Joseph Cao Eyes Victory in Tight Primary Race
Joseph Cao, currently filling a vacancy on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), won a narrow victory over Ellie Schroder in the Republican primary runoff held Saturday. By 10:15 p.m., most precincts had reported, and Cao led with roughly 52 % of the vote compared to Schroder’s 48 %.
November General Election
The upcoming election will pit Cao against Democrat Angela Hershey for a seat representing District 1, an area that leans heavily Republican. The district spans St. Tammany Parish and portions of Orleans, Jefferson, and Tangipahoa parishes. The winner will complete the term that began when former BESE member Paul Hollis resigned to head the U.S. Mint, running through 2028.
Background on Joseph Cao
- Profession: Lawyer from Metairie
- Political Experience: Former U.S. Congressman for an Orleans district
- BESE Appointment: Named by Governor Jeff Landry after Hollis’s resignation; Landry publicly backed him during the runoff
Ellie Schroder Profile
- Occupation: Retired public school teacher and administrator
- Spouse: Former State Treasurer John Schroder
In the earlier primary, all three candidates—Cao, Schroder, and Mike Hollis (Paul Hollis’s son)—promoted conservative principles. Cao nearly won that contest with 47 % of the vote, while Schroder secured 31 % and Hollis received 22 %.
Common Policy Focus
All three candidates supported LA GATOR, a voucher program that channels taxpayer money to families for private school costs. Governor Landry champions the program, but it lacks sufficient legislative backing to expand.
BESE’s Role and Current Challenges
BESE, composed of 11 members, determines how state funds are allocated to public schools. The board’s current funding formula faces criticism after Governor Landry and lawmakers diverted $168 million from total school funding toward teacher stipends. A court order has stalled this change, forcing districts to make cuts elsewhere. BESE also manages school ratings, student testing, charter authorizations, teacher certification, and other policies shaping education for Louisiana’s 650,000+ public school students.
