grangerforla

Extreme Makeover: Louisiana Democratic Party Edition

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:36:44 GMT

Danny Cherry Jr. March 2024

ANTI-GRAVITY: The warning signs that the 2023 election cycle would be a shit show came early when the Louisiana Democratic Party’s Chair, Katie Bernhardt, released a commercial in January promoting… well, no one is exactly sure what. The video opens up with voters (played by actors) complaining about Louisiana politics, and eventually segues to Bernhardt saying she “remembers when our future was brighter than our past.” She then shoulders a shotgun and appears to shoot a clay pigeon (via multiple cuts), and in the next scene, as a voiceover she says, “Call me Katie, and I’ll call it like I see it.” Some people reasonably figured it was an attempt to position herself as a gubernatorial candidate; Bernhardt stated it was a commercial bringing the party awareness—despite never saying which party she was with. This led to the departure of the party’s vice chair, District 21 Rep. Travis Johnson, and prompted calls for Bernhardt to resign.

She didn’t. Other members of the executive committee could have called for her resignation and stepped in as interim chair. But that didn’t happen either.

Instead, a comedy of errors ensued in the election cycle. Before a single ballot was even cast, the party essentially forfeited the House, failing to run challengers in several Republican-held districts. Then, establishment Democrats like Bernhardt and then-Gov. John Bel Edwards spent more time trying to oust a member of their own party—incumbent Rep. Mandie Landry—just for her to win by almost 40% more votes than her next closest challenger. Then there was the gubernatorial race. Shawn Wilson was a Black candidate in a state where just 34 years ago white voters wanted a former Klansman, David Duke, to be governor—and he was left to fend for himself. Absent the necessary financial support to run competitive races, Democratic electoral efforts floundered.

In contrast, the LAGOP had so much money they couldn’t spend it all during the election cycle. Landry raised $11 million from around 11,000 donors. He even had a fundraiser alongside Donald Trump, who found time to visit Louisiana between several court cases, where the elites of Louisiana could spend roughly $23,000 to take photos with the twice-impeached, four time-indicted, 91-time charged former president. In the month prior to the election, according to Times-Picayune journalist Sam Karlin, the Democrats spent $28,000. The GOP spent $1.2 million—and former Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry won the election.

Now, the executive positions of the state are filled to the brim with a host of far-right politicians, including Treasurer John Fleming, who once said in a complaint about a proposed tax hike by President Obama: “by the time I feed my family, I have maybe $400,000 left over.” If the Democrats had any interest in putting up a fight, they could have simply played that quote on a loop throughout the state.

When picturing the state of not just the Louisiana Democratic Party, but all Democratic parties across the South, I’m reminded of the quote attributed to Lyndon B. Johnson after the signing of the Civil Rights bill: “We may have lost the South for a generation.” More than a generation later, the prophetic remark has come true, turning the entire region into a blood red sea of queer-rights oppression, bigoted rhetoric, and voter rights suppression. As our Southern states slowly become theocratic hellscapes totally absent of laws protecting women’s autonomy and racial equality, the Democrats appear to have fallen asleep at the wheel. Falling in line with others in the Deep South, Louisiana is now essentially a one-party state, with no functional opposition. So how did we get here?

Not so long ago, Democrats dominated Louisiana. Some of the state’s most memorable politicians, including the eccentric Huey P. Long, were Democrats. From 1880 to 1960, Louisiana chose a Democratic nominee for president, except when the State’s Rights Party candidate, Strom Thurmond, won in 1948, and Eisenhower in 1956. A Republican wasn’t elected to the state House from 1920 to 1964. Only one Republican held a statewide office in 1991, and it wasn’t until 2004 that a Republican, David Vitter, won a U.S. Senate seat.

Dr. Robert Collins, Professor of Urban Studies and Public Policy at Dillard University, told me that the root of the Louisiana Democrats’ problem is also a national Democrats’ problem: Democratic voter registration has been dropping all across the South for decades.

According to former GOP chairman Haley Barbour in the Washington Post, over four decades Republicans “built up fundraising and organizing capacities” in the Democrats’ backyards, particularly in the South. By 2016, the GOP had control of 32 statehouses and 33 governors’ mansions. As polarization took over the nation, statewide elections and voter registration broke down along national party lines. People no longer saw a difference between a state party and their national counterparts. Democratic Party registration in Louisiana declined about 20% between 2003 and 2023; between 2015 and December 2023, Democratic voter registration declined by about 182,000 people. Meanwhile, Republicans gained over 191,000 more voters.

But there are other, darker reasons for the Democratic Party’s erosion in the South: their embrace of racial equality. Through the late 1800s to mid-1900s, the Democrats were a party infested with the ideology of Southern white supremacy; Republicans were the party of Black suffrage during Reconstruction.

In 1960, just 13% of white Southern voters saw the Democrats as the party pushing racial integration. Then three years later, JFK spoke out on TV against racial discrimination in the South. Southern Democrat support sank dramatically. By 1964, close to half of Southerners viewed the Democrats as the party of integration. White Southerners left the Democratic Party at a rate of 17% higher than white voters everywhere else from 1958 to 1980. Race was the dominant factor. A study found “before 1963, [white Southerners] were slightly to the left [on domestic policy issues],” and “while the 1960s also saw the political organization of women and other minority groups, the authors find no evidence that white Southerners who have negative views of women, Catholics, or Jews were more likely [to] leave the Democratic Party in 1963. The exodus was specific to those who were racially conservative.”

According to Ken Mehlman, the Republican National Committee chairman in 2005, from the ’70s into the ’90s, “the Democratic Party solidified its gains in the African American community… Some Republicans gave up [and tried to] benefit politically from racial polarization.” Mehlman would later apologize to the NAACP for the GOP using race as a wedge issue, in a gambit known as the Southern Strategy.

Controversial GOP operative Lee Atwater admitted in a leaked call that using racism was a central part to winning the white Southern vote for Republicans. In the call, he lamented that Republicans had to say “cut taxes” or “states’ rights,” instead of just saying “nigger” like they did in years prior. However, he added that the byproduct was still the same: “blacks get hurt worse than whites.”

From there, the GOP set their sights on the Southern states. Louisiana held firm for a while. But in the ‘90s, Louisiana created term limits. Albert Samuels, head of the political science department at Southern University, told WWNO that term limits, which passed in 1995, hurt the Democrats more, and most “were pushed out of [state seats]… which Republicans began to win.”

As voters left the party, so did politicians. Thirty Louisiana lawmakers switched from Democrat to Republican from 2001 to 2019. John Bel Edwards admitted on his radio show he was pressured by President Trump to switch parties.

There are many smaller factors leading to Democratic Party loss of power in the South, but race and people fleeing the party are the largest factors that broke the party. No better quote meets at the fulcrum of both issues than what Charles Melançon, former state Democratic lawmaker and congressman, told WWNO: “white friends started telling me I needed to become a Republican because I was in the party of the ‘N-word.’”

