2023 is an election year in Louisiana, with most of the focus on the race for governor.
Gov. John Bel Edwards is term limited and can’t run again. Several candidates have indicated interest in running for governor, but much of the early focus has been on two Republicans. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has already announced his candidacy for governor. U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, who has been considering a run for governor, has said he won't run.
Democrat Shawn Wilson, secretary of the state Department of Transportation and Development, has indicated that he is also running for governor.
Most other statewide offices will also be on the ballot this year.
At the parish level, the largest question is: Who’s running for parish president?
Current Washington Parish president Richard Thomas Jr., is retiring. He will have served for 16 years as parish president when he steps down this summer. He was first elected in 2007, and was re-elected in 2011, 2015, and 2019. Thomas previously served on the Washington Parish School Board before being elected as parish presidemt.
One candidate has already thrown her hat into the ring to succeed Thomas. Republican Sarah Cook, secretary for the Parish Council, announced her candidacy for parish president in December.
State Rep. Malinda White of Bogalusa is expected to join the race soon. White, a former Democrat, recently changed her party affiliation to Republican.
With White running for parish president, there will be a wide open race to replace her as state representative. So far, the only candidate to say he is definitely interested is John Wyble, president of the Washington Parish School Board. But several others are reportedly mulling the race.
Definitely seeking re-election in 2023 are State Sen. Beth Mizell and Sheriff Randy Seal, both of whom have told The Era-Leader that they are absolutely running for reelection.
Also expected to run again in 2023 are Parish Clerk of Court Johnny Crain Jr and Parish Assessor Jimbo Stevenson.
Sen. Mizell said that with the governor’s race topping the ballot, “2023 will be interesting for sure!”
She added, “This will be an exciting year with major changes in the Legislature and the Governor's office. With these changes come a real opportunity to address some of Louisiana's issues and get our state in a stronger position economically and for our people statewide.”
Sen. Mizell is term-limited, and if she wins re-election it will be to her last term.
The primary will be held on October 14, with runoffs, if necessary, on November 18.
Candidates will file from August 8 through August 10.
