On Tuesday, Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) announced that he will run for governor of Louisiana in 2015 and added that, if elected, it would be his last office – elected or appointed.
“After much thought, prayer, and discussion with Wendy and our children, I have decided to run for governor of Louisiana in 2015,” Vitter said in his announcement video. “I believe as our next governor, I can have a bigger impact addressing the unique challenges and opportunities we face in Louisiana.”
Vitter also said his gubernatorial campaign “will in no way limit the critical work I am doing today in the U.S. Senate” and that representing his constituents “will continue to be my top priority.”
“This will be my last political job, elected or appointed. Period. So my only agenda will be to do what is best for Louisianans,” Vitter continued.
As The Hill notes, Vitter, first elected in 2004, has served two terms in the Senate and would be up for reelection in 2016. Two-term Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who most likely will be a presidential candidate, cannot run for reelection in 2015 because of term limits.
Vitter will not have to give up his Senate seat to run for governor.