The party’s loss of power in the South led directly to the Louisiana Democrats’ poor performance in 2023. However, calls for the party to reform started long before. One of those critics is Lynda Woolard, Democratic strategist and activist, and an organizer for Blue Reboot. Blue Reboot is a diverse coalition of Democratic activists who are fed up with party leadership. Their end goal is to save the state from Jeff Landry and other extremists in his ranks, and build the Democrats into a competent opposition party.

Their methods primarily involve reforming the party’s governing body: the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC). Blue Reboot candidates want to have Chair Bernhardt replaced, and rebuild the party with new leadership. For the reformers, changing the governing body is crucial because the DSCC elects the party’s chair. The chair has a lot of responsibilities, including recruiting candidates and fundraising—two things they struggled with during the 2023 elections. There were concerns that the current chair didn’t have the skill and experience for her post going back to 2020, which is the last time party elections were held. Woolard said, “The fact that [the executive committee] still are not calling for [Bernhardt] to step down is absolutely mind-boggling.”

The recruitment for Blue Reboot has been a months-long process across the state. It started as a loose network of organizers that began recruiting late spring and early summer in the wake of Bernhardt’s commercial. Woolard is an advisor and one of the organizers of the movement, and sees their process as aligned with the party power structure they are shooting for. “It was a highly collaborative and decentralized process that resulted in a diverse group of candidates who look very much like a cross-section of the people of Louisiana,” Woolard told me.

So far, 108 reform candidates are running for 210 DSCC seats, two seats for each of Louisiana’s 105 House districts. Registered Democratic voters are the ones who choose their district’s DSCC members. The elected DSCC members then vote on the Democratic voters’ behalf for the chair and executive committee members. Those leaders are the ones who will set the tone for the party for the next four years. DSCC members recruit candidates, educate voters, maintain relationships with Democratic Parish Executive Committees, and build programs to recruit Democrats. According to Gambit, of the 95 unopposed seats, nearly half are reform candidates.

The reformers consist of returning DSCC members like Kathy Hurst (DSCC 43A), but also new leaders like Mel Manuel and Jeremy Thompson, co-founders of Queer Northshore. Their group started as a social club but pivoted to activism. They eventually branched out and also co-founded St. Tammany Library Alliance. With fending off book ban attempts in a town where a trans child’s sign was burned down for stating “ban hate, not books,” the duo are no strangers to pushing back against attacks from far-right extremists. Thompson and Manuel are candidates for DSCC seats 77B and 77A respectively; Manuel is also running for Congress against Steve Scalise.

There are members within the collective who identify as progressive, but there is no progressive litmus test for those wanting to join the reform movement. Believing that state legislators should be more focused on the legislature, Woolard added, “[Blue Reboot candidates are] committed to the state party being a strong ally to [state legislators]. We can both have great respect for our elected officials AND inject new leaders into the system. That’s our goal.”

In addition, the reformers want to prepare future Democratic school board members, parish council members, and legislators—an approach referred to by political strategists as building a backbench.

The reformers have kept some aspects of their campaign strategy secret. However, Woolard told me Blue Reboot wanted to support DSCC candidates in every way possible, including helping educate voters on what the DSCC does, and providing data to candidates. Woolard told me that DSCC candidates were advised not to commit to a candidate for chair too early. So far, the field for chair is just Randal Gaines, a recent former state representative, and Bernhardt. Davante Lewis (Louisiana Public Service Commissioner for District 3), is mulling over the idea of hopping in the race.

The obstacles in front of those hoping for a progressive shift in the party may come as much from fellow Democrats as from Republican opposition—establishment Democrats believe Louisiana’s voters don’t want to, in the words of James Carville, “lurch to the left.” The Southern Democrats’ power depletion over the decades has created a serious identity crisis, with the debate between moderates and progressives at its center. Dustin Granger, unopposed DSCC 35B candidate, who also ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer last year, told me, “Gov. John Bel Edwards’ long shot win, along with the rise in Trumpism, has accelerated this crisis” and they are “a party that many don’t know what we stand for.”

In 2022, Gary Chambers, a progressive, and two other Democrats challenged Sen. John Kennedy (himself once a Democrat until switching parties in 2007). Chambers went viral for burning a Confederate flag and smoking a blunt in his political ads. Chambers felt as though he was snubbed by the establishment: After Chambers had already been endorsed by a subcommittee, the central committee circumvented typical procedure in order to endorse all three Democratic candidates. Chambers claims the snub was based on race. Bernhardt defended the endorsements, saying, “It’s a progressive vs. moderate battle, not a racial battle.”

The Democrats’ identity crisis also extends to legislation. The 2023 legislative cycle was nerve-wracking for LGBTQ residents, even with Gov. Edwards’ veto pen giving some solace. But the anti-queer sentiment was bipartisan. Six House Democrats voted in favor of Louisiana’s version of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill: Roy Adams, Chad Brown, Mack Cormier, Kenny Cox, Travis Johnson, and Pat Moore. In addition, eight Democrats voted along with the GOP to overturn Edwards’ veto on the gender affirming care ban bill: Reps. Roy Adams, Robby Carter, Chad Brown, Mack Cormier, Travis Johnson, Dustin Mille, and Sens. Katrina Jackson and Greg Tarver.

Queer teens watched as the GOP upended their lives, with the assistance of some Democrats who were either too ignorant or cowardly to stick up for them. Both are likely in equal measure, with Rep. Kenny Cox stating he didn’t know what LGBT stood for, and Edwards saying some people were scared to vote against the gender affirming care ban. Edwards isn’t off the hook; he is anti-choice, along with other Democrats. This has led some people to consider the Democrats the moderate wing of the GOP.

Multiple reformers believe the solution to the Democrats’ disaster lies in doubling down on progressive ideas. “I’m looking for an unapologetically progressive leader whose vision for the state is one of radical change,” Mel Manuel told me. They added they want a chair who doesn’t shy away from supporting policies like universal basic income, and who notices that citizens are being crushed by low wages, inflation, and high costs of education, health care, insurance, and housing. They added that more and more jobs are being made obsolete by artificial intelligence, and that the bare minimum for the chair, or anyone calling themselves a Democrat, is racial justice, reproductive freedoms, LGBTQ rights, and universal health care.

Granger told me the party needs to “energize the progressive base” and attract independents away from the GOP, as well as “reduce the base GOP energy.” He added, “[Democrats] barely put up a fight” and “pretend we don’t believe in our values… If we’re afraid to be Democrats, why in the world will people want to join us?” Granger, whose platform included ending the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, was the party’s top vote-getter in 2023, receiving over 321,000 votes; Wilson only got about 275,000 votes.

Jeremy Thompson, of Queer Northshore and St. Tammany Library Alliance, echoed similar sentiments about what they want in a chair. But they also told me what their other priorities would be as a member of the DSCC: They want to “give LGBTQ+ folks a voice in our parish and state, and to help keep queer and trans stories alive in our libraries,” and to revitalize the DSCC infrastructure in order to mobilize voters and get the party’s message out.

“[Democrats] have a sleeping machine across the state, and I intend to focus my time on revitalizing this machine,” Thompson said. They have audited the party infrastructure, and roughly 70% of the state’s Democratic Parish Executive Committees (DPEC) were inactive, including not having online activity; and 16% of DPECs currently have no members. The DPECs serve similar functions to the DSCC, but on the parish level. When all DPEC seats are filled, along with precinct captains each DPEC recruits, there’s close to 4,800 Democratic leaders across the state working toward a common goal: getting more Democrats elected through educating and mobilizing voters, and recruiting candidates, amongst other duties. Thompson said, “It’s like an extensive satellite network that no one bothered to repair.”

This state of disrepair was on full view in 2023. Voter turnout for New Orleans in 2023, which is 63% Democrat, was 15%. Statistics on Black voter turnout were more jarring still. Democrats have grown used to just believing that Black people are going to show up no matter what. 2023 was a referendum on that. Slightly less than a quarter of Black voters showed up to vote. Of those who did, 17% voted Republican.

Considering the GOP’s increasing tyranny, the old guard of the Louisiana Democratic establishment are deluding themselves if they think they can siphon support from a party that no longer has voters, but acolytes. Living behind white picket fences high enough to ignore that the world around them is changing, the knee-jerk reaction of the Republican base is to treat anyone outside of their in-group as a threat.

But within their bigotry is a path forward for Democrats: They have a bigger tent. “Louisiana has demographic advantages with women, African Americans, and young people. We have a lot of people ready to build,” Granger told me. “The [voters] who went MAGA aren’t coming back anytime soon… The identity crisis that has plagued us for years must come to an end… [Democrats] are the Jobs Party. We are the party of economic growth. We are the party of unity and building the future.”

This big tent is even obvious to Republicans, who skewer Democrats for “identity politics,” but have been trying (and failing) to recruit diverse candidates to compete. Even they know that their current power grab is not sustainable if they do not open their party up to more Americans.

The farther the GOP goes to the right, the more they box themselves in, especially on abortion and women’s autonomy. Dr. Collins said the party should look to Kentucky for electoral and messaging strategy: “[Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear] was able to win reelection by emphasizing the issue of choice on abortion… then specifically [targeted Democratic] areas of the state.” Similarly to Kentucky, according to a recent survey, 53% of Louisianians don’t agree with the current abortion restrictions.

As of this writing, the Landry administration is moving through its agenda with terrifying speed. He’s sent 150 national guard members to the Texas-Mexico border, targeted the state’s climate change task force, wants the state to resume executions, and has denied federal food aid for Louisiana’s poor, amongst other things.

Many Americans have become disillusioned with the two-party system. However, the disaffection of the majority while engaging the few is how people like Landry get elected. Apathy and nihilism are the spaces in which fascists and authoritarian figureheads thrive. Louisiana needs a strong opposition party. Says Granger, “I’m asking everyone to join us, the time is now.”

For more information on registering to vote, the upcoming election, and the Louisiana Democratic Party, check out sos.la.gov, louisianademocrats.org, and bluerebootla.org.

illustrations by Deanna Larmeu

Vagueness raises red flags for some about proposed constitutional convention

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:34:33 GMT

Theresa Schmidt, April 2024

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - What’s the rush? That’s what some people are asking about a proposed constitutional convention during the last few weeks of this year’s legislative session.

Governor Jeff Landry’s push for such a convention has raised a few eyebrows.

Those who were here for the 1974 Constitutional Convention remember it being a slow process, allowing plenty of input from the people.

Dustin Granger is an advocate for a fair convention.

“Last time we had a constitutional convention, it was over a three-year period to get public input on it and to have the public have a chance to elect delegates for the convention. This time it looks like they are trying to rush it through,” said Granger.

“Talk to the people and tell us what your plan of action is. Because they haven’t done that it makes me worry that this could be a potential power grab by the governor,” he said.

Granger says the constitution provides protections for health money, public education, and the homestead exemption. And he’s afraid there’s an attempt to get rid of those protections ahead of next year’s fiscal session.

“In the fiscal session, there’s a lot of plans to have major tax breaks to wealthy individuals and industries and it looks to me like they want to get rid of those protections and use that to fund some of those very large tax breaks,” said Granger.

Granger thinks the rush and lack of public input suggest they are planning some things that are very unpopular.

We reached out to Governor Landry’s office for an interview or comment from the governor and have not received a response.

The following quote is what he said at the beginning of this session.

“So, let’s rise to that challenge. Let’s create a constitution that is streamlined and emblematic of the core principles that define who we are as a people,” said Landry.

HB 800 to provide for a constitutional convention is pending in the House and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Gov. Landry lays out justification for proposed constitutional convention

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:32:38 GMT

KPLC Digital Team and Theresa Schmidt - April 25, 2024

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Lawmakers may soon change how much Louisianians pay in income tax

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:30:29 GMT

KPLC - Oct. 30, 2024

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - This time next week, Louisiana legislators will be in special session on tax reform .

During the three-week session, they‘ll work on proposed changes to the Constitution and related laws. But some ask, “What’s the rush?”

If the lawmakers approve Gov. Jeff Landry’s proposed tax overhaul, it would lower income taxes for most people and increase other opportunities for state revenue over the next five years.

State Sen. Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles, said it would put Louisiana in a good place.

“We will be perceived by the tax foundation and other think tank groups that we have improved our tax structure in Louisiana, which will make us shine to the rest of the country,” he said.

Fair tax advocate Dustin Granger said he disagrees with the timing.

“I don’t think it’s a good time to fit in or squeeze in a very important session that is very complicated, very sophisticated. We can’t fit all this in just less than three weeks,” he said.

Granger suspects they want to get the proposed constitutional amendment they will hammer out during the session before voters in March.

“March will be a pretty low turnout election. If we’re going to have big changes in our constitution we would want an election where a lot of people are participating,” Granger said.

Abraham said to achieve good progress, voters must cast ballots in March.

“That’s going to deal with exemptions, deal with taking no sales tax away from certain items, increasing the standard deduction. Combining the rainy-day fund and the revenue stabilization fund into one. Those were all constitutionally protected. We have to do away with those in order pass the other bills,” Abraham said.

Landry said the plan would help solve the looming budget shortfall of up to $800 million voters will decide.

Letters: Republicans always working for their rich benefactors

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:22:30 GMT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Dec 5, 2024

Read on NOLA News here

Dec 5, 2024

Republican legislators voted to raise your sales taxes. Wait, what? Aren’t Republicans supposed to be the party of tax cuts? That’s what they claim, but here’s the truth: Republican politicians do cut taxes — just not for you. They cut taxes for themselves and their wealthy corporate donors, and they make up for it by raising regressive sales taxes on everyday people.

