omar Dantzler (2 of 15 criteria), Austin Magee (7 of 15 criteria) and Antonio Wilson (4 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Republican
Stewart Cathey Jr.
59 / 100
Public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- 50
Republican
Misti Cordell
53 / 100
Public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 55
- Performance
- NR
Republican
Omar Dantzler
On the ballot as Oscar "Omar" Dantzler
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 2 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 38
- Performance
- NR
Republican
Strongest record
Michael Echols
64 / 100
Public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- NR
Republican
Gabe Firment
On the ballot as "Gabe" Firment
60 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- 50
Republican
Austin Magee
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 7 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Dan McKay
53 / 100
Public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 55
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Pat Moore
On the ballot as Patricia "Pat" Moore
63 / 100
Public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Antonio Wilson
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 4 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Stewart Cathey Jr.
- On the record2026-02-11
Declined to enter the then-scheduled May 5th District primary after President Trump endorsed Blake Miguez, saying Trump had endorsed the wrong candidate; he entered the race in July.
Sources: WBRZ, Feb. 11, 2026, WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026, qualifying list
- On the record2024
Sponsored Senate Bill 159 of 2024 letting unaccredited consultants charge veterans up to $12,500 for disability claims help; veterans groups opposed it and it became law without the governor's signature.
Misti Cordell
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Omar Dantzler
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Michael Echols
- Credit2025-12-11
Elected majority leader of the Louisiana House by its Republican caucus on Dec. 11, 2025.
Source: KNOE, Dec. 11, 2025
Gabe Firment
- On the record2024-05-07
Authored House Bill 611 of 2024, phasing out the rule barring insurers from dropping homeowners policies held three years or more; the governor signed it May 7, 2024.
Source: Fox 8 (WVUE), May 7, 2024
Austin Magee
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Dan McKay
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Pat Moore
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Antonio Wilson
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Misti Cordell. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Filed a House candidate financial disclosure in September 2026 and FEC reports through July 18, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: House Clerk candidate financial disclosure, Filing ID 10082840, FEC administrative fines search
Gabe Firment. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Austin Magee. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, and a House candidate disclosure was filed in April 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Dan McKay. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026, and a House candidate disclosure was filed in May 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Pat Moore. Filed a House candidate financial disclosure in September 2026; her committee registered with the FEC in August 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Sources: House Clerk candidate financial disclosure, Filing ID 10082793, FEC administrative fines search
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. In February 2026 said publicly that President Trump had 'endorsed the wrong candidate' in the 5th District when he declined to enter the race after the endorsement.
Source: WBRZ, Feb. 11, 2026
Misti Cordell. No public record found.
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. No public record found.
Gabe Firment. No public record found.
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Took part in the Sept. 21, 2026 PAR Louisiana forum and the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Misti Cordell. Took part in the Sept. 21 PAR Louisiana forum and the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Took part in the Sept. 21 PAR Louisiana forum and the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Gabe Firment. Took part in the Sept. 21 PAR Louisiana forum and the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Austin Magee. Took part in the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Dan McKay. Took part in the Sept. 21 PAR Louisiana forum and the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Pat Moore. Took part in the Sept. 21 PAR Louisiana forum and the Sept. 29, 2026 candidate forum at ULM.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 30, 2026
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. A state senator since January 2020. No censure, reprimand or conduct finding found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Stewart Cathey
Misti Cordell. Chairs the Louisiana Board of Regents and has run a health care consulting business. No conduct finding found.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Monroe City Council member from 2016 to 2020, including as chair, and a state representative since 2020. No conduct finding found.
