Louisiana

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

Data centers can bring jobs and tax revenue, but right now communities carry the risk while the companies make the decisions. With more than 20 already in Louisiana and many more on the way, we shouldn’t be learning the costs after the buildings go up. I support creating new federal standards for how data centers development should be conducted. Communities should get advanced notice into how the lives of their friends and family will be changed. The companies should report their water and energy use publicly. Independent, nonpartisan studies, not studies paid for by the industry, should examine the impact on local water and on electric bills before approval. Congress also has to make sure families aren’t stuck paying higher utility costs to power someone else’s server farm. I fully support economic growth but too often I have seen firsthand how the people of this district have been left behind after companies leave.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

As a farmer, I understand that technology can make us more productive and create new opportunities. But we have to ask a basic question: who benefits, and who pays? Data centers require enormous amounts of electricity and water. And its families, small businesses, and farmers should not get stuck paying for a technology company’s power plants, transmission lines, or water infrastructure. As your senator, I will fight for public disclosure of water and energy use, independent environmental review, and requirements that developers pay the full cost of serving their facilities. I am firmly against secret deals or nondisclosure agreements that keep residents in the dark about decisions affecting their communities. We should also prepare Louisiana workers for construction and permanent jobs, while protecting workers whose livelihoods are threatened by automation. Before approving public incentives, communities deserve honest numbers about permanent jobs, public costs, and environmental impacts. Economic development should improve life for the people who live here.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

It is critical to our economy and to our national security that the U.S. keep up with or surpass the rest of the world in technological advances. They may be economically beneficial for a local community, but there are always tradeoffs. A community can’t make informed decisions about whether those trade-offs are worth it unless they have all the facts. That’s why complete transparency is necessary anytime a community is considering hosting a data center.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

I’m skeptical of the push to build more data centers in Louisiana. A multibillion-dollar announcement doesn’t answer the questions families deserve answers to: How many permanent jobs will local residents actually get? What happens to their electricity bills? And what will these facilities mean for their water, land, and health? Construction jobs can bring meaningful income, but we have to look at what remains once construction ends. We also have to weigh any economic benefits against public subsidies and the cost of expanding power, water, and other infrastructure. Working families should never be left carrying the financial risk for some of the wealthiest companies in the world. I’m especially concerned about the demand for electricity, potential water use, and pollution associated with additional power generation. Louisiana communities deserve clean air, safe drinking water, and reliable, affordable utilities. Residents need independent assessments, full transparency, and a meaningful say before projects move forward. There are privacy concerns, too. As companies expand their ability to store and process information, people deserve clear protections over how their personal data is collected, used, and shared, along with accountability when those protections are violated. Nationally, data centers support AI and other digital services, but that growth raises serious questions about who benefits and who bears the costs. Greater corporate investment doesn’t automatically translate into better livelihoods, particularly when the technologies being developed can also displace workers.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

Data centers can bring investment, construction jobs, and long-term economic opportunities to Louisiana, but they also create concerns about electricity demand, water usage, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. We need responsible development, transparency, and strong oversight to ensure communities benefit economically while protecting Louisiana’s natural resources and quality of life.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

While the data centers claim that they will bring in economic benefits, those benefits have yet to be seen. In other states, the claims have been shown to be highly inflated. Additionally, there is a huge environmental aspect to data centers that we have not investigated or researched. Before we build any new data centers, we must conduct scientific studies on how these data centers will impact our health, our water, our land, our flora, and our fauna.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

I support a moratorium and pause on new AI data centers until we fully understand their impact on Louisiana and American communities. Before we ever approve massive facilities or projects like these, we need to know how much water and electricity they will consume, what they will do to utility rates, what the noise and environmental impacts will be, and how many long-term good local jobs they will actually create. This is important for any region, but especially for the coastal or rural and agricultural areas of Louisiana. Additionally, I do not believe public officials should be signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) when it comes to these projects because the public deserves transparency. As a candidate, I have also signed the AI pact which commits to five pillars: 1) end data center giveaways like tax breaks and backroom deals, 2) mandatory safety reviews such as safety and risk evaluations before AI companies are proposed and greenlit, 3) creating an AI dividend where the financial gains of AI advancement are shared with everyday workers, 4) corporate accountability to hold AI firms liable for financial and material impacts, and 5) no public or government bailouts for AI companies that take on reckless market risks. Rapid AI advancement should not proceed without accountability, safety protocols, and corporation oversight. I would also advocate for guardrails so that AI technology is not used as a tool for over-surveillance of communities, or for discipline and displacement of workers. It is important that at a minimum, we have federal regulations of AI for areas like child safety and national security and thoughtful policies in place for how AI is used in schools, workplaces, and public institutions. We also need to make sure that we pass laws that address how AI is used to create deepfakes, political misinformation, and images or videos that cause sexual abuse and harassment. As a long-time teacher, I am concerned about AI supplanting original creativity and ideas. It is important that we invest in programs that promote digital literacy skills and STEM education and teach how AI can be a tool to support and assist, but not something that replaces critical thinking, problem solving, and human judgment. We should also support the evidence-based perspective of scientists and researchers on how AI can be used in a way to doesn’t harm our environment and human livelihoods.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