Gov. Jeff Landry’s latest tax plan is a perfect example. He won massive corporate tax breaks, including eliminating the franchise tax — one of the few taxes that big corporations actually pay in Louisiana. Getting rid of it will cost us $400 million in annual revenue, benefiting out-of-state shareholders and leaving the rest of us to foot the bill. Meanwhile, you will see expanded taxes on digital goods and services, including streaming services like Netflix. And let’s be clear: The corporate income tax isn’t paid by small businesses; it’s paid by major corporations, and lowering it sends more money out of state while squeezing our communities.

If you think government spending should be cut rather than raising taxes, think again. The GOP always manages to do both, but only in ways that hurt working families. Ordinary Louisianans end up paying higher taxes and getting fewer government services like health care, education and infrastructure, while big corporations and wealthy donors enjoy more subsidies and lower taxes. That’s how the system works.

This isn’t new in Louisiana. It’s the same failed trickle-down economics that expanded under Gov. Bobby Jindal and is now being turbocharged. The idea that benefits will “trickle down” has been disproven time and again. They claim these tax cuts will attract businesses and new residents, but there’s no evidence to support it.

If we want to bring jobs and people to Louisiana, we need to cut taxes for working families, make big corporations pay their fair share and invest in our schools, infrastructure and communities.

DUSTIN GRANGER

Lake Charles

Dustin Granger in Striking Distance of Winning Race for Louisiana Treasurer

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:19:29 GMT

New survey shows Granger’s message creates strong momentum and support among independent, undecided voters

LAKE CHARLES — A new poll from Change Research released today shows strong momentum for Dustin Granger — a financial advisor, investment manager, small business owner, and top vote-getting Democrat — as well as shifting support that puts him within striking distance of winning the upcoming runoff election for Louisiana Treasurer.

A recent October 19-23 survey of 533 likely runoff election voters shows that once voters are informed of each candidate’s bio and policy stances, Dustin Granger stands at 43% and Republican John Fleming stands at 47% of the vote — within the margin of error. 10% of voters say they are undecided. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 4.6%.

“This poll shows exactly what we’ve seen and heard on the campaign trail — Louisianans are looking for an experienced leader who has what it takes to revitalize our economy and put more money in their pockets,” Granger said. “It’s clear that my message is resonating — with me as your next Treasurer, I’m ready to fight for our future by growing our economy to create high-paying jobs, taking on the property insurance crisis, and rooting out corruption in state investments once and for all.”

The poll also showed independent voters moving away from Fleming and undecided voters moving towards Granger after they heard Fleming’s background: as a climate change and election denier, as an extremist congressman who voted against hurricane relief funding and advocated for cuts to Medicare, and as someone with deep connections to outside special interests. In fact, over the course of his political career, Fleming has received more than a million dollars in campaign contributions from corporate elites, insurance industry executives, and pharmaceutical companies.

“John Fleming’s extremist stances are not gaining him any new support, and he is only beholden to special interests like Big Insurance and Big Pharma. Louisianans work hard for their money — at the end of a long work week, who do you entrust with your savings: an experienced financial advisor, or a career politician?” Granger said. “A vote for John Fleming is a vote for Jindalnomics and a worsened insurance crisis that our people cannot afford. Unlike Fleming, I will always put the Louisiana people first and work to get them the best returns on their investments.”

The poll also clearly shows that Granger’s priorities align with voters’ priorities. Among the favorable issues, nearly 2 in 3 voters believe Louisiana should shift its investments to include renewable energy to help revitalize our state economy and create sustainable, high-paying jobs.

“Our campaign is fueled by everyday Louisianans who deeply care about the future of this state and want better — and I’m ready to fight for them. Due to our hard work, we’re in striking distance, and with everyone’s help, we can win this,” Granger said.

Early voting for the upcoming runoff election will take place Friday, November 3 through Saturday, November 11. Election Day is Saturday, November 18.

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Dustin Granger is a small business owner who has been a financial advisor and investment manager for nearly 20 years. He has dedicated his career to helping thousands of families navigate tough crises like the Great Recession, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the perennial hurricanes that have devastated our Gulf Coast.

Now, he’s ready to put that experience to good use for our entire state. As a life-long Catholic, Louisiana resident, and graduate of Sulphur High and LSU, Dustin deeply understands our way of life and has the expertise we need to get our Louisiana economy back on track.

Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com .

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Dustin Granger Calls on State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt to Resign

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:48:45 GMT

Dustin Granger, Candidate for Louisiana Treasurer, Calls on State Democratic Party Chair Katie Bernhardt to Resign to Make Way for the Louisiana that Voters Deserve

“I will always stand in the gap between Louisiana voters and anyone — Katie Bernhardt, John Fleming, Big Insurance— that keeps Louisiana families from what they deserve.”

BATON ROUGE - Today, candidate for Louisiana Treasurer, Dustin Granger, called on State Democratic Party Chairperson Katie Bernhardt to resign and released the following statement standing up for Louisiana voters:

“Louisiana voters deserve better than the status quo, and they certainly deserve better than the current Democratic Party chair. From allowing countless seats to go uncontested, handing wins to far-right extremists, attempting her own self-serving bid for governor, and eroding trust with both local and national stakeholders — it's time Katie Bernhardt resign and make way for a new day in Louisiana.

“There is immense talent across our state and Democratic elected officials, activists, and candidates are working hard for working people. As a lifelong Louisianan, I refuse to let self interests at the top continue to drag us down. As the highest vote-getting Democrat in the primary, I am more committed than ever to leading the fight for our future. I will always stand in the gap between Louisiana voters and anyone — Katie Bernhardt, John Fleming, Big Insurance — who keeps Louisiana families from what they deserve.

“Democrats are the jobs party, the party of Medicaid expansion, living wages, and expanded freedoms. It’s high-time hardworking Louisianans see themselves reflected in party leadership. While a new Chair is to be elected in 2024, there is no time to waste. Right now, there are far-right extremists like John Fleming who have no place in office on the ballot, and I call on Democrats in every corner of Louisiana to show out to vote on November 18th to prove the Democratic Party is not a mere few at the top but the masses, from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to Shreveport, throughout our rural communities and my home of Lake Charles, who are ready for a new day.”

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DUSTIN GRANGER FOR TREASURER ACCEPTS THREE MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:46:33 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 21, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

LAKE CHARLES — The Louisiana Democratic Party was one of three organizations to announce its endorsement of Dustin Granger in the race for Louisiana Treasurer, joined by the Independent Women’s Organization and Alliance For Good Government. The trio of endorsements join a growing list of supporters that includes Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards , Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis , former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu , Illinois Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs , former US Senate candidate Luke Mixon , political strategist James Carville , the Louisiana AFL-CIO , the United Rural Democrats , the Democratic Treasurers Association , and Civil Rights Activist and former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers, Jr.

In response to the endorsement by the Louisiana Democratic Party, Granger said:

“I believe that Louisiana deserves a State Treasurer who will put the interests of our people first. My focus is on smart investing, accountability, and fostering economic growth. With the support of the state party behind me, I can see my vision of diversifying investments and embracing innovation becoming a reality. Together we can create a brighter future for all Louisianans!.”