Source: KNOE, Dec. 11, 2025
Gabe Firment. A state representative since January 2020 and chair of the House Insurance Committee. No conduct finding found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Gabe Firment
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. Ouachita Parish Police Jury member from 2007 to 2019 and a state representative since 2019, after a career with State Farm. No conduct finding found.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Has held sworn state office since 2020. No misuse-of-office finding and no action to reject certified results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Stewart Cathey
Misti Cordell. Serves in appointed state office as chair of the Louisiana Board of Regents. No misuse-of-office finding found.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Has held sworn city and state office since 2016. No misuse-of-office finding and no action to reject certified results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Michael Echols
Gabe Firment. Has held sworn state office since 2020. No misuse-of-office finding and no action to reject certified results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Gabe Firment
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. Served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973. No misconduct finding found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Dan McKay
Pat Moore. Has held sworn parish and state office since 2007. No misuse-of-office finding and no action to reject certified results found.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. In the Louisiana Senate since 2020, now in his second term (E9); businessman.
Source: Ballotpedia, Stewart Cathey
Misti Cordell. Chair of the Louisiana Board of Regents, the state's higher education coordinating board, and owner of a health care consulting firm.
Sources: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026, Campaign site
Omar Dantzler. Listed on the qualifying list as a retired school bus driver; no documented leadership experience found.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Michael Echols. In the Louisiana House since 2020, now in his second term and majority leader since December 2025; earlier on the Monroe City Council.
Source: Ballotpedia, Michael Echols
Gabe Firment. In the Louisiana House since 2020, now in his second term (E9); businessman.
Source: Ballotpedia, Gabe Firment
Austin Magee. Owns Pittman Industrial, a welding and mechanical contracting company. Has not held public office.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Dan McKay. Attorney in Avoyelles Parish for more than 45 years and Army veteran; says he has been a public defender, assistant district attorney and city attorney for Bunkie, Hessmer and Evergreen.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Dan McKay, 2026 survey, WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Pat Moore. In the Louisiana House since 2019, now in her second full term (E9), after 12 years on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Pat Moore (Louisiana), WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Antonio Wilson. Describes himself as a businessman and builder; no independent career record found. Has not held public office.
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Chairs the Senate Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee.
Source: Ballotpedia, Stewart Cathey
Misti Cordell. Publishes a platform page and stated positions at two forums, in general terms.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Elected House majority leader by the Republican caucus in December 2025 (E5); serves on Ways and Means and Health and Welfare.
Source: KNOE, Dec. 11, 2025
Gabe Firment. Chairs the House Insurance Committee.
Source: Ballotpedia, Gabe Firment
Austin Magee. His survey answers call for a congressional stock trading ban, term limits and lobbying limits, in general terms.
Dan McKay. Stated positions at two forums, including a call for a moratorium on data center construction, and in his survey answers.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026
Pat Moore. Serves on the House Administration of Criminal Justice, Municipal and Parochial Affairs, and Transportation committees.
Antonio Wilson. His survey answers list goals on jobs, infrastructure, and water and sewer systems in general terms.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Took part in two candidate forums. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Misti Cordell. Took part in two forums and publishes a campaign platform page. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia, Misti Cordell
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey, took part in two forums and hosts a long-running radio show on policy and community issues.
Source: Ballotpedia, Michael Echols
Gabe Firment. Took part in two candidate forums. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey.
Sources: Louisiana Illuminator via Yahoo News, Sept. 21, 2026, Ballotpedia, Gabe Firment
Austin Magee. Completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026 and took part in a candidate forum.
Source: Ballotpedia, Austin Magee
Dan McKay. Completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026 and took part in two forums.
Source: Ballotpedia, Dan McKay
Pat Moore. Completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026 and took part in two forums.
Antonio Wilson. Completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026.
Source: Ballotpedia, Antonio Wilson
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Lives in Monroe and represents Senate District 33 in northeast Louisiana.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Misti Cordell. Lives in West Monroe, per the qualifying list; grew up in Luna, per a Louisiana First News profile.
Sources: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026, Louisiana First News via Yahoo, Sept. 7, 2026
Omar Dantzler. Lives in Hammond, per the qualifying list.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Michael Echols. Lives in Monroe, where he served on the city council and represents House District 14.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Michael Echols, 2026 survey, KNOE, Dec. 11, 2025
Gabe Firment. Lives in Pollock and represents House District 22 in central Louisiana.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Austin Magee. Lives in Franklinton, per the qualifying list.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Dan McKay. Born in Monroe, raised in Mangham, Richland Parish, and has practiced law in Avoyelles Parish for more than 45 years; lives in Bunkie.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Dan McKay, 2026 survey, WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Pat Moore. Grew up in Monroe, graduated from Wossman High School and the university now called ULM, and has held local elected office there since 2007.
Antonio Wilson. Lives in Tallulah, per the qualifying list.
Source: WRKF, Aug. 12, 2026
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Source: FEC candidate page
Misti Cordell. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026, with no administrative fine; owns a health care consulting firm.
Source: FEC candidate page
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026, with no administrative fine; co-owns The Hotel Monroe.
Sources: FEC candidate page, KNOE, Dec. 11, 2025
Gabe Firment. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026. No FEC administrative fine found.
Source: FEC candidate page
Austin Magee. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, with no administrative fine; runs his own contracting company.
Source: FEC candidate page
Dan McKay. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through July 18, 2026, with no administrative fine; runs his own law practice.
Source: FEC candidate page
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. Sponsored Senate Bill 159 of 2024 on paid veterans' disability claims assistance, which became law without the governor's signature.
Misti Cordell. No public record found.
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. No public record found.
Gabe Firment. Authored House Bill 611 of 2024, phasing out the rule barring insurers from dropping policies held three years, signed by the governor in May 2024.
Source: Fox 8 (WVUE), May 7, 2024
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. No public record found.
Misti Cordell. No public record found.
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. No public record found.
Gabe Firment. No public record found.
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. No public record found.
Misti Cordell. No public record found.
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. No public record found.
Gabe Firment. No public record found.
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. No public record found.
Misti Cordell. No public record found.
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. No public record found.
Gabe Firment. No public record found.
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Stewart Cathey Jr.. No public record found.
Misti Cordell. No public record found.
Omar Dantzler. No public record found.
Michael Echols. No public record found.
Gabe Firment. No public record found.
Austin Magee. No public record found.
Dan McKay. No public record found.
Pat Moore. No public record found.
Antonio Wilson. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 6, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District?
Michael Echols has the strongest record in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Michael Echols scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Pat Moore at 63, Gabe Firment at 60, Stewart Cathey Jr. at 59, Misti Cordell at 53 and Dan McKay at 53, as of October 6, 2026. Michael Echols's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Pat Moore's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Omar Dantzler (2 of 15 criteria), Austin Magee (7 of 15 criteria) and Antonio Wilson (4 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in Louisiana's 5th Congressional District in 2026?
Stewart Cathey Jr. (Republican), Misti Cordell (Republican), Omar Dantzler (Republican), Michael Echols (Republican), Gabe Firment (Republican), Austin Magee (Republican), Dan McKay (Democratic), Pat Moore (Democratic), Antonio Wilson (Democratic). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Stewart Cathey Jr. a good candidate for Congress?
Stewart Cathey Jr. scores 59 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 11 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Misti Cordell a good candidate for Congress?
Misti Cordell scores 53 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 55 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Omar Dantzler a good candidate for Congress?
Omar Dantzler has public evidence on 2 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Michael Echols a good candidate for Congress?
Michael Echols scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Gabe Firment a good candidate for Congress?
Gabe Firment scores 60 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance 50 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Austin Magee a good candidate for Congress?
Austin Magee has public evidence on 7 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Dan McKay a good candidate for Congress?
Dan McKay scores 53 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 55 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Pat Moore a good candidate for Congress?
Pat Moore scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 8 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Antonio Wilson a good candidate for Congress?
Antonio Wilson has public evidence on 4 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Louisiana race scored, and the Louisiana 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.