The race for Louisiana attorney general became more crowded last week as two Democrats entered the contest in hopes of succeeding Republican Jeff Landry, but the state’s current solicitor general, Liz Murrill, remains the top fundraiser.
Democrat Lindsey Cheek, who founded the Cheek Law Firm in New Orleans and previously served as an assistant district attorney/clerk at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Texas, filed to run for the post on Aug. 9. And Perry Walker Terrebonne, a personal injury attorney in White Castle, filed to run as a Democrat on Aug. 8.
They join Republicans Murrill, state Rep. John Stefanski and Martin Maley of the Maley Law Firm in Baton Rouge to round out the race for attorney general.
During the fundraising reporting period that ended July 17, Murrill’s funds on hand went from $1.03 million to $1.44 million, while Stefanski had about $512,000 at the start of the reporting period and about $645,000 at its close. Maley, whose firm handles areas such as car accidents, personal injuries and medical malpractice, had just over $26,000 at the close of the reporting period.
The Democratic hopefuls have not filed any fundraising disclosure reports as yet.
Murrill’s communications director, Elizabeth Daigle, said Murrill hoped to win outright by garnering more than 50% of the statewide vote in the Oct. 14 primary. The general election, which will include runoffs among the top two finishers in races where no one wins a majority of the vote, will be held Nov. 18.
“"She is the frontrunner ... in fundraising, and she has the official nomination of the state (Republican) party,” Daigle told the Louisiana Record. “She also has the endorsement of the the national Republican attorneys general association.”
In her current post in the Attorney General’s Office as solicitor general, Murrill has handled multiple high-profile lawsuits against Biden administration policies. Daigle said she would continue to lead those lawsuits and fight for Louisiana’s interests, including the rights of energy companies and support of federalism.
“The Biden administration has been slow-walking a number of oil and gas lease sales, both offshore and on land,” she said, adding that revenues paid by energy companies through production will help the state to better protect its coastline.
And like other candidates in the race, Murrill says fighting violent crime and partnering with local sheriff’s and law enforcement officials would be a top priority.