The recent debate for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District, hosted by KALB-TV in Alexandria, provided a clear contrast in leadership, with only two candidates stepping up to the plate: Quentin Anthony Anderson of Baton Rouge and Peter Williams from Lettsworth. The absence of state Sen. Cleo Fields and Republican former state Sen. Elbert Guillory was notable, especially considering their status as party-endorsed candidates. Their decision to skip the debate left voters with a unique opportunity to hear in-depth from two candidates who are committed enough to the district’s future to show up.

A Fresh Voice for Change

Quentin Anthony Anderson made a compelling case for why he should be the next representative for the 6th District. Quentin’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and bold representation resonated throughout the debate. He criticized the current political culture in Louisiana, which he described as regressive and riddled with cronyism and nepotism, noting that this culture is a major factor in the state’s brain drain and economic stagnation.

Quentin’s approach to bipartisanship was grounded in a return to “regular order” in Congress—a system where every bill starts in committee, allowing for broader input and reducing the influence of party leadership. He argued that this method would empower individual members of Congress to truly represent their districts’ interests, rather than being beholden to party leaders.

Addressing the Needs of the District

Throughout the debate, Anderson demonstrated his deep understanding of the diverse needs of the 6th District, which stretches from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. He spoke about the importance of listening to constituents and making their priorities his own, whether it’s supporting the farm bill, addressing the housing crisis in North Louisiana, or ensuring the completion of critical infrastructure projects like the Comite River Diversion Canal.

One of the most pressing issues discussed was the brain drain affecting Louisiana. Anderson argued that the solution lies not just in creating jobs, but in changing the state’s political culture to make it more attractive for young people to live and work in Louisiana. He emphasized the need to address the systemic issues that make the state seem backward and unwelcoming, such as regressive policies and a lack of diversity in leadership.

Healthcare as a Right

Healthcare was another major topic of discussion, with Anderson reaffirming his belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. He advocated for a return to a robust public health system, such as Louisiana’s defunct charity hospital system, to ensure that all residents have access to quality care, regardless of their ability to pay. Quentin also expressed strong support for a Medicare-for-all system or, at the very least, the inclusion of a public option in the healthcare marketplace to lower costs and increase accessibility.

A Call for Bold, Unapologetic Representation

In his closing statements, Quentin urged voters to think critically about their choice in this election. He highlighted the importance of electing someone who is not only representative of the district but is also willing to fight unapologetically for the interests of its residents. “Bold, unapologetic representation is what matters,” Quentin said. “It doesn’t matter just to have somebody that looks like you. It matters to have somebody that’s gonna fight for you.”

As the campaign moves forward, Quentin’s strong performance in the debate positions him as a candidate who is not just seeking office but is committed to making real, tangible changes that will benefit all residents of the 6th District. His message is clear: Louisiana needs a representative who will challenge the status quo and fight for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

You can watch the full debate below: