Major endorsements line up for Shawn Wilson to become Louisiana's next governor
Louisiana's most notable leaders and the Democratic Party are backing Shawn Wilson, Ph.D, for governor. Election Day is October 14.
Shawn Wilson, Ph.D, led Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development Secretary from 2016 until March 2023 when he announced his candidacy for governor. As a state employee, he has worked under Democratic and Republican administrations. He has a doctorate in public administration and is executive director of Louisiana Serve Commission and president of American Associations of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
As of June 23, three months shy of the October 14 election, he has garnered endorsement from prominent state and local leaders including Governor John Bel Edwards, Congressman Troy Carter, State Senator Gerald Boudreaux, State Senator Jay Luneau, Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis, State Senator Cleo Fields, Baton Rouge Mayor President Sharon Weston Broome, New Orleans City Council vice president Helena Moreno, civil rights activist and former U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers Jr., former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and the Louisiana Democratic Party.
Here’s what these leaders are saying about Wilson:
"Today, I am proud to endorse Shawn Wilson. When I was elected Governor, the only person I wanted to serve as your Transportation Secretary was Shawn Wilson. Shawn's reputation speaks for itself. He's spent his career bringing people together to accomplish the most difficult tasks. In his seven years as Secretary, he has overseen the implementation of the largest infrastructure investments in our state's history. We are finally tackling the infrastructure projects we have dreamed about for decades. His success in this role was only possible because he works with anyone, regardless of political party, to get things done," said GOVERNOR John Bel Edwards. “Shawn shares my belief that we should put what's best for our people before what's best for our political parties. If we're going to continue to move Louisiana in the right direction, we need Shawn as our next Governor. He's exactly the type of leader who will bridge the partisan divides that too often take hold of our politics. "
"I’m proud to endorse a fellow native son of Algiers. Shawn Wilson's tenure at the DOTD was nothing short of exemplary. When the wheels of government move effectively, they run like the department he ran over the last seven years," said CONGRESSMAN TROY CARTER. "Shawn doesn't play politics. He is a Louisiana leader that has had a national impact on all of transportation. He collaborates with everyone, is innovative, and achieves for the people."
“I enthusiastically endorse Shawn Wilson for Governor! He has a vision for the future of Louisiana that puts our people first. I've witnessed Shawn consistently prioritize community input when developing projects. More than anything, Shawn shares my vision that Louisiana’s consumers need an advocate at every level of government. From high insurance rates to high utility costs, we need more leaders like Shawn who share my vision that everyone - especially the most vulnerable - need fighters for them in government. He has a good heart that I look forward to seeing our to good use with him as our next Louisiana Governor," said PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER DAVANTE LEWIS
"Shawn Wilson is an ally in our fight for equal pay for equal work, improved maternal healthcare outcomes, and addressing sexual assault," said New Orleans City Council VP Helena Moreno. "Having an effective champion for women in the Governor's office means a brighter future for Louisiana overall. I'm proud to say that Shawn Wilson has my enthusiastic support for his campaign," said NEW ORLEANS CITY COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT HELENA MORENO
"Dr. Shawn Wilson shares my passion for securing healthcare, jobs, and education for the middle class and underserved communities," said STATE SENATOR CLEO FIELDS. "He is the candidate who most accurately represents Louisiana as a whole, one who searches for the solutions that benefit the majority of Louisianans, understands both rural and urban populations, and has served under both Democratic and Republican administrations. I’m proud to endorse him and get to work."
"I have nothing but admiration for the way in which Dr. Shawn Wilson brings people from the entire political spectrum to accomplish his goals. The people of Louisiana, especially vulnerable populations have all benefited from the thoughtful detail and ambition Dr. Wilson utilized working for state government. I am optimistic about how well that will translate as the state's top executive. Our people will make significant progress by electing Dr. Shawn Wilson as Governor," said CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND FORMER US SENATE CANDIDATE GARY CHAMBERS JR.
"Shawn Wilson is a proven leader that worked across the aisle as Transportation Secretary to spearhead more than $5 billion in infrastructure investments, building more than 160 bridges and 7,000 miles of road repairs. He is a man of high character that knows how to get the job done. As Governor, Shawn will build on Governor John Bel Edwards’ progress for our state…Wilson is the lone hope for progress-Louisiana Democrats stand strong and united in our support for Dr. Wilson,” Louisiana Democratic Party chairwoman KATIE BERNHART released in a statement. “The stakes could not be higher. That's why the Democratic State Central Committee voted 96-0 to suspend the rules and endorse Shawn Wilson for Governor ahead of the August qualifying date.The Democratic State Central Committee sent a clear message today: Democrats are united in our commitment for progress and so is Shawn Wilson. It's time for all of us to get behind Shawn Wilson to make him the next Governor of Louisiana."
"Dr. Shawn Wilson has been one of the most effective leaders Louisiana has had in recent history. The billions of dollars he helped secure from federal programs as Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development Secretary have shaped our great state's growth and development for the better. His willingness to work with anyone to accomplish commonsense improvements for Louisianans will serve our state even better when he is elected Governor," said FORMER U.S. SENATOR MARY LANDRIEU