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, writes Louisiana Illuminator.
“My wife and I are taking a look at it—and praying, reflecting and talking to friends,” says Stephen Waguespack, who runs the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. “This is one of the most important elections in generations here. … We’re going to take our time and think through it, but we don’t have a decision yet.”
Others say Waguespack has already made up his mind and began telling members of LABI’s executive committee this week that he will enter the race. He’s expected to announce his campaign Thursday, just seven months shy of Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary.
Waguespack’s potential run is the latest sign that many in the conservative business community aren’t happy with the current options for governor.
There are already four GOP candidates in the race: Sen. Sharon Hewitt, Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder and Rep. Richard Nelson. Former Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, a Democrat, and wealthy attorney Hunter Lundy, a political independent, have also launched campaigns.
None has been able to unite the corporate business community. A few wealthy Republicans in the donor class are particularly concerned about Landry, who has far more campaign cash on hand than other candidates and acts as the presumptive frontrunner in the race.
