Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder will run for governor, Billy Nungesser opts out

Louisiana Republican Treasurer John Schroder is running for governor, joining Attorney General Jeff Landry as the second statewide-elected GOP official in the race, while Republican Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is opting out to run for reelection.

Schroder, who launched a soft campaign last year, had originally set an official announcement date of Jan. 12, but he let supporters know Monday he's making the race.

"This campaign is not going to be an easy one," he said. "We expect a crowded field and know we will have to buck the entrenched political establishment to win, but it is a fight worth fighting for the future of Louisiana.

"(Wife) Ellie and I did not come about this decision lightly. When looking at the challenges our state is facing, we feel we can no longer sit on the sidelines.

"We must build faith in government through transparency and accountability. We have suffered long enough for our reputation as a politically corrupt, crime-ridden, unhealthy and uneducated state!"

Nungesser had said he would announce his decision Tuesday, but KPEL obtained the following statement from Nungesser Monday: "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."

The Louisiana lieutenant governor's office coordinates tourism for the state.

Schroder said he will have an official campaign kickoff event for supporters Feb. 9 at The Fleur De Lis Event Center in Mandeville.

Last week Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy opted out of the race, triggering a flurry of activity since then.

Two-term Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, is term-limited and can't run for reelection.

Edwards' Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson, a Democrat, is considering the race.

Among the other Republicans considering: Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves; state Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell; and state Rep. Richard Nelson of Mandeville.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Louisiana governor race takes shape: John Schroder in; Billy Nungesser out