Republican · Louisiana's 5th District · 2026
Stewart Cathey Jr.
Cathey's mother taught public school, and his father ran a business and served in the National Guard.
Biography
Stewart Cathey Jr. grew up with a public school teacher for a mother and a small businessman and Army National Guard member for a father.1 He and his wife, Brittany, live in Monroe.1 In his July congressional launch interview, Cathey spoke about family life with his wife and child.2
After enrolling at the University of Louisiana Monroe, Cathey joined the Army in 2003 and became a commissioned engineer officer.1 His service included Hurricane Katrina cleanup with the Army Corps of Engineers and two deployments to Afghanistan.1 During his second Afghanistan deployment in 2016, he mentored members of the Afghan military.1 He later worked in manufacturing business development and established a management consulting business.1
First elected to the state Senate in 2019, Cathey chairs its Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development Committee.13 His community work has included service on local YMCA and Kiwanis boards.1 A July 2026 report described him as an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and combat veteran.2
Cathey says he wants to bring his legislative focus on agriculture and the rural economy to Washington.2 His Fifth District opponents include Republican Misti Cordell and Democrat Pat Moore.4 Louisiana's November 3 open primary can lead to a December 12 runoff for the seat.5
Record and controversies
Lawsuit over ethics administrator hiring
In 2024, Cathey and Democratic Senator Regina Barrow sued to delay the Louisiana Board of Ethics' hiring of a new administrator, arguing that the process lacked transparency.6 A judge dismissed the case on December 2, agreeing with some transparency criticisms but finding no legal basis to halt hiring; the initial open meetings allegation was outside the court's enforcement deadline.6