I am opposed to all data centers in Louisiana and along any river that drains on LA land. There are not enough permanent jobs or contracted community benefits for me to stand with companies desiring our communities to sacrifice land, water, and peaceful landscape for their profits.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

Data centers, like AI, are here to stay and will/already have a major impact on our living spaces, utilities, water, natural resources and all of our environment. I’m calling for a moratorium on new data centers until a comprehensive plan is thoroughly discussed and put into law. Although I support leaving as much lawmaking as possible to the states, this one has major national and international implications and may as well be considered permanent. Therefore it should be immediately put on Congress’s agenda for prompt and thorough consideration and implementation.

Q1 There are currently over 20 data centers in Louisiana, with major companies recently announcing investments of $3.6 billion to $10 billion to build data centers in the state. How, if at all, do you see data centers impacting Louisiana’s, and the wider United States’, economy, livelihoods and environment?

Data centers can bring significant new investment and economic development to Louisiana. However, the rapid growth in electricity demand from these facilities could put upward pressure on energy prices in the short term, particularly while Louisiana works to expand power generation and strengthen its electrical grid. I support economic development, but that development should not come at the expense of Louisiana families. We need to expand our energy supply and modernize the grid while ensuring that the additional infrastructure costs created by large data centers are not unfairly passed on to residential ratepayers.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

Energy costs are squeezing families, and we should be using every affordable source, including the ones in our own backyard. A 2015 LSU study found real potential for geothermal energy in Union Parish, particularly from hot fluids already being produced from existing oil and gas wells. Projects like that stall for lack of funding and infrastructure. I’d push for federal investment in them, and for job training and direct support so oil and gas field workers can move into the new energy jobs without losing their livelihoods. Louisiana’s power is still mostly natural gas, and a more diverse mix keeps costs steadier.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

Louisiana should put its energy experience to work developing more ways to deliver affordable, reliable power. Solar, wind, and other renewables deserve a fair opportunity where they make economic and practical sense. My test is straightforward: Will it lower costs, keep the lights on, create good jobs, and protect the community? As your senator, I will support research, workforce training, and investment in a stronger electric grid. I would also support energy efficiency and weatherization programs that help families reduce their bills. New power generation needs to be planned alongside transmission, storage, and reliable service during extreme weather. Farmers and other landowners deserve fair contracts and clear information before agreeing to energy projects. Communities deserve meaningful input, environmental protections, and enforceable plans for cleanup when facilities close. Louisiana workers have helped power this country for generations. They should have opportunities to build its energy future, with affordable electricity for the families and businesses here at home.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

Louisiana is arguably the most vulnerable state in the country in the face of climate change and we should be leading the way in reducing its effects. We need to continually expand our renewable energy sources to slow the effects of carbon emissions on the climate and to ensure we have affordable energy into the future.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

I see renewable energy playing an important role in Louisiana’s future, especially if we make decisions around what families can afford. People need reliable electricity and a monthly bill they can manage. Louisiana has the opportunity to build a more diverse energy economy that includes solar, wind, and other technologies where they make practical and financial sense. Each project should be evaluated honestly, including the cost of transmission, storage, and maintenance. Families deserve clear evidence of how an investment will affect their bills. In Congress, I would support investment in clean energy, a stronger electric grid, and energy storage. I would also support weatherization and efficiency programs that help families lower their energy use. Better insulation and more efficient heating and cooling can make a real difference, particularly for people living in older homes. Renters and lower-income households need access to those savings, too. These investments should create opportunities for Louisiana workers. Our energy workforce has valuable experience, and I would support paid training and apprenticeships that help workers move into new roles without leaving their communities or taking on unaffordable debt. Development also has to respect landowners and the people living nearby. Communities deserve meaningful input, clear environmental protections, and accountability for any public money invested. I want Louisiana to remain an energy leader while giving families more affordable options. That means supporting projects that can demonstrate lasting savings, reliable service, good-paying jobs, and cleaner air and water.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

