So, you're wondering who is governor of Louisiana right now? If you haven't been keeping tabs on Baton Rouge lately, the name you need to know is Jeff Landry. He’s the 57th person to hold the job, and honestly, he hasn't wasted a single second since he was sworn in back in January 2024.
Landry isn't just a politician; he’s a Republican firebrand who’s been around the block. Before he moved into the Governor’s Mansion, he was the state's Attorney General for eight years. Before that, he was a U.S. Congressman, a sheriff's deputy, and even a small business owner in the oil and gas sector. He’s basically lived the "Louisiana Dream" in a way that resonates with a lot of people in the parishes, even if he ruffles a few feathers in the process.
The Man Behind the Desk: Who is Jeff Landry?
To understand why he does what he does, you kinda have to look at where he came from. Landry grew up in St. Martinville. His mom was a schoolteacher, and his dad was an architect. He’s a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and spent years in the National Guard. That military and law enforcement background? It shows up in almost every policy he touches.
He’s married to Sharon Landry, and they’ve got a son named JT. When he isn't signing bills, he's usually out hunting or fishing—standard Louisiana stuff, really. But don't let the hobbies fool you; he’s a legal heavyweight with a degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. He knows the rulebook inside and out, which is why he’s so effective at pushing his agenda.
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A Historic Win
Landry didn't just win; he dominated. He secured his spot in the primary without even needing a runoff. That hasn't happened in Louisiana in decades. It was a clear signal that the state was ready to pivot away from the era of John Bel Edwards, the conservative Democrat who preceded him.
What’s He Actually Doing? (The Big Policies)
If you live in Louisiana, you’ve probably felt the "Landry Effect" already. He hit the ground running with a "tough on crime" special session early in 2024. He basically rolled back a bunch of previous reforms, making it harder for folks to get parole and increasing penalties for carjackings.
The 3% Flat Tax
This is a huge one. As of January 1, 2025, Louisiana moved to a flat income tax rate of 3%. Landry and his supporters, like political analyst Bernie Pinsonat, argue this makes the state more competitive with neighbors like Texas or Florida. Critics worry about the budget hole it might leave, but for now, the governor is betting big on supply-side economics.
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The "Ten Commandments" Controversy
You might have seen this on the national news. Landry signed a law requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. He famously told parents who didn't like it to just "tell your child not to look at them." It’s currently tied up in the courts, but it solidified his status as a champion for the religious right.
Recent Moves in 2025 and 2026
We’re now in 2026, and Landry is still leaning into his "Promises Made, Promises Kept" slogan. Just a few months ago, in late 2025, he appointed Dr. Evelyn Griffin as the new Surgeon General. He’s also been dealing with some pretty heavy stuff:
- The Federal Shutdown: In October 2025, he had to navigate a mess where SNAP benefits were threatened because of a deadlock in D.C.
- Louisiana Lockup: He launched a program called "Camp 57" (or Louisiana Lockup) specifically aimed at illegal immigration and fugitives.
- Insurance Reform: He’s been trying to lure auto insurers back to the state to lower those sky-high premiums we all pay. General Motors Insurance recently moved in, which was a win for his administration.
Why People Are Talking About Him
It’s not all smooth sailing. Landry has been criticized for getting a little too "involved" in things like LSU athletics. Remember the whole live tiger on the field for the 2024 Alabama game? Yeah, that was his idea. People also point to his feud with Congressman Garret Graves during the redistricting process as a sign of his "my way or the highway" approach.
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But honestly, his base loves it. They see a guy who isn't afraid to fight the "woke mob" (his words, not mine) and someone who actually wants to shrink the government. He’s currently working on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which he calls a "standstill" budget—meaning he’s trying to cut out the fat and stop the "one-time items" that usually bloat the books.
Jeff Landry's Political Journey
- 2011–2013: U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd district.
- 2016–2024: Louisiana Attorney General (the guy who fought the COVID mandates).
- 2024–Present: 57th Governor of Louisiana.
What to Watch Next
As we move deeper into 2026, keep an eye on the state's economic numbers. Landry claims he’s moved Louisiana from 31st to 18th in economic outlook. If the jobs keep coming and the tax revenue stays steady despite the flat tax, he’ll be in a very strong position for a second term.
If you’re trying to stay updated on what’s happening at the Capitol, the best thing you can do is follow the official Governor’s Office newsroom. They post every executive order and proclamation there.
Actionable Insights for Louisianians:
- Check Your Tax Withholding: With the 3% flat tax now in full effect, make sure your payroll settings are updated so you aren't overpaying (or underpaying) the state.
- Monitor Education Changes: If you have kids in public school, the "LA GATOR" scholarship program and new school choice reforms are changing how funding works. See if your family qualifies for new options.
- Insurance Shopping: Since Landry’s reforms have brought a few new insurers into the state, now is actually a great time to get some new quotes on your car and home insurance. You might actually save a few bucks for once.
The bottom line? Jeff Landry is a governor who wants to be noticed. Whether you agree with his "Louisiana Lockup" videos or his tax cuts, there's no denying that the state's political landscape has shifted permanently under his watch.