February 24, 2023

Friends,

This fall’s governor race is promising to be one of the most expensive campaigns in Louisiana history, with candidates expected to raise and spend an estimated $100 million.

Political experts attribute these high numbers to the state's open primary system, where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. This necessitates higher spends on messaging to stand out in a crowded field.

So far, Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is leading the field with more than $5 million cash on hand entering 2023. "The biggest takeaway from these first campaign finance reports is that Jeff Landry has mastered the art of financing a campaign with three or four accounts in his corner," Jeremy Alford of La Politics said. "I don't think I've ever seen a more organized, sophisticated approach."

Behind Landry for Republican support is Treasurer John Schroder who has raised $2.4 million, Senator Sharon Hewitt at $617,875, and Representative Richard Nelson at $197,346.

Then there's attorney Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles, an Independent who posted $1.65 million. Lundy describes himself as a conservative Christian.

"Our campaign finished #2 in fundraising," Lundy tweeted. "More than a statewide office holder, a powerful state senator, and a prominent state representative. I'm fighting to get things done in this state while the two parties fight each other."

The early efforts of both the Republicans and Lundy leave a lot of catching up to do for Democrat Shawn Wilson, who announced retirement as Edwards' transportation secretary last week with intention to enter the race without formally announcing yet.

The race for governor is a high-stakes affair, with the future of Louisiana on the line. Pray for a “new Louisiana!”

The Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus recently held a weekend retreat to discuss pressing issues for the upcoming legislative session. This was the first time in over a decade that the Caucus had organized such a gathering.

The retreat tackled the lack of pregnancy resources, cybersecurity and library safety for children!

The Caucus was praised by both sides of the aisle for a commitment to improving the lives of women and children in Louisiana. Senator Sharon Hewitt, co-chair of the Caucus, stated,"We're having a very important conversation about how we can improve our state and really tackle some tough issues that have not been tackled in the past."

Hewitt also emphasized the importance of faith and prayer in her approach to legislative work. "As a Christian," she said, "I know that we need to be prayerful, and we need to trust in God's plan. I believe that we're doing His work here, and that's why we're seeing so much success."

This faith-based approach to problem-solving and collaboration within state government seems to be catching on in Louisiana!

Friends, for a little bit of good news: Gallup reports that “83% of Americans are at least somewhat satisfied with their personal life” and broad majorities of U.S. adults likewise report they are satisfied with nine specific aspects of their lives.

Between 81-90% of U.S. adults are either “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with their family life, current housing, education, job, community and personal health, while 71-77% express the same degree of satisfaction with the amount of leisure time they have, their standard of living and their household income.

But Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1Timothy 6:6-7)

Go ahead and give Him thanks! We have work to do but we have His favor on our lives too!

In His Service,

Gene Mills
President
Louisiana Family Forum