Former Louisiana Congressman John Fleming likely to enter treasurer’s race

Former Congressman John Fleming, R-Minden, looks likely to enter the Louisiana treasurer’s race, he said in an interview Wednesday morning.

Fleming has already commissioned a statewide poll on candidacy and is fundraising for a potential campaign. He has also hired two members of a potential campaign team, though he isn’t quite ready to make an official announcement about the race yet. 

“I see this as a good opportunity to re-engage with public service,” Fleming said of running for state treasurer.

The physician and Navy veteran represented northwest Louisiana in Congress for eight years and was a founding member of the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus. He then ran for Louisiana’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2016, losing to Republican John Kennedy.

Fleming also served in President Donald Trump’s administration in multiple capacities. He worked in the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Commerce and as a White House staff member.

Earlier in his career, Fleming also served as the elected Webster Parish coroner.

Fleming said he had been looking at running for lieutenant governor earlier this year. But once Republican incumbent Billy Nungesser announced he would run for reelection, Fleming started more seriously considering the state treasurer’s race.

At least two other candidates are expected to launch a campaign for treasurer. State Rep. Scott McKnight, R-Baton Rouge, has announced he’s running for the office. Democrat Dustin Granger, a small business owner from Lake Charles, is also expected to run.

The current treasurer, Republican John Schroder, is running for governor this year and won’t be eligible for reelection.