One of the two U.S. senators representing Louisiana said on Nov. 14 that he’s thinking about entering the state’s 2023 governor’s race.
“I’ve spent my life and career serving the people of Louisiana,“ Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said in a statement. ”Becky and I raised our family here and are so proud to call it home. But we can’t deny that our great state is facing serious challenges. To meet those challenges, Louisiana families deserve a governor who can lead our state and help solve our toughest problems.
“Over the last year, Louisianans have asked me time and time again to come home to serve as governor during these difficult times. Becky and I love the people of Louisiana. We’ve always listened to them, so I am giving serious consideration to entering the governor’s race. I’ll be announcing my decision soon.”
Kennedy, 70, just won a second term in the midterm elections, receiving 61 percent of the vote. None of his challengers received more than 18 percent.
Before running for the Senate, Kennedy was the state’s treasurer for 17 years.
While Louisiana is a red state, Democrat John Bel Edwards, 56, has been the governor since 2016. He can’t run in 2024 because under Louisiana law, governors can’t serve three consecutive terms.
Republicans sense an opportunity to gain control of the governor’s mansion, and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican, has already announced a gubernatorial bid.
“What we have in Louisiana right now is a complete crisis of leadership, and a lack of priorities,” Landry, 51, a former police officer and congressman, said in an announcement video in October.
He vowed to improve education and crack down on crime if he’s elected.
The Louisiana Republican Party already has endorsed Landry.
Other potential Republican candidates include Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, 63, and state Treasurer John Schroder, 56.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), 65, has also been floated as a candidate.
Nungesser said recently that the early endorsement of Landry “looks more like communist China than the Louisiana we know and love” and said that “there is nothing more conservative ... than competition.”
No Democrats have yet announced their candidacy.
Louisiana has an open primary system, with all candidates appearing on one ballot. If any single candidate receives a majority of the vote, then that candidate wins. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two vote-getters advance to a runoff election, which is called a general election.
