Republican Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder is opting out of next year's governor's race, saying he will stand for reelection in 2019 rather than challenge Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards.
In an interview with USA Today Network Sunday, Schroder's said Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy's surprise announcement last week that he won't run for governor scrambled the field and left an opening he briefly considered taking.
GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham did take the opening left by Kennedy, announcing last week that will run for governor in 2019. He joined wealthy Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone as Republicans in the race.
Schroder is releasing the following statement later Monday morning.
“This past week, due to surprising developments in the 2019 governor’s race, I have received an overwhelming amount of support to consider running." he said. "While I am extremely humbled by the confidence shown in me and my office, I am committed to run for reelection as state treasurer.
"We have accomplished a great deal in the time since I took office, but there is plenty more to do. My plan as state treasurer is the same today as it was the night I was elected and that is to address Louisiana’s spending problems, fight for transparency and protect you the taxpayer."
That's puts state Republican Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell on the clock.
She is the final Republican known to be considering the 2019 governor's race, although others who opted out before Kennedy's announcement could reconsider.
"We're looking at data now to try to determine the best way for me to serve," Hewitt told USA Today Network Sunday. "I'm not putting a deadline on my decision, but it will be sooner rather than later.
"It seems those who have put deadlines on themselves before really haven't been able to honor their own deadlines."
Kennedy postponed his announcement by two days. Abraham originally said he would decide by the first quarter of 2018.
"It's a big decision and I want to make it with as much information as I can secure because I'm only going to run if I believe I can win," Hewitt said. "I know that with my experience as an engineer and problem-solving I have a lot to offer."
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1