In response to the endorsement by the Alliance For Good Government, Granger said:

“The Alliance is a bipartisan member organization that aims to foster, protect and promote the welfare and interest of the citizens of the State of Louisiana. I am grateful

that my vision for a more prosperous Louisiana resonated with their ranks.”

In response to the endorsement by the Independent Women’s Organization, Granger said:

“The Independent Women’s Organization supports Democratic candidates who are allies in the struggle for women's equality, and I am proud to call myself an ally. Supporting women during this perilous time with your rights rolled back and Louisiana maternal mortality rates at a national high is especially important to me.”

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Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

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AFL-CIO ENDORSES DUSTIN GRANGER FOR LOUISIANA TREASURER

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 20:57:49 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 17, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

LAKE CHARLES — The Louisiana AFL-CIO, a member of the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, has announced its endorsement of Dustin Granger in the race for Louisiana Treasurer. The AFL-CIO's endorsement joins Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards , Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis , former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu , Illinois Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs , former US Senate candidate Luke Mixon , political strategist James Carville , the United Rural Democrats , the Democratic Treasurers Association , and Civil Rights Activist and former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers, Jr.

“I am honored to announce that the Louisiana AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of unions, has endorsed my candidacy for Louisiana Treasurer,” said Dustin Granger. “I'm grateful that the AFL-CIO, which represents more than 12 million active and retired workers, appreciates my plan to reverse Jindalnomics and create a more prosperous Louisiana, with more money back in the pockets of Louisiana's working class. I'm committed to workers' rights, improved wages, and better working conditions for all.”

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Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

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Dustin Granger Officially Qualifies for Louisiana Treasurer

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:35:40 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AUGUST 8TH, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

BATON ROUGE — Dustin Granger , a financial planner and fiduciary from Lake Charles, officially qualified for Louisiana State Treasurer for the 2023 election this morning at the Secretary of State’s office in Baton Rouge. Granger, the first Democrat to qualify, has been campaigning on a promise of honesty about the economy and a commitment to diversified investments.

“We are in a values crisis right now, where we put private interest, a few wealthy individuals and big corporations, ahead of people and the public interest. I'm running for Louisiana State Treasurer because I am sick and tired of watching misguided politicians lead us further down the wrong economic path. I have the experience, the know-how, and the plan to build a better Louisiana,” said Dustin Granger . “The treasurer is a financial advisor of the state. They are supposed to watch over our government finances and make sure it's being used for you, the people. This is exactly what I have been doing for 20 years as a financial advisor to working families across the state. I am deeply experienced in guiding these families through tough economic times of Wall Street greed and natural disasters. I'm ready to do the same for this state.”

“The treasure is a fiduciary of the state. They are constitutionally required to be honest. So why do many of my opponents and other politicians play political games?” continued Granger. “We have to be honest about what's happening. We can say climate change. We can say energy markets are changing and we need to adapt. We have to do this if we wanna move forward. I will work to create a people-centered economic plan in Louisiana where we reverse trickle-down economics. We invest in people and in small towns. We step up climate protection and resilience and make investments there that we need, and we need to diversify our energy economy, so we could be the energy leader for the next hundred years.”

Now, he’s ready to put that experience to good use for our entire state. As a life-long Catholic, Louisiana resident, and graduate of Sulphur High and LSU, Granger deeply understands our way of life and has the expertise we need to get our Louisiana economy back on track.

Dustin Granger’s candidacy has earned the endorsement of many respected leaders and organizations including Governor John Bel Edwards, former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu , Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis , political strategist James Carville , former U.S. Senate Candidate and Civil Rights Activist Gary Chambers, Jr. , former U.S. Senate candidate Luke Mixon , Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs , the Democratic Treasurers Association , and the United Rural Democrats .

Granger resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

The election will be held on October 14, 2023.

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ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Political Strategist James Carville

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:58:39 GMT

Time to wake up Louisiana! It's James Carville, and I've got some exciting news that's gonna get you fired up. I'm putting my support behind Dustin Granger for Louisiana Treasurer, and I want YOU to get in on this action .

Louisiana needs a leader who's not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get things done. Dustin Granger is that leader. He's got the financial smarts and a vision that's gonna take this state to new heights.

Let's be real here – we can't afford to mess this up. We need someone who's gonna fight for our future, invest in clean energies, and bring back good-paying jobs for our folks. And that someone is Dustin Granger.

I don't throw my support behind just anyone. But Dustin's got what it takes – the guts, the determination, and the know-how to get things done. He's gonna make sure Louisiana's treasury is in safe hands.

I'm counting on you, my friend. Let's show the world that Louisiana's got what it takes to move forward.

Thank you for standing with us,

James Carville

ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:54:26 GMT

ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER MICHAEL W. FRERICHS ENDORSES DUSTIN GRANGER FOR LOUISIANA TREASURER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 17, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

LAKE CHARLES - Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs has announced his endorsement of Dustin Granger in the race for Louisiana State Treasurer. Treasurer Frerichs' endorsement joins Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards , Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis , former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu , the United Rural Democrats , the Democratic Treasurers Association , and Civil Rights Activist and former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers, Jr.

“I am proud to announce that I have secured the endorsement of Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs. As a Certified Public Finance Officer, Treasurer Frerichs and I share similarly qualifying professional backgrounds. We also both fight for access to financial assistance for all residents of our states,” said Dustin Granger . “With seven-plus years of successful budget management and implementation benefiting Illinoisians, I would be honored to join his ranks.”

"Dustin Granger is the Treasurer Louisiana needs for now and for the future. His plans for investing in Louisiana offer realistic solutions to the problems everyday Louisianans face," said Treasurer Frerichs . "Dustin's strong belief in making capital investments in new energies will return Louisiana to being a national energy leader. He is the clear choice for a stronger, smarter, and more successful Louisiana."

- - - - - -

Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

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ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Democratic Treasurers Association

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:59:14 GMT

DEMOCRATIC TREASURERS ASSOCIATION ENDORSES DUSTIN GRANGER FOR LOUISIANA TREASURER

National organization touts Granger's extensive financial expertise and proven track record

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 5, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

LAKE CHARLES - The Democratic Treasurers Association has announced its endorsement of Dustin Granger in the race for Louisiana Treasurer. The DTA's endorsement joins Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards , Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis , former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu , the United Rural Democrats , and Civil Rights Activist and former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers, Jr.

“I am proud to announce that the Democratic Treasurers Association has endorsed my candidacy for Louisiana Treasurer,” said Dustin Granger . “This group features Treasurers from nearly half of the United States and is based on 8 policy principles I share, including a commitment to advocate for long-term thinking and planning to keep our state financially stable and successful over the long term despite climate change and other systemic risks. This endorsement represents a significant milestone, highlighting our shared commitment to promoting economic justice, fiscal responsibility, and a brighter future for all Louisianans.”

