Landry continued his political journey and was elected as Louisiana’s Attorney General in 2015. In this role, he became known for his staunch conservative positions, particularly in social debates over abortion and LGBTQ+ issues.
Landry’s tenure as Attorney General set the stage for his gubernatorial ambitions.
Jeff Landry’s Most Recent Election Victory
On October 5, 2022, Landry announced his candidacy for Governor of Louisiana in the 2023 election. His campaign garnered significant endorsements, including from the Republican Party of Louisiana and former President Donald Trump. Despite facing an ethics charge in September 2023 related to accepting gifts and unreported flights, Landry dismissed these allegations as “election interference.” In the primary election held on October 14, 2023, he secured a decisive victory with 52% of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff. His closest competitor, Democrat Shawn Wilson, received 25% of the vote. Landry’s inauguration occurred on January 7, 2024, at the Louisiana State Capitol.
Jeff Landry’s Key Proposals and Policies
Since assuming office, Governor Landry has implemented a series of policies reflecting his conservative platform:
- Criminal Justice Reform: In March 2024, Landry signed bills reversing previous criminal justice reforms. These laws eliminated parole for certain offenses, reduced the ability of inmates to earn good behavior credits, increased penalties for crimes like carjacking, and introduced additional execution methods, including nitrogen gas and electrocution.
- Second Amendment Rights: Landry has been a vocal advocate for gun rights. He signed legislation allowing individuals aged 18 and older to carry concealed handguns without a permit, emphasizing self-defense and constitutional rights.
- Education and Religious Expression: In June 2024, he enacted a law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Landry defended this move as a return to foundational values, despite facing legal challenges from civil liberties groups.
- Abortion: Landry has reinforced Louisiana’s strict abortion laws, criminalizing the possession of abortion pills without a prescription and eliminating exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
Jeff Landry’s Key Vetoes
Governor Landry has exercised his veto power on several notable occasions:
- Legal Reform Measure: In June 2024, he vetoed House Bill 423, a legal reform measure that had received bipartisan support.
- Political Deepfakes Legislation: Landry vetoed a bill to criminalize the use of AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns, citing concerns over free speech implications.
- Food Desert Bill: He also vetoed Senate Bill 287, designed to address food deserts by providing healthy food options in underserved areas, a move that drew criticism from various community organizations.
Jeff Landry’s Stances on Economic Issues
Governor Landry’s economic policies are rooted in conservative principles:
- Tax Reform: He has advocated for overhauling the state’s tax laws to create a more business-friendly environment. This includes proposals to lower income taxes and increase tax deductions for seniors.
- Business Advocacy: Landry has emphasized reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, aiming to stimulate economic growth and attract new industries to Louisiana.
Jeff Landry’s Stances on Social Issues
On social matters, Landry maintains traditional conservative views:
- LGBTQ+ Issues: As Attorney General, Landry blocked attempts to include protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in state contracts and has continued to oppose initiatives expanding LGBTQ+ rights.
- Religious Expression: Landry supports the integration of religious elements into public institutions, exemplified by his mandate to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Jeff Landry’s Controversial Actions
Governor Landry’s tenure has been marked by several contentious actions:
- Castration Law: In August 2024, he signed a law mandating surgical castration for individuals convicted of sexually abusing children under 13. This law has been heavily criticized by human rights organizations as inhumane.
- Terrorist Attack Response: Landy was criticized in the wake of the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Eve, after he posted a cheery photo of himself at a steakhouse in the city hours after 15 people were killed.