If you’re wondering who is the louisiana governor right now, the name you need to know is Jeff Landry. He’s a Republican, a former attorney general, and honestly, probably one of the most polarizing figures the state has seen in decades. He took over the keys to the governor's mansion in January 2024, replacing John Bel Edwards, and he hasn't exactly been "quiet" since moving in.
Landry didn't just win; he dominated. He cleared the 50% hurdle in the primary, which in Louisiana's weird "jungle primary" system means he didn't even have to face a runoff. That's a huge deal. It gave him a massive mandate right out of the gate, and he’s been using it like a sledgehammer to reshape how Louisiana functions.
The Man Behind the Desk: Who is Jeff Landry?
Jeff Landry isn't some career politician who grew up in ivory towers. He’s from St. Martinville—small-town Louisiana through and through. Before he was the louisiana governor, he wore a lot of different hats. He was a police officer. A sheriff’s deputy. He served in the National Guard during Operation Desert Storm. He even ran a successful business before diving into law and politics.
That background matters because it’s exactly how he talks. He doesn’t sound like a focus-grouped consultant; he sounds like a guy who’s ready to have a heated debate over coffee at a local diner.
You’ve probably seen him on the national news lately. Why? Because he’s leaning hard into "culture war" issues that get people talking. Whether it's the Ten Commandments in schools or overhauling the state's tax code, he’s not shy about his conservative roots.
👉 See also: Otay Ranch Fire Update: What Really Happened with the Border 2 Fire
A Year of "Firsts" and Big Moves
Since he became the louisiana governor, the pace of change has been dizzying.
- The Execution Protocol: In early 2025, Landry's administration finalized a new protocol for executions, ending a 15-year hiatus in the state. Louisiana actually became the second state to use nitrogen hypoxia—a move that sparked massive legal and ethical debates nationwide.
- The Ten Commandments Law: This was a huge one. He signed a law requiring every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. He famously said, "I can't wait to be sued," and well, he got his wish. It's currently tied up in the courts, but it sent a clear message about his priorities.
- Education Reform: He pushed through the "LA GATOR" scholarship. Basically, it’s a school choice program that lets public money follow the student to private or charter schools. To some, it’s "educational freedom." To others, it’s "gutting public schools." There’s not much middle ground there.
Is He Fixing the Economy?
Louisiana has struggled for a long time. People leaving the state, high poverty, the whole bit. Landry’s big pitch is that he’s making the state "competitive" again.
He’s currently obsessed with the state's tax code. And I mean obsessed in a way that actually might change your paycheck if you live here. Just a few days ago, in mid-January 2026, he stood at a podium and reiterated his goal: eliminating the state income tax entirely.
He’s already moved the needle. In 2024, he signed a package that flattened the income tax to 3% and slashed the corporate tax rate. He wants Louisiana to look more like Florida or Texas—states that attract people because they don't take a bite out of their income every month.
✨ Don't miss: The Faces Leopard Eating Meme: Why People Still Love Watching Regret in Real Time
But—and there’s always a "but" in politics—critics are worried. To pay for those income tax cuts, the state raised the sales tax to 5%. If you’re wealthy, the income tax cut is a win. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, paying more for groceries and clothes because of a higher sales tax feels like a punch in the gut.
The Watchdog Shake-up
One of the most recent "wait, what?" moments happened just this week. Landry replaced the state’s longtime Inspector General, Stephen Street. Street had been there since 2008, serving under Republican and Democrat governors alike.
Landry wants to change the whole role. He thinks the office overlaps too much with other auditors. He even wants to strip the office of its "law enforcement" status. To his supporters, it’s cutting government waste. To his detractors, it’s a move to weaken the people who are supposed to keep an eye on him.
The 2026 Outlook
What’s next? Well, we’re in 2026 now, and it’s a big year for the louisiana governor.
🔗 Read more: Whos Winning The Election Rn Polls: The January 2026 Reality Check
There’s a massive fight brewing over the state’s congressional maps. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently looking at whether Louisiana’s maps—which currently feature two Black-majority districts—are constitutional. Landry’s administration is pushing to potentially redraw them again, which could have huge implications for the 2026 midterm elections.
In fact, he just signed a law moving the spring 2026 election dates back just to give the legislature more time to react to whatever the Supreme Court decides. It’s a high-stakes game of political chess.
What This Means for You
If you live in Louisiana or are thinking of moving here, the louisiana governor is basically rebuilding the state’s engine while the car is still moving.
What you should watch for:
- The March Legislative Session: Landry is planning to push even more changes to government oversight and the tax code starting March 9.
- Your Sales Tax: Keep an eye on those receipts. The 5% state rate is now in effect, and combined with local taxes, some cities are seeing rates over 10%.
- The Courts: Almost every major thing he’s done—from school displays to abortion pill restrictions—is being challenged. The "win" for Landry is often just getting the law signed; the real battle happens in the courtroom.
Jeff Landry isn't interested in being a placeholder. He’s a "conviction" politician who believes the state has been heading in the wrong direction for decades. Whether you think he’s the savior the state needs or a disaster in the making, you can’t argue that he’s not doing exactly what he said he’d do.
Practical Next Steps
- Check your most recent pay stub to see how the new 3% flat tax has impacted your take-home pay compared to last year.
- If you're a parent, look into the LA GATOR scholarship deadlines if you're considering a move to a private or parochial school for the next academic year.
- Mark March 9 on your calendar—that's when the next round of big legislative changes starts in Baton Rouge.