As election season approaches this fall, Disability Rights Louisiana is asking candidates running for the Governor’s Office about their ideas, views, and policies regarding people with disabilities – who make up over one-third of our state’s population.
Our interview series is lead by DRLA Policy Analyst, Dr. Ashley Volion, who has been with our agency since 2015. Dr. Volion holds a Phd in Disability Studies from University of Illinois at Chicago. She had previously earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from University of New Orleans, and has lived in New Orleans since moving from her hometown of Lafitte, LA in 2009.
The interviews are posted below. You can let us know if you have any issues accessing any of our presentations, or if you request a customized copy by emailing khurstell@disabilityrightsla.org.
Sharon Hewitt, State Senator (R – Slidell)
Senator Hewitt is a native of Slidell who has served since 2016, and is currently the chair of the Senate Republican Caucus. In the video, Sen. Hewitt addresses the disability community, her past legislation wins, and her hopes for the future. To learn more about her campaign, visit: https://sharonhewitt.com/
Hunter Lundy (I – Lake Charles)
Hunter Lundy is an attorney from Lake Charles who is running for Governor as an Independent. Their discussion features topics that include his experiences working with people with disabilities, and their influence on his policy ideas. To learn more about Gubernatorial Candidate Lundy, visit his website at: https://www.lundyforlouisiana.com/
Jeffrey Istre (I – Kaplan)
Istre is an army vet and oil field worker promoting the wellbeing of teachers, combating high poverty rates and turning Louisiana into an energy independent state. To learn more about Gubernatorial Candidate Istre, go to: https://www.kplctv.com/2023/02/01/jeffery-istre-joins-race-governor/
Alexander “Xan” John (R – Lafayette)
To read the full interview with Xan John, CLICK HERE
John Schroder, State Treasurer (R – Covington)
Schroder is a native of Louisiana and Jefferson Parish. Schroder is the current State Treasurer and a former narcotics sheriff’s detective and he has also served as a Criminal Investigative Division (CID) Special Agent in the United States Army. To learn more about Gubernatorial Candidate Schroder, go to: https://www.johnschroder.com/
State Representative, Richard Nelson (R – Mandeville)
Nelson is the current State Representative for St. Tammany Parish. His platform focuses on tax and infrastructure reform, quality education, safe communities and affordable home owners insurance. To learn more about Gubernatorial Candidate Nelson, you can view his legislative page at: https://house.louisiana.gov/h_reps/members?ID=89 or his campaign page at: https://www.nelsonforla.com/
Dr. Shawn Wilson (D – Lafayette)
Wilson is a resident of Lafayette where he teaches in the School of Engineering at ULL. Dr. Wilson believes in the power of our Louisiana community, and vows to continue Medicaid expansion and increase incentives for those working in the healthcare field. To learn more about Gubernatorial Candidate Wilson, please visit his campaign website at: https://www.wilsonforla.com/about
Frank Scurlock (I – New Orleans)
Scurlock is a businessman and former candidate for mayor of New Orleans who is running as an Independent. For more on his campaign, visit: https://votescurlock.com/
Daniel “Danny” Cole (D – Trout)
Daniel “Danny” Cole, is a Pentecostal pastor residing in Trout, in Central Louisiana. He is a pastor and previously ran for State Senate in 2019 for District 32.
