Potential candidates are already clamoring to run for secretary of state in 2019 after incumbent Tom Schedler announced Wednesday he won’t seek re-election in the wake of a sex scandal, the USA Today Network of Louisiana reports.
At least four current members of the state Legislature and one former state representative—all Republicans—either have said they are interested or have been mentioned as possible candidates.
They include Sen. Gerald Long of Natchitoches; Sen. Mike Walsworth of West Monroe; Rep. Paul Hollis of Covington; Rep. Julie Stokes of Kenner; and former Rep. Bryan Adams of Gretna.
Schedler, a Republican, spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since an employee filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him last month. Schedler vowed to remain in office and fight the allegations, but he said he won’t seek re-election in 2019.
“I’m taking a serious look at the election, but I’m not ready to commit,” Long tells the USA Today Network. Others took a similar approach, with Hollis indicating that he’s “definitely interested” and Walsworth saying he will make a decision about the race later this year.
