NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced he will not be running for the seat of Louisiana Governor but instead looking to keep his current seat.

The Lt. Governor announced Monday ( Jan.9) his intention to seek re-election. In a letter to supporters he stated how much of an honor it is to introduce the world to Louisiana from the position of Lt. Governor.

“We have enjoyed record-breaking success in tourism, saved our State Parks, saved our museums, and built a hospitality industry in Louisiana that delivered almost $2 billion in annual taxes for our state that our citizens didn’t have to spend.  But the worst pandemic in our lifetime and a series of devastating storms leaves me with unfinished business to bring tourism back to its peak performance, especially for the near 250,000 families who rely on this industry for their livelihoods.  For that reason, and after much thought and prayer, I have decided to seek re-election to the Office of Lt. Governor.”

Earlier this month, news operations across the state reported results from a poll conducted by demographer Greg Rigamer taken in early December which showed Nungesser leading a field of contenders for Governor. The poll indicated Nungesser (R) 23%, Secretary of Transportation and Development Shawn Wilson (D) 23%, Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) 22%, Senator Sharon Hewitt (R) 3%, Treasurer John Schroeder (R)2%, and businessman Hunter Lundy (I) 2%.  The poll also showed that if Nungesser were to run for re-election, 62% of respondents said they would vote for him for another term with only 13% indicating they would consider another candidate.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser

He has stated several times that he will make an official announcement regarding his gubernatorial candidacy on his birthday (Jan. 10), however, Tuesday’s announcement was interrupted when Nungesser says a source leaked the information.

Those vying for the position include Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder, who announced his bid for governor on Monday. They will compete in the Louisiana primaries on October 14 to replace outgoing governor John Bel Edwards.

Candidates interested in running for governor have until August to qualify. Stay up to date with Your Local Election Headquarters here.