Louisiana Senator John Kennedy isn't interested in pursuing the governor's mansion at this time.
On Wednesday, the Louisiana senator revealed that after he said late last year that he was giving the matter “serious consideration” he intends to continue with his work in the Senate.
“I have looked into my heart and decided to remain in the Senate and not to run for governor,” the senator said in an email, according to the Lafayette Daily Advertiser. “At this juncture, I just think I can help my state and my country more in the Senate.”
According to The Hill, Kennedy was considering a run for governor in the state's off-year election. Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) is term-limited and after winning a second term in the Senate in November, Kennedy released a statement acknowledging he was considering a run for the governor's mansion.
“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 said.
State Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) had already announced he would be running while several other Republicans said they would be making decisions soon.
Other Republicans mulling a bid include Treasurer John Schroder, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, state Rep. Richard Nelson, Rep. Garret Graves and state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, according to the news outlet. State Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson (D) is also considering a bid on the Democratic side.
Louisiana has an Oct. 14 jungle primary, meaning that all candidates will appear on the same ballot. If any one candidate receives at least half the vote outright, they win the election. If no candidate secures at least 50 percent, the two-top candidates head into the general election for a runoff, which is scheduled for Nov. 18.
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I have often thought what a blessing it would be to have Kennedy leader of the Senate Republicans instead of turncoat McConnell. Unbelievably wise, funny & down-to-earth. I’m grateful he’s staying in the Senate, even though he doesn’t represent my state. I wish he did.
We will get no help from Senate Republicans unless we get rid of McConnell, IMHAO. McConnell finally came out of the closet & went directly to join the leftist section of the left Democrats. He will sabotage anything that audits “military” spending in Ukraine & elsewhere & no money to secure the border. Somehow I don’t see his constituents in Kentucky agreeing with him that Ukraine is Republicans’ #1 priority.
We need a Republican leader in the Senate who is not on the McConnell Anti-America squad.