Louisiana Republican Congressman Garret Graves is out of the race for Governor of Louisiana. In a letter to constituents posted on social media, Graves says he believes he can better serve Louisiana in the U.S. House.
"The role you've enabled me to play now is to support a governor who will lead and unite our state," wrote Graves.
While Graves' letter does not directly say he is not running, a spokesman confirmed to WWL First News that Graves is not seeking the office.
Graves would have been considered a front-runner had he decided to get in the race. Other Republicans who have announced campaigns include Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, state Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell and state Rep. Richard Nelson of Mandeville.
Shawn Wilson, who recently stepped down as Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, announce his candidacy this week, making him the lone Democrat in the campaign so far.
Lake Charles trial lawyer and minister Hunter Lundy is running as an independent.