According to Dave Wallack, the Executive Director of the Democratic Treasurers Association, "Dustin Granger's extensive financial expertise, dedication to progressive values, and proven track record make him the ideal candidate for the crucial role of Louisiana State Treasurer. We are proud to endorse his campaign and look forward to working together to create a more prosperous and equitable Louisiana."

- - - - - -

Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

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ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Governor John Bel Edwards

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 18:04:11 GMT

GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS ENDORSES DUSTIN GRANGER FOR LOUISIANA TREASURER

Edwards Praises Granger's Expertise and Character

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 29, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

LAKE CHARLES - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has announced his endorsement of Dustin Granger in the race for Louisiana Treasurer. Edwards' endorsement joins Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis , former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu , the United Rural Democrats , and Civil Rights Activist and former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers, Jr.

“I am proud to support a leader so committed to a healthy workforce, a thriving economy, and investing in our future. Dustin Granger has the fiduciary expertise and character to effectively run Louisiana's Treasurer's office. His decades of experience helping Louisiana families manage money uniquely qualifies him for this job," said Governor Edwards. "I am confident that a Treasury Department overseen by Dustin will lead the state back to being the country's energy leader, investing in clean energies that will create sustainable, good-paying jobs for Louisianans and bolstering our economy."

“I am honored to announce that Governor John Bel Edwards has endorsed my campaign for Louisiana Treasurer. Gov. Edwards’ leadership has helped herald an unprecedented surplus in the state's budget, with a brighter future in mind for our state,” said Dustin Granger.

- - - - - -

Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

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ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Gary Chambers, Jr.

Wed, 31 May 2023 17:09:23 GMT

GARY CHAMBERS, JR. ENDORSES DUSTIN GRANGER FOR LOUISIANA TREASURER

FORMER U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST TO ADD NEW ENERGY TO CAMPAIGN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 31, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

LAKE CHARLES - Civil Rights Activist and former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers, Jr. has announced his endorsement of Dustin Granger in the race for Louisiana Treasurer . Chambers endorsement joins former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, who announced her endorsement earlier this month .

“Gary Chambers is a stalwart of Progressive policies who believes that those in a position to effect change should work diligently on behalf of the most vulnerable. I intend to do just that as Treasurer,” said Dustin Granger . “I'm honored to add his energy and connections to our campaign as we ramp up efforts in Black communities.”

"Dustin Granger's commitment to investing in environmentally considerate corporations, to taking a clear look at how we are incentivizing oil and gas companies with tax breaks, and his overall understanding that to build a strong economy we must prioritize investment in the working class is a breath of fresh air in our polluted political landscape," said Gary Chambers, Jr. "Dustin is exactly the type of leader and Treasurer Louisiana needs, one that is from the people and for the people. I know he will manage our tax dollars in a way that puts Louisiana's people first."

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ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Mary Landrieu

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:10:57 GMT

MAY 2ND, 2023

We need leaders who can bring Louisiana together to move our state forward. Dustin Granger has the desire and experience to do just that, and that’s why I’m endorsing his candidacy for Louisiana State Treasurer.

Having served as Treasurer, I know what it takes to make progress for our state. With over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Dustin has proven he is the best candidate to advise the legislature on how to best spend Louisianans’ hard earned money.

As our next State Treasurer, Dustin will help manage our state pension funds with integrity and care, and will work with other leaders to help keep education — especially early childhood education — a key priority.

I am happy to endorse such a quality candidate. Dustin Granger is the visionary leader and Treasurer Louisiana needs. Will you chip in now to join me in supporting him?

Investing in our future,
Mary Landrieu
Former US Senator
Former Louisiana State Treasurer
Former member, Louisiana House of Representatives

An Economy for the Next Generation

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:02:08 GMT

APRIL 26TH, 2023

One of the reasons I started this campaign was to help create a better Louisiana for my two young daughters’ generation. But with concerns about our education system, an unforgiving tax system, and an economy with all its eggs in one outdated basket, young people are leaving Louisiana in droves. Reports have shown Louisiana loses nearly 20% of the college graduates it produces and in the nine years following the end of The Great Recession, Louisiana’s GDP dropped 5.6 percent .

The way forward for our economy is simple. We must reverse course on our backward way of thinking and invest in our future. We must increase teacher pay rates, end the ban on ESG investing, and diversify our investments in a way that benefits quality of life for ALL Louisiana communities - not just the wealthy.

I have a history of helping Louisianans make smart moves with their money and want to do so for our entire state. Can you chip in today to help get the word out about my candidacy?

I am running for Treasurer for the future of Louisiana, and I need the next generation to know how bright our future can look. I want to be a beacon for Gen Z voters to know and Millenial voters to be reminded that we can be the change we see in the world. Get involved today .

Yours in Service,

Dustin Granger

Candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer

LISTEN: Talking Treasurer on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:59:12 GMT

APRIL 21ST, 2023

Louisiana has traditionally been an oil and gas state and that's helped our revenue for many generations. But things are starting to change and I don’t think we're adapting.

We've been losing energy jobs for decades. Our economy doesn't rely on oil and gas revenue so much anymore, but here we are going out of our way to protect one industry at the expense of diversifying our economy . It's driving us deeper into economic problems.

It was my pleasure to share my vision for a brighter future for Louisiana on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster Monday morning. I was proud to speak more about the revolutionary concept of being honest about the state of our economy.

Will you stand with me and stand up for our future by donating today?

Our very future is at stake , so we need a leader committed to diversifying investments and with their eyes set forward on the future , not backwards on regressive policies that have failed for decades.

Learn more at GrangerForLA.com . Contribute here .

Investing in our future,

Dustin Granger

Candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer

After a month, we’re leading the way!

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:45:07 GMT

APRIL 19TH, 2023

With the first month of campaign fundraising in the books, the race for Louisiana Treasurer is taking shape.

An early poll by Remington Research shows that my candidacy is resonating with expected voters much better than my Republican opponents. More than double the nearly 700 respondents favor my candidacy over the next closest opponent - as well as more support than both opponents combined!

Contribute today to help get the word out about the best candidate for Treasurer.

While I am proud to be the candidate with a vision that the majority want to see enact change at the state treasury, I need your help . My Republican opponents have the political establishment behind them, including many out-of-state donors trying to steal our election.

Let’s build a grassroots coalition of Louisiana voters - people who truly care about the future of our state - and get the word out about the forward-thinking political outsider who is challenging the economic policies that have held our state back for generations .

Investing in our future,

Dustin Granger

Candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer

Dustin Granger Raises More than $100,000 For Louisiana Treasurer Campaign

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:39:54 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

APRIL 18TH, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

Fundraising numbers and recent poll clearly demonstrate broad, strong, people-powered base of support for Democrat running for statewide office

LAKE CHARLES, LA – Dustin Granger, a Democrat, financial advisor, investment manager, and small business owner from Lake Charles, announced Tuesday a total of more than $100,000 raised for his campaign for Louisiana Treasurer.

