Louisiana Lt. Gov. Nungesser Calls for End to Closed Primaries, Seeks Restored Funding for State Parks

Nungesser also criticizes GOP lawmaker's push to name Mississippi River bridge after Trump, says it's politically motivated.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:09am

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In a speech to the Baton Rouge Press Club, Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, a Republican, said he hopes the state legislature gets rid of the new closed primary system after the midterm elections this year, calling it a $17 million waste that confuses voters. Nungesser also said Gov. Jeff Landry cut $10 million from the lieutenant governor's budget for maintaining state parks, and he's been trying to get a meeting with the governor to discuss it. Additionally, Nungesser criticized a fellow Republican lawmaker's push to name a Mississippi River bridge after President Trump, calling it a politically motivated move.

Why it matters

Nungesser's comments highlight the ongoing debate in Louisiana over the state's shift to closed primaries, which some see as an effort to unseat Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy. The lieutenant governor's criticism of his own party leadership and a fellow GOP lawmaker also reflects the internal divisions within the state Republican Party. Additionally, Nungesser's push to restore funding for state parks and make them more accessible underscores the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism to Louisiana's economy.

The details

Nungesser said the closed primary system, which was implemented this year, is costing the state over $17 million and is confusing voters. He said polls show 71% of Louisianians and 77% of Republicans would prefer to keep the state's previous open primary system. Nungesser also criticized GOP state Rep. Mike Echols, alleging that Echols' push to name a Mississippi River bridge after President Trump was a calculated move to boost his campaign for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District seat. Additionally, Nungesser said Gov. Landry cut $10 million from the lieutenant governor's budget for maintaining state parks, and he's been trying to get a meeting with the governor to discuss it.

  • The closed primary system was implemented in Louisiana this year.
  • Nungesser spoke about these issues at the Baton Rouge Press Club on Monday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Billy Nungesser

The Republican lieutenant governor of Louisiana and the state's top tourism official.

Jeff Landry

The Republican governor of Louisiana who pushed for the state to implement the closed primary system.

Bill Cassidy

A Republican U.S. senator from Louisiana who voted to convict former President Trump during one of his impeachments.

Mike Echols

A Republican state representative from Monroe, Louisiana who is pushing to name a Mississippi River bridge after President Trump.

Mike Bayham

A Republican state representative from Chalmette, Louisiana who convinced other party members to remove criticism of Nungesser from a resolution.

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What they’re saying

“'This closed primary is costing Louisiana a little over $17 million,' Nungesser said, referring its implementation this year. 'And people are confused of who can vote where and what, and that's going to be every year if we stay with a closed primary for every election.'”

— Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor

“'A lot of people believe it was done to beat Bill Cassidy, and that kind of looks that way, that it was implemented for that reason.'”

— Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor

“'We shouldn't enact laws and do things because somebody's running for office,' Nungesser said, adding that Louisiana law prohibits naming buildings and other infrastructure after living people. 'We ought to do things because it's the right thing to do.'”

— Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor

What’s next

The head of the Louisiana House of Representatives told Nungesser he will work to get some of the $10 million in funding for state parks restored in the upcoming fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1.

The takeaway

Nungesser's criticism of the closed primary system and his own party's leadership, as well as his push to restore funding for state parks and make them more accessible, highlight the complex political dynamics and policy debates within Louisiana's Republican Party. His comments underscore the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism to the state's economy.