Alternative energy should be part of Louisiana’s energy future, alongside the oil and natural gas industries that remain important to our state’s economy. My priority would be making sure families and businesses have access to reliable, affordable energy while supporting innovation and protecting Louisiana’s workers and communities. If elected to Congress, I would support responsible investment in solar, wind, energy efficiency, battery storage, and other technologies that can expand Louisiana’s energy options. I would also support research and workforce development that allows Louisiana workers to participate in emerging energy industries rather than having opportunities created elsewhere. Louisiana has an opportunity to use its natural resources, existing energy expertise, and skilled workforce to compete in a changing energy economy. Federal policy should encourage innovation, maintain reliability, protect consumers from unnecessary cost increases, and ensure that South Louisiana communities and workers share in the economic benefits of new energy development.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

While Louisiana has benefited from oil and natural gas, we can not rely on these energy sources forever. We must branch out into the renewable energy sector. Solar energy could be a great benefit to Louisiana and its residents, who consistently pay more and more each year on utilities.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

I support finding alternative sources of clean energy including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal to help with affordability and sustainability. For decades, we have relied on fossil fuel industries and not actively shifting more into renewable sources of energy that will help provide a path to sustainability. We should make investments in offshore wind and other diversified energy development in the Gulf, so that Louisiana’s coastal funding is not permanently tied to a single, finite industry. I believe we need to commit to a variety of safe options for renewable and resistant energy sources with job retraining and skill programs as well as support those working in local commercial fishing and seafood industries by making investments in energy efficient technology to help them do their jobs well and safely.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

We have an urgency in our state and nation to adapt to newer, renewable energy sources. Even limited funding for adding solar panels can have an impact on neighbors in communities. We must promote more responsible energy usage with financial and psychological reward systems.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

All of these must be factored into our energy planning and treated with as much respect as the fossil fuel industry receives.

Q6 Energy affordability is a significant issue among our communities, with costs rising across the state and nation. Alternative sources of energy (such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or geothermal) may help with affordability. What role, if any, do you see alternative forms of energy playing in Louisiana’s future?

I am an advocate of nuclear energy. It is cleaner, has low variable costs, and is stable in terms of prices. Several strategically placed nuclear power plants could greatly improve the energy output in Louisiana.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

Louisiana has lost roughly 2,000 square miles of land since the 1930s, and that leaves our families and property more exposed to every hurricane. Louisiana already has a 50-year Coastal Master Plan, and the 2029 update is being developed now. The problem is funding and follow-through. In Congress I would fight to fully fund and speed up the plan’s projects, increase restoration grants, and coordinate with the federal agencies that have to approve and build much of this work. Protecting the coast protects homes, fishing, working families and our national energy infrastructure.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Our waterways feed our farms, our economy and our families, and we need to be able to trust them. As water warms, storms get heavier, bacteria and harmful algae become more of a threat, or new pollutants including PFAS affect more of the water here in Louisiana we need to take proactive steps to protect our environment. I’d fight for federal funding for regular testing, and for clear warning signs on lakes and waterways when there’s a risk. Too many Louisiana families have already lost loved ones, including a child, to water-borne illness. I’d also push for infrastructure funding so levees, drainage and water systems in our communities are maintained before disaster hits, not after.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

Protecting Louisiana’s coast means protecting people’s homes, livelihoods, and history. It also means protecting fisheries, ports, and infrastructure that the whole country depends on. As your senator, I would fight for dependable federal funding for coastal restoration and hurricane protection. We need a combination of restored marshes and barrier islands, sediment diversion, shoreline protection, stronger levees, and better drainage. We also need to fund mitigation - elevating homes and protecting roads, drinking water systems, and other essential infrastructure. Projects should follow the best available science, with clear public accounting of their costs, benefits, and results. Fishers, coastal residents, and Tribal communities deserve a seat at the table before decisions are made, along with honest answers about how projects could affect their livelihoods. I will support key levee projects such as well to protect our coastal communities.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

On a farm, you learn quickly that water connects everything. What happens upstream matters to the family drinking water downstream and the fisherman making a living along the coast. I would fight for federal investment to repair aging drinking water and wastewater systems, just as I did in the town of St. Joseph, especially in rural communities that cannot afford those projects alone. I would also support consistent enforcement of clean water protections. Companies should be responsible for the pollution they cause, and residents should have access to timely, understandable water testing results. I also support voluntary conservation programs that help pay for cover crops, vegetated buffers, and better fertilizer management. Those practices should be developed with farmers and agricultural researchers so they work on the ground. I would also work with other states to reduce pollution moving down the Mississippi River. Louisiana cannot solve an entire watershed’s problems by itself.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

I would support returning to reliance on scientists and engineers regarding which projects and investments are most likely to provide future benefits. In stopping the Mid-Barataria Diversion project, the current administration has used their own, underinformed judgement to override 20 years of study and debate about what will be most effective in addressing coastal land loss.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

I’ll fight against the current efforts in DC to roll back environmental regulations regarding clean air and water. I’ll fight to retore protection of our wetlands, which are so critical to water quality and habitat.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

Protecting Louisiana’s coast means protecting people’s homes, livelihoods, and ability to stay in the communities they love. Families shouldn’t have to wonder whether the next hurricane will take everything they’ve worked for. I would fight for sustained federal funding to restore wetlands, rebuild barrier islands, and strengthen the natural buffers that help protect coastal communities. That work needs to go hand in hand with maintaining levees, improving drainage, and investing in flood protection. We need to fund maintenance for the long term, too. Restoration decisions should be guided by science and shaped by the people who live and work along the coast. Fishermen, tribal communities, local residents, and small-business owners deserve a meaningful voice from the beginning. Projects need careful review of their effects on fisheries, salinity, and local livelihoods, with public monitoring and adjustments when necessary. I would also support funding to elevate homes, strengthen public infrastructure, improve evacuation routes, and keep flood insurance affordable. Lower-income families and smaller communities need help accessing those resources before disaster strikes. For residents facing repeated flooding who want to relocate, voluntary buyouts should provide fair compensation and practical help finding a safe place to live. People deserve choices that respect their finances, family ties, and community history. In Congress, I would push for reliable coastal funding and clear accountability for how that money is spent. Every year we delay leaves families exposed and makes the work ahead more difficult.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Clean water is a basic responsibility of government. In Louisiana, the health of our rivers and lakes affects what comes out of our faucets, whether our fishing businesses survive, and whether families can safely enjoy the places they grew up visiting. In Congress, I would fight for federal investment to repair aging drinking water and wastewater systems, especially in rural and underserved communities. Small towns often know what needs fixing but lack the funding and staff to get it done. They need help accessing resources before a system fails. I would also support strong enforcement of clean water protections and hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the damage they cause. Residents deserve accessible, independent water testing, public results, and timely notification when contamination is found. A family should never have to find out about a water problem through a neighbor’s Facebook post. Protecting our waterways also means addressing what washes into them. I would support restoring wetlands and streamside vegetation, improving stormwater management, and helping farmers adopt practices that reduce fertilizer runoff and soil erosion. Those efforts should include financial and technical assistance so farmers can protect the water while keeping their operations viable. For major industrial and energy projects, I would push for transparent review of their effects on water supplies, including the combined impact of facilities operating near the same communities. But reviewing the risks is only part of the responsibility. I support strengthening the EPA’s funding, staffing, and enforcement authority so it can investigate violations, enforce protections, and hold polluters accountable. Companies responsible for contamination should pay for the cleanup and measures needed to protect affected communities, with ongoing monitoring to ensure the damage is actually addressed. Those costs should never be left to residents and taxpayers. Residents, fishermen, and tribal communities deserve a meaningful voice in these decisions and clear answers when their water is threatened. Short-term economic gains cannot justify lasting harm to people’s health, livelihoods, and drinking water. Louisiana’s waterways sustain families and entire local economies. Protecting them has to be an everyday commitment, backed by funding, oversight, and action when something goes wrong.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

