5 Reasons Why You Should Run For State House In Louisiana

Louisiana is facing major challenges, with only 26% believing the state is headed in the right direction, and a lack of effective leadership from both parties. The state is consistently ranked low in healthcare, infrastructure, and ethics, with corruption deeply ingrained in its political system. GoodParty.org is offering a free course for those interested in running for office, providing the tools and support needed to make a difference. With the filing deadline fast approaching, now is the time to join GoodParty.org's Academy and make a change for Louisiana. So here are 5 reasons why you should consider the opportunity:

Only 26% of the state thinks Louisiana is headed in the right direction

According to a 2022 report from the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs at LSU and reporting by WWLTV, economy is the most important issue, with 14% placing it in the top spot. 35% of respondents listed the economy as an issue overall Residents reported deteriorating economic conditions overall as well, with 41% of residents saying they are in a worse financial position than they were a year ago. A mere 7% of those surveyed were optimistic about good business conditions in a year's time, while 80% believed that high unemployment and depression were more probable in the next five years than a flourishing economy. These results suggest that the majority of respondents are looking for answers about the future and eager for new options to brighten their outlook on Louisiana.

Big issues aren’t being addressed by the state government

Louisiana needs a new generation of political leadership who are committed to solving the problems of the present and the future. In today's hyperpartisan political environment, the authoritarian politics of the state Republicans and the complete disorganization of the state Democrats means that very little problem solving is actually getting done. The failures of our two-party system of government are very clearly on display in Louisiana politics. It’s a mess, and voters are hungry for an alternative. This is a great opportunity to run as an independent to position yourself outside of the two-party system.

Louisiana is consistently plagued by corrupt politicians

From the LSU Revellie: “Look at every bill that’s passed in this last year... What you’ll find is if it isn’t backed by deep-pocket, corporate special interests, it didn’t have much of a shot, but that’s okay—we’re Louisiana, we’re going to keep on keeping on.”

 This has to end. The state is consistently ranked in the bottom of many categories of development across the board. This includes being ranked 46th in healthcare, 47th in infrastructure, and poor performance in many other metrics. This is the result of a gutted out government that does not have the people’s best interests at heart but rather the interests of career politicians and their friends. The Washington Post named Louisiana the 3rd most corrupt state, and in a 2015 state integrity investigation by the Center for Public Integrity, the state received an F grade. As a first-time candidate, you’ll be a breath of fresh air from the toxic relationships with corporate interests that plagues the state house and be able to position your campaign as such.

… And this corruption is not just limited to special interests

When state politicians are not using the power given to them by their constituents to make their lives better, they’re working on getting a payday for themselves.  There’s currently a bill that’s about to be passed in the state house that will raise the salary of elected representatives by $23,000 a year. If you were only competent 26% of the time, would you get a massive pay raise like this? Didn’t think so. Exposing state politicians rewarding themselves like this with zero return is a compelling pitch for a first time candidate to voters.

There is a path to win elections as an Independent

Louisiana is one of the few states that elects their statewide and state legislative candidates using nonpartisan primaries. Independents running in Louisiana get to compete on level ground with the Republicans and Democrats. And, instead of running in a closed primary where the most partisan voters often determine who wins an election, a nonpartisan primary is open to everyone who wants to participate. Independents often are uniquely able to build coalitions of voters by reaching out across the political spectrum instead of only reaching voters in a political base. Even more crazy, last time elections were held- nearly 40% of the elections went uncontested. Too many elections in Louisiana will be decided simply because there are no alternatives running this year. It’s an excellent time for independents to rise up and challenge the system so that no race gets won simply because of a lack of competition.