Republican · Louisiana's 5th District · 2026
Oscar “Omar” Dantzler
Dantzler's working life has taken him from police work and private investigations to driving a school bus in Tangipahoa Parish.
Biography
Oscar “Omar” Dantzler has worked as a school bus driver for the Tangipahoa Parish school system, a job his 2019 campaign materials described as spanning 26 years.1 The October 2026 WWNO and WRKF voter guide identifies the Hammond candidate as a retired school bus driver.2
His public candidate profile also lists work as a police officer, executive protective agent and private investigator, as well as attendance at Hammond High School.3 His experience includes owning and managing security, bail bond and lawn care businesses, according to the campaign materials reported during his 2019 gubernatorial run.1
Dantzler has sought office at several levels, running for Hammond mayor in 2018, Louisiana governor in 2019 and Congress in 2022.3 In the 2022 congressional election, he ran as a Democrat and finished second to Republican Julia Letlow, who won reelection.4 His current filing is Republican.5
His 2019 platform emphasized equal protection under the law, higher law enforcement pay, and grants for emergency response and roads.1 He did not respond to WWNO and WRKF's 2026 questionnaire.2 This year's Fifth District field includes Democrat Pat Moore and Republican Stewart Cathey Jr.5 The November 3 open primary gives the field a common ballot, with a December 12 runoff possible.6