Senator John Kennedy (R) November 8, 2022.
In an email to supporters, Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy said he is not running for governor and will stay in DC to represent the Bayou State. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford said his decision brings the focus back to where we were in the fall with about a dozen different politicians considering a gubernatorial run.
“Kennedy kind of inserted himself into the conversation and put everyone’s plans on hold until he announced. So now the attention turns to other people and now we’re waiting on other people but we’re not going to have to wait long,” said Alford.
So far Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry and Independent personal injury attorney Hunter Lundy are officially running. Alford said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is expected to announce his candidacy on Tuesday, his 64th birthday.
“He said that the decision is weighing on him, that he loves his current job, and that it’s a tough decision, but I think he may be leaning towards running. The next day on Wednesday, John Schroder, our State Treasurer is expected to make his announcement,” said Alford.
Alford said Republicans Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt are others considering a run for governor.
And with Kennedy no longer a factor in the governor’s race, Alford said the focus shifts to Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves.
“He has kind of been flirting with the governor’s race on and off over the past year and he’s refused to kind of show his hand in any way shape or form, and now he’s certainly going to have to,” said Alford.
Alford said the only role Kennedy will play in the 2023 governor’s race is who he’ll endorse.
As for Democrats, Alford said DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party Katie Bernhardt are considering entering the race.
Comments