Joseph Cao and Ellie Schroder headed to runoff in race for Louisiana education board

May 17, 2026 - 07:30

The race for a seat on Louisiana's state education board is now down to two candidates after no one secured a majority in the primary election. Joseph Cao and Ellie Schroder will face each other in a runoff election to determine who will represent the district. The winner of that contest will then go on to challenge the Democratic candidate, who ran unopposed in the primary and has already secured a spot on the general election ballot.

Cao, a former U.S. congressman known for his work on education reform, has positioned himself as a moderate with experience in both local and federal policy. Schroder, a conservative activist and parent advocate, has focused on parental rights and curriculum transparency. Both candidates have been actively campaigning across the district, which covers parts of Jefferson and Orleans parishes.

The runoff is expected to draw significant attention, as the state board of education oversees public school funding, charter school approvals, and academic standards. With the Democratic nominee already waiting in the wings, the outcome of the Cao-Schroder matchup will effectively decide the ideological direction of the seat. Early voting for the runoff begins in late November, with election day set for early December.