I'm Luke Mixon, a Naval academy and TOPGUN graduate who served as a fighter pilot for 20 years. Now, I'm running against Senator John N. Kennedy because we need real leaders in the U.S. Senate who are willing to put politics aside and work for the people of Louisiana.

People have lost faith in Washington's ability to solve our problems. Why? Because they don't see Washington solving our problems. Instead, they see a bloodsport where everyone blames the other side and nothing gets done. It's all about soundbites, headlines, and the next viral video.

Lost in this chaos is the 70% of us in the middle who don't care about all that nonsense. We just want a decent job, paved roads, clean water, good schools, and a safe neighborhood. We want our elected leaders to work together, make compromises, and get the job done.

As a Navy fighter pilot, I launched and landed a 25 ton aircraft at 150 miles per hour on a moving runway the size of a football field. That takes skill and concentration, but it also takes a lot of teamwork. Unfortunately, we don't see a lot of teamwork in Washington.

For six years, we've gotten nothing but soundbites from Senator Kennedy. And here's the truth: not one of those TV interviews has repaved a road, decreased traffic, improved literacy rates, or reduced crime. In fact, Kennedy voted against new roads, clean water, better bridges, improved drainage, good jobs, internet access for rural Louisiana, and safer communities.

And that's the story with Senator Kennedy: A lot is said, but not much is done.

As your next Senator, I will work across the aisle to deliver results. That means increasing the production of oil, gas, and renewable energy to create good jobs and lower costs for Louisiana families. I will address crime by investing in our police departments, enabling them to hire more officers, improve training, and build better relationships with the communities they serve.

I will work tirelessly to improve public education, lower the cost of healthcare, prescription drugs, and childcare for working families.

Finally, if we lose our democracy, nothing else matters. Senator Kennedy's vote to overturn our election on January 6th was un-American. I will fight to defend our democracy and protect voting rights, just as I did for two decades as a Naval Officer and fighter pilot.

There's a lot at stake in the election this November. We can't afford to double down on divide and conquer politics. Louisiana needs a responsible leader who will put Louisiana families first and our country above all else. I can be that leader, but I can't bring about change on my own. It's going to take all of us. It's going to take teamwork. Only WE can move Louisiana forward and fix our broken politics.

Photo Luke Mixon