After viral shotgun video backlash, Katie Bernhardt out of Louisiana governor race

Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Katie Bernhardt is out of the 2023 governor's campaign, leaving state Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson as the only Democrat actively considering the race.

Bernhardt, of Lafayette, declined an interview but said in a statement to USA Today Network that she is focusing on elevating the Democratic Party in a deep red Republican state.

“I’m not running for governor or anything else right now," Bernhardt said in the statement. "We’re working to rebuild the Louisiana Democratic Party, which starts with fielding strong, capable candidates for statewide office.

"We know how important this fall’s election is, and we will stop at nothing to keep the governor’s office and win down-ballot races.”

Bernhardt blasted her way into the conversation in January with a campaign video featuring her firing a shotgun to illustrate her firepower that generated a viral social media buzz as well as a backlash from many within her own party who believe as chair she should be promoting candidates other than herself.

Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards is term-limited and can't run for reelection. He is the only statewide elected Democrat in Louisiana.

Wilson, who has served as Edwards' transportation secretary during both terms, is expected to officially join the race soon.

"I've made a decision and I'm enthusiastic about the future, but I'm not ready to officially announce that decision today," Wilson said in an interview with USA Today Network.

The ad featuring Bernhardt was produced and paid for by the Team Louisiana Political Action Committee, which is led and financed by Anthony "AP" Marullo.

Marullo, a Metairie real estate developer who Edwards appointed to the Louisiana Housing Corp. in 2020, said of the ad in a text last month: "When something causes a stir, I believe that it leads to the types of real conversations that lay the groundwork for change."

The ad did create a stir, but much of it was negative.

Though much of the social media criticism directed at Bernhardt came from previous opponents in the more progressive wing of the party, it wasn't limited to those hostile to her leadership.

Democratic state Rep. Travis Johnson of Vidalia, a self-described moderate who supported Bernhardt's bid to lead the state party, resigned his position as first vice chair of the state party after the Bernhardt ad, criticizing her for "self-promotion."

More:In Louisiana, Democratic candidate for governor launches with shotgun video

"The Louisiana Democratic Party is at a standstill because the leader is not committed," Johnson said in a social media post.

Among the Republicans who have already announced their campaigns are Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, state Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell, state Rep. Richard Nelson of Mandeville and Hunter Lundy, an Independent from Lake Charles.

More:Lafayette's Katie Bernhardt elected chair of Louisiana Democratic Party

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

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Katie Bernhardt out of Louisiana governor race after shotgun video backlash