During this latest fundraising period (January 1 through April 7), the Granger campaign raised more than three times what it raised during the previous reporting period, and from ten times as many contributions — showing an extraordinary amount of surging strength and support.

The momentum from Granger's grassroots network continues to grow with 63% of all contributions this period coming in under $250, and more than 94% coming from individuals. The most frequent contribution amount this period was $50, and 88% of all contributions this period are from within Louisiana.

“To everyone who has chipped in, who has joined me on the trail, and who is making this campaign possible — thank you for investing in me,” Granger said. “That’s what this effort is all about. When we invest in our people — Louisiana’s greatest resource — anything is possible. I’m confident we have what it takes to run a top-notch, spirited, competitive campaign to win.”

For the entirety of this 2023 election cycle, Dustin Granger's campaign has now raised a total of $110,421.60 from nearly 300 contributions.

This encouraging fundraising news comes on top of a recent poll released by JMC Analytics that shows voters choosing the Democrat for Treasurer over both Republican opponents. What’s obvious from the poll is that there’s a clear path to the runoff election for Granger, even with more than 25% of voters undecided in the poll.

“The time is now to take this momentum, turn it into action, and win this race to bring smart, sound investing back to the Treasurer’s office. Our Louisiana economy, environment, and future generations deserve it,” Granger said.

_ _ _ _ _ _

Dustin resides in his hometown of Lake Charles with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Mireille & Ines.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com and watching his announcement video here .

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It’s Only Impossible, ‘Til It’s Not

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:22:28 GMT

APRIL 5TH, 2023

About 50 years ago they said we couldn’t put a man on the moon. In 1969 Neil Armstrong broke that record for the U.S. and successfully landed Apollo 11 on the moon, making it the first time a human would step foot there.

Fast forward about 50 years later, NASA announced just this week that it will be sending 4 astronauts on a spaceflight around the Moon next year . This is the first time humans have been to the moon’s surface since Neil Armstrong did so in 1969.

When starting my campaign to run for State Treasurer, the political class told me the progressive platform that I’m running on couldn’t be done . That diversifying away from Louisiana’s tradition of heavily investing our dollars into the oil and gas industries, couldn’t be done.

I’m choosing to run and lead my campaign for and with the visionaries, not the pundits.

Be a visionary and make a donation of any amount today – we need your help to complete this mission !

For the Dreamers,

Dustin Granger
Candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer

Shattering Glass Ceilings: Campaigning For A Better Louisiana

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:19:31 GMT

APRIL 3RD, 2023

Coming off the high of this weekend’s LSU Women’s Basketball NCAA Championship win, I’m feeling inspired.

In fact, my daughters were watching the game with me and asked, “Dad, why don’t we see more teams and coaches like that on TV?”

My response: the world isn’t always fair and equal in the way we treat women, it doesn’t always make much sense. But know that both your parents, the people in our community, and your state are working very hard to ensure you have more of those opportunities when you’re my age.

Do you want a State Treasurer who will lead with equity and fairness in mind?

In my work as a financial planner and investor, thus far, as well as in my service to Louisiana, I’ve always strived to create equitable and equal opportunities for people no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, or background in general.

That’s the sentiment I’m taking into my run for Louisiana State Treasurer. But I need your help to get there.

Will you help us meet our fundraising goal by this Friday, April 7 and help create an equitable and just future for Louisiana?

Let’s shatter the glass ceilings for our future generations and not hang on to the past.

For a Better Louisiana,

Dustin Granger
Candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer

P.S.. — Will you join Louisianans across the state and be an early supporter of Granger for Louisiana? We can’t do this without you. Click here >>>

It’s time we balance Louisiana’s scales

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:16:36 GMT

MARCH 30th, 2023

We desperately need to make long-term economic investment plans for our state. The way to do that isn’t through eliminating Louisiana’s state income tax or cutting our homestead exemptions.

Eliminating state income taxes and homestead exemptions disproportionately impacts low-income and working-class people. Since the money has to come from somewhere, some legislators plan to increase our sales tax to make up for the difference – which is already the highest in the nation at 9.55%.

Be a part of the solution by supporting my campaign to maintain state income tax and secure a strong financial future for Louisiana.

As a financial planner and investor who has worked for regular Louisiana families for decades, I understand taxes and business. No one likes paying taxes, but we pay them knowing that we need them to keep our state running and thriving. It’s time we level the playing field some more and fight for the right for us to all prosper.

Your early support of Team Granger for LA can bring us closer to making a difference in safeguarding Louisiana’s financial stability and preventing harmful tax cuts. Will you make a small donation today?

Investing in our future,

Dustin Granger
Candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer

P.S.. — Will you join Louisianans across the state and be an early supporter of Granger for Louisiana? We can’t do this without you. Click here >>>

Dustin Granger on Campaign Trail Through Louisiana

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:07:19 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MARCH 19th, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

Dustin Granger, Candidate for LA State Treasurer, to Travel Through Lake Charles and Opelousas area, and Available for Press Interviews

BATON ROUGE, LA – Dustin Granger, candidate for State Treasurer, will be traveling through Lake Charles, Opelousas, Lafayette, and Rayne, Louisiana on his campaign trail and will be available for press interviews tomorrow, Thursday, March 23, 2023.

Granger is a small business owner who has been a financial advisor and investment manager for nearly 20 years. He has dedicated his career to helping thousands of families navigate crises like the Great Recession, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the perennial hurricanes that have devastated our coasts.

Now, he’s ready to put that experience to good use. Granger is determined to take charge of Louisiana’s economy and steer it toward smart and sustainable investments while lessening the influence of big oil CEOs on the state’s future. As a lifelong Louisiana resident, graduate of Sulphur High School and Louisiana State University, long-time financial advisor, and investment manager, Dustin has the expertise to get Louisiana’s economy back on track.

Members of the press are invited to interview Dustin Granger during his visit. He will be available to answer questions on his candidacy, vision for the state, and overall plans for managing Louisiana’s finances as State Treasurer.

To schedule an interview please contact:

media@grangerforla.com

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Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis Gives Early Endorsement to Dustin Granger for State Treasurer

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:08:32 GMT

MARCH 17TH, 2023

I am honored to share with you that Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has endorsed my campaign for State Treasurer. Commissioner Lewis recognizes the importance of electing and uplifting leaders who are committed to diversifying our economy and finding sustainable solutions for our state. I strongly share his commitment to these goals, and I am grateful for his support.

Will you join Commissioner Lewis and lend your support?

"It is my pleasure to endorse Dustin Granger for Treasurer. He knows our future is at stake if we don't diversify our economy by adding investments in renewable energy. I’m looking forward to partnering with him to find sustainable solutions for our state,” said Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis.

As Treasurer, I will work tirelessly to manage our state's finances with transparency, accountability, and responsibility. I will diversify our economy by adding investments in renewable industries and technologies that will create more jobs and support our communities with momentum toward a sustainable future.

