After months of speculation, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy announced this morning that he won’t run against Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2019, a decision that removes a formidable opponent from the Louisiana governor’s race and leaves Republicans scrambling without a well-known contender.
The announcement, made in a press release, came as a shock to many.
The Republican senator, a political figure for three decades, has long eyed the governor’s seat, and suggestions he would challenge Edwards began nearly as soon as he was elected to the U.S. Senate two years ago. His popularity with voters and prodigious fundraising skills would have made him a strong challenger as Republicans try to unseat the Deep South’s only Democratic governor.
But Kennedy, 67, has quickly raised his profile in Washington D.C., giving him more of a footing in Congress than would have been expected. In his statement, Kennedy says he decided against entering the race because he thinks he can best serve Louisiana in Washington.
“I love being in the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for governor in 2019,” Kennedy says. “I will, however, continue to work hard every day in D.C. and Louisiana for jobs, economic growth, cheaper health insurance, a stronger military and an end to government waste.”
