BATON ROUGE, La. — On Monday, John Bel Edwards delivered his final 'End-of-Year' address of his two-term run as Louisiana Governor.
Gov. Edwards hosted the annual press conference at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge.
During the address, which is his last scheduled event of 2023, and second-last as governor, Edwards touted his administration's success over the past eight years.
He also voiced support for Gov.-elect Jeff Landry, and said he would "never say never'" in terms of someday seeking political office again – including the gubernatorial seat.
"I don't leave here intending to run for office," Edwards told media when asked about his future plans. "I don't say never, because I don't know exactly what my situation is going to be like with Donna and the family. I also don't know what the situation is going to be with the state.
"And some people will find this hard to believe, I am genuinely pulling for Jeff Landry," he continued. "I want him to do a wonderful job. He will be the governor of the same state that I have been governor of, and his constituents will be the same as my constituents.
"I'm not going anywhere," Edwards reassured in conclusion. "I'm a Louisianan and our grandchildren are going to be raised here. I'm going back into private business, I really want this to be successful.
"So, as I leave here, I don't leave intending to run again, whether it be governor or something else, but at the same time. I just don't say never, because you don't know what the situation will be. And I guess I love our state too much."
The governor’s farewell address will be held in his hometown of Amite, La., on Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
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