With the support of Commissioner Lewis and other community leaders, I am confident that we can build a brighter future for Louisiana. Are you with us?

Sincerely,

P.S. — After you show your support by chipping in, will you add your name to our growing endorsement list? We can’t do this without you. Click here >>>

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis Gives Early Endorsement to Dustin Granger for State Treasurer

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:55:28 GMT

MARCH 17th, 2023

Lewis aligns with Granger’s vision of diversifying Louisiana’s economy

BATON ROUGE, LA – Dustin Granger, candidate for State Treasurer, announced today that Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has endorsed his campaign. In his endorsement, Commissioner Lewis acknowledged the critical importance of electing leaders committed to diversifying Louisiana's economy and finding sustainable solutions for the state.

"It is my pleasure to endorse Dustin Granger for Treasurer. He knows our future is at stake if we don't diversify our economy by adding investments in renewable energy. I’m looking forward to partnering with him to find sustainable solutions for our state,” said Davante Lewis, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner.

Granger shares Commissioner Lewis' commitment to building a sustainable and diversified economy for Louisiana. As State Treasurer, he pledges to manage the state's finances with transparency, accountability, and responsibility. Granger aims to add investments in renewable industries and technologies that will create more jobs and support Louisiana communities toward a sustainable future.

"I am grateful for Commissioner Lewis' endorsement and his commitment to a brighter future for Louisiana. With his support and that of other community leaders, I am confident that we can build a more sustainable and prosperous state," said Dustin Granger, candidate for Louisiana State Treasurer.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his campaign by visiting grangerforla.com .

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Dustin Granger Announces 2023 Run for Louisiana Treasurer

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 23:40:56 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FEBUARY 28TH, 2023

Contact: media@grangerforla.com

Democrat and Financial Advisor Releases Video Announcement Calling for More Diverse Investments, New Ideas

LAKE CHARLES — Dustin Granger, a Democrat, financial advisor, investment manager, and small business owner who lives in Lake Charles, LA, announced his 2023 candidacy for Louisiana Treasurer via video on Tuesday. The open primary will occur on Oct. 14, 2023, and the general election will occur on Nov. 18, 2023, for Louisiana's new State Treasurer.

“I’m running because it’s time for new ideas in Louisiana. For too long, our Treasurer's duties have been mismanaged and politicized to the detriment of our people,” Granger said. “We've been making bad investments by putting all of our eggs in one basket at the expense of our environment, our economy, and the opportunity for future generations to thrive here at home.”
“It's time to wave goodbye to the ways of the past and embrace a stronger Louisiana, a more prosperous Louisiana, a new Louisiana,” Granger said. “Our Treasurer should understand how to diversify investments, protect our finances, and have a vision for our state’s future. We need to embrace the technologies of the future and invest in a new Louisiana energy revolution with renewable infrastructure projects that bring sustainable, high-paying jobs.”
“That’s exactly the type of smart investing I've used to help hundreds of families as a financial advisor for two decades, and I’m ready to do it for all of Louisiana,” Granger said.
Watch the campaign announcement video here:

Granger believes we must lift the ban on investing state funds with companies that embody ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) standards. These risk disclosures are wise investing practices that help to protect our environment, plan for the future, and benefit Louisiana’s working families. He believes the state’s 2022 divestment from BlackRock, who vocally embraced these noble standards, was harmful and misguided.
He also has concerns about the current push to eliminate state income tax by our state’s Republican leaders.
“I believe the elimination of state income tax would hurt our economy — providing tax cuts for the wealthy and increases for everyone else,” Granger said. “Trickle-down economics is a sham, and when elected Treasurer, I will always invest in people first.”
Granger was the Democratic candidate to represent District 27 in the Louisiana State Senate during the 2021 election and explored a run for Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District seat in the 2022 election.

He has dedicated his career to helping hundreds of families navigate tough crises like the Great Recession, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the perennial hurricanes that have devastated our Gulf Coast.
Granger, a native of Sulphur, is a lifelong Catholic and Louisiana resident. He graduated from Louisiana State University. He deeply understands our way of life and has the expertise we need to get our Louisiana economy back on track. As a father of two girls, Granger and his wife Lauren will work to unite our people to build a better Louisiana for all of us.

Learn more about Dustin Granger and his candidacy by visiting grangerforla.com .

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Dustin Granger announces for treasurer, calls for investments in clean energy

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:14:38 GMT

FEBUARY 28TH, 2023

BY TYLER BRIDGES | STAFF WRITER AT NOLA.COM

Financial planner Dustin Granger will run for state treasurer , he said Tuesday, saying he would make a clean break with tradition by shifting that office’s investments from the oil-based economy to clean energy.

If elected, Granger, a Democrat from Lake Charles, said he would reverse the course charted by the current treasurer, John Schroder, who last year pulled $800 million in state funds out of New York-based financial giant BlackRock to protest its environment, social and governance policies.

Schroder’s move was hailed by conservative groups and pundits, who have railed against efforts to redirect investment decisions to account for the coming changes from global warming. Schroder’s move also won him national attention, and he is now one of the Republicans running for governor this year.

In a video announcing his candidacy , Granger said it makes financial sense for the state to move away from investing in the oil and gas industry.

“For decades, Louisiana has shamelessly given away tens of billions of your tax dollars and invested in countless oil and gas corporations and projects,” Granger said. “And while nearly every Louisiana politician is deathly afraid of being seen as anti-oil, I have to ask the question: What more do we have to show for unwavering allegiance to big oil than an economy that ranks last in the nation, and a climate crisis that threatens to make it even worse?

“It’s time for better, Louisiana. It’s time for the Louisiana of the future.”

Granger becomes the first major Democrat to announce for statewide office this year, at a time when no Democrat other than John Bel Edwards has won any of the statewide positions since 2007.

Granger, 42, lost a 2021 race to the state Senate. As a financial advisor, he said his job is to help make sure his clients “have income for the rest of their lives.”

State Rep. Scott McKnight of Baton Rouge is the only Republican running for treasurer at this point, although others appear likely to join the race.

The treasurer is a little-known officer who invests state trust funds and other pots of money to earn funds that help pay for public education and health care for the poor and dozens of other state programs. The treasurer also chairs the Bond Commission, which decides which state infrastructure projects approved by the Legislature actually get the financing.

Schroder, like his immediate predecessor John Kennedy, now a U.S. senator, has influence over how much money the state’s retirement systems put in investment firms or in industries such as oil and gas.

Granger vowed to take a different approach.

The state, he said, should “embrace the technologies of the future and invest in a new Louisiana energy revolution with renewable infrastructure projects that bring sustainable, high paying jobs. It’s a vision for Louisiana based on reality, not political ideology or backroom deals, and it’s exactly the type of smart investing I’ve used to help hundreds of families as a financial advisor for over two decades. And it’s what I want to do for all of Louisiana.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE