New Bill Seeks Lifetime Term Limit for Louisiana Governors

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A new bill in the Louisiana legislature would send a constitutional amendment to voters that would place a lifetime term limit of two terms on the state's governors. The current constitution only bars a governor from being elected for a succeeding term, allowing for nonconsecutive terms. The proposed amendment would change that, restricting a person from running for more than two terms as governor at any point in their lifetime.

Why it matters

This proposed amendment aims to limit the number of times a governor can serve in Louisiana, which has seen several instances of governors serving multiple nonconsecutive terms in the past. Supporters argue this would increase turnover and prevent any one individual from dominating the governorship for an extended period.

The details

House Bill 225, authored by Rep. Mike Bayham (R-Chalmette), would send a constitutional amendment to the Nov. 3 ballot that would restrict a person from running for more than two terms as governor at any point in their lifetime. The current constitution only bars a governor from being elected for a succeeding term, allowing for nonconsecutive terms. If passed, the amendment would end that practice.

• The 2026 Louisiana legislative session starts on March 9.
• The proposed amendment would appear on the Nov. 3 ballot if the bill becomes law.

What’s next

If the bill becomes law, the proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot for Louisiana voters to decide.