Rep. Lance Harris makes bid to take control of Louisiana Republican Party

Greg Hilburn
Monroe News-Star
State Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, is pictured in a file photo as he speaks on the House floor.

State Rep. Lance Harris of Alexandria will challenge New Orleans businessman Louis Gurvich for leadership of the Louisiana Republican Party in an intra-party member election Saturday in Baton Rouge.

"This LAGOP election is about a culture change," Harris said in a statement. "We must ensure that our house is in order, grow our base and spread our conservative message."

Gurvich has been chairman of the state party, which is governed by more than 200 members of the Republican State Central Committee, since 2018.

Gurvich had his own message for Harris: "Welcome to the race and may the best man win." 

Members of the state central committee meet Saturday in Baton Rouge to cast their ballots for chair and to conduct other party business.

Harris, former chairman of the Louisiana House GOP caucus, is serving his third term in the Legislature.

"Our party leadership needs to focus on consistency and stability, and I'm ready to help with that," Harris said. "I want to be transparent about the areas where we’re falling behind and do something to fix it. I want to take the areas where we’re winning and build on it.

"In less than three years, every statewide office will be on the ballot. We need to be laser-focused on winning every election, especially governor. That's what I intend to do if elected as chairman."

Wealthy Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, who ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign against Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2019, announced in December he would run for party chair but dropped out in January, citing family and business obligations.

Rispone was critical of GOP leadership, saying the party "was out-worked and out-spent" in his 2019 bid to unseat Edwards.

Gurvich dismissed Rispone's criticism, saying he was unable to unite Republicans. "He isn't capable of it," Gurvich said then.

Republicans dominate the Louisiana Legislature with near super majorities in both the House and Senate and occupy every statewide elected office except governor, the top prize.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.