Election 2023
What they’re actually saying: Louisiana’s 7 governor candidates
SHREVEPORT – Now that the Louisiana gubernatorial candidates’ field is finally settling and they have started to do more public appearances, it’s time to look at what the folks running for the state’s top office are actually saying. While it’s still early in the race, the candidates are trying to stake out their political territory […]
Ardoin among GOP officials pushing back against federal election oversight
WASHINGTON — Republican election officials from Florida, Ohio and Louisiana on Friday detailed to lawmakers on a U.S. House Administration panel the success of their states’ handling of the 2022 midterm elections, and said they can run their own elections without federal intervention. The chair of the Elections Subcommittee, Florida GOP freshman Rep. Laurel Lee, […]
Stephen Waguespack announces run for Louisiana governor
The head of state’s top business organization formally informed its board members Thursday he would be stepping down to run for governor. Stephen Waguespack, who’s led the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry for 10 years, enters a crowded field of Republicans already committed to the race. Multiple sources told the Illuminator earlier this week […]
In governor’s race, we’ll see if ‘Wags’ can tail top dog Landry
One of the bigger questions hanging over the 2023 governor’s race has been answered now that Congressman Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, has opted to stay out. His decision came Tuesday morning, just hours after news broke that his good friend and Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack would become a candidate. “After […]
‘Anybody but Jeff’ Republicans may have found a candidate for Louisiana governor
The head of Louisiana’s largest business lobby confirmed Tuesday morning that he’s thinking about running for governor, potentially shaking up a field of Republican candidates who have disappointed some major Republican political donors so far. “My wife and I are taking a look at it – and praying, reflecting and talking to friends,” said Stephen […]
LABI president poised to enter Louisiana governor’s race, sources say
The head of one of Louisiana’s most powerful business groups is expected to enter the governor’s race Thursday, according to a handful of lobbyists and political operatives who spoke on the condition of anonymity Monday night. Stephen Waguespack, who has run the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) since 2013, started to tell board […]
Louisiana now has a prominent Democratic candidate in the governor’s race: Shawn Wilson
Former Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson became the only major Democratic candidate to enter the governor’s race Monday, emphasizing his record of working in a bipartisan manner to build roads and bridges across the state. “We will always face obstacles. To overcome them requires leaders that will work with everyone, at all levels of government, […]
3 talking points from Louisiana’s Republican governor candidates
At this early stage in the governor’s race, the four announced Republican gubernatorial candidates are hitting on similar campaign messages, though offering few specifics about what they would do as governor to solve the state’s problems. State Sen. Sharon Hewitt, Attorney General Jeff Landry, state Rep. Richard Nelson and Treasurer John Schroder appeared at the Louisiana […]
Court agreement lowers threshold for signatures needed to recall Cantrell
NEW ORLEANS – The signature-count threshold needed to trigger a general election to recall Mayor LaToya Cantrell would be lowered from about 50,000 to about 45,000 in a surprising court settlement reached Wednesday between the recall drive organizers and the Secretary of State’s office. The details of the settlement were not immediately available, but a […]
Dustin Granger enters Louisiana treasurer race as Democratic candidate
Personal financial adviser Dustin Granger of Lake Charles became the first Democrat to enter the Louisiana treasurer’s race Tuesday, emphasizing state government should shift away from favoring oil and gas investments and diversify its financial portfolio. “We have been making bad investment decisions for far too long,” Granger said in an interview. “There are so […]
Bond Commission keeps banking options open, despite Jeff Landry’s wishes
Members of the State Bond Commission met Friday and opted against placing any restrictions on the banks Louisiana is allowed to borrow money from based on the institution’s environmental, social or governance views. Concerns that limiting the state’s choice could cost taxpayers in terms of higher interest overcame calls from Attorney General Jeff Landry to […]
Cantrell recall would make significant history in Louisiana
Organizers of a recall petition to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell had until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday to file their petition with the required number of verified signatures to force a special election on the matter. A successful recall in a city this large would be unprecedented, as standards to remove elected officials in many […]