NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Senator John Kennedy, R-La., will not run for Louisiana governor in 2023, according to an email sent to his supporters, LaPoliticsNow's Jeremy Alford Tweeted Wednesday afternoon.
The election to replace two-term, Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards will take place this fall.
"I have looked into my heart and decided to remain in the Senate and not to run for Governor," he wrote in the email. "Senator and Governor are very different jobs.
"At this juncture, I just think I can help my state and my country more in the Senate."
Kennedy's announcement is not really surprising, according to WWL-TV Political Analyst Clancy DuBos.
"Not really. John Kennedy has flirted to run for governor 5 times. Five times he has said, ‘I’m thinking about it,’ and five times he’s said 'thanks, but no thanks.'
"He’s now 71 years old. Running for governor and serving as governor is a lot of hard work. Being in the Senate is kind of a cakewalk. You just show up and give sound bites, especially Kennedy, who is known as Senator sound bite.”
Kennedy's decision could open up the race that so far has unofficially begun with State Attorney General Jeff Landry deciding to run and getting the backing of the state's Republican Party. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is also a likely candidate.
Kennedy was recently re-elected to the U.S. Senate and all Senate positions are key for both parties as the chamber is nearly evenly split, with Democrats having a slight advantage.
Kennedy is a media darling and makes many appearances on national political shows with his folksy, quotable style.