Louisiana’s coast is our first line of defense against hurricanes, and protecting it must remain a federal, state, and local priority. I support fully funding proven coastal restoration, rebuilding wetlands and barrier islands, using sediment wisely, strengthening levees, and expanding natural buffers. We also need resilient infrastructure and assistance for communities facing repeated flooding. Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan provides a science-based framework, and current plans include marsh creation, dredging, barrier-island restoration, and flood-risk reduction. ([coastal.la.gov][1]) As a leader, I would fight for federal resources, accountability, and timely completion of these projects because protecting our coast means protecting our homes, livelihoods, culture, and economy.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Louisiana’s rivers, lakes, bayous, and wetlands are essential to our economy, our environment, and our way of life. If elected to Congress, I will work to protect and restore these vital waterways by supporting funding for water-quality monitoring, wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure, wetland restoration, and stronger enforcement against pollution. I will also work with federal, state, and local officials to address aging water systems and ensure communities have access to safe, reliable drinking water. We must hold polluters accountable while supporting the industries and communities that depend on Louisiana’s waterways. I will advocate for federal resources for coastal restoration, flood protection, and projects that improve water quality, while making sure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and transparently. Protecting Louisiana’s water is not a partisan issue—it is about protecting our families, our economy, our wildlife, and future generations.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

We must protect our coastal communities. As mentioned, this means shoreline restoration is necessary. As a congressman, I will support funding shoreline restoration projects and provide funding for our natural buffer zones.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Water is one of the most important resources. We must protect our water and our waterways. One aspect is investing in our drinking water. Louisiana municipal water facilities have continued to earn failing grades. It is necessary for congressional members to work with municipal officials to help make our water better.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

The 1st District is one of Louisiana’s two coastal districts, so coastal resilience and restoration are central to my platform. My long-term plan around coastal erosion starts with a basic principle that people need to be part of the decision-making process when governments make structural changes to where and how they live. The retreat-versus-restore debates often get settled far away from and without the people whose homes and livelihoods are on the line ever having a real seat at the table. We have to address that tension between retreat and restore honestly, directly, and community by community because what’s right for one parish is not always right for another, and no plan will hold if it is imposed rather than co-created with the people who will actually live under it. Whether it’s Isle de Jean Charles in Terrebonne Parish or Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish or Delacroix in St. Bernard Parish, the coastal communities of the 1st District deserve a voice in guiding coastal restoration processes. At the federal level, this requires the government to act proactively instead of reactively in the face of changing climate patterns. We need to invest in stronger infrastructure now and have real mitigation and support plans in place before disaster hits instead of scrambling it together afterwards. That starts with undoing the cuts to federal weather services including NOAA, to federal levee inspection programs, and to federal grant programs for the environment and habitats because you cannot protect a coast if you are not accurately monitoring and you cannot warn people about storms with a gutted forecasting system. Coastal restoration and hurricane protection in Louisiana depend on federal dollars and federal science working the way they were intended. We also need to work alongside environmental experts who are leading projects like sediment diversions, marsh creation, and native plantings to naturally rebuild parts of the coast. I would fight to make sure these programs are funded and staffed as if our lives, our children’s lives, and our grandchildren’s lives depended on it because they do. Overall, we need proactive investment, restored federal capacity, and communities in the driver’s seat of their own future.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

We must have clean water for drinking, fishing, boating, farming, and other needs in Louisiana. The saltwater intrusion in 2023 posed a threat to our drinking water. The drought caused the Mississippi River to drop so low that the saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico pushed towards areas in District 1, affecting residents in coastal towns and parishes like Plaquemines. We also deal with boil water advisories frequently in Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District. This disrupts day to day activities such as schools and businesses staying opening. We need an overhaul of our water systems rather than constant repatching. In Congress, I would fight for federal infrastructure dollars to invest in resilient water, sewer, and drainage systems so communities aren’t left with boil-water advisories and flooded streets every time a storm comes through. I would protect our water supply from saltwater intrusion by supporting coastal restoration projects, pushing for early warning and rapid response systems for affected parishes, and securing permanent and continuous federal funding for the Mississippi River sill system. With community input and approval, I also advocate for protecting and modernizing port and waterway infrastructure funding critical to Louisiana’s maritime and shipping economy.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

For this problem, I would propose we have LA citizens apprentice in the Netherlands to learn land recovery from the experts. We have a critical need to reinforce our barrier islands, and we have the know how currently for that. However, long term preservation requires outside, expert support. We must prepare for that. I would push to fund programs like Glass Half Full that recycle glass that can be turned back into sand for our coastal environments. I will support efforts to plant deep‑rooted and fibrous native plants that anchor soil, reduce runoff, and can cut erosion to preserve wetlands. Investment for living shorelines and restored wetlands slow waves and trap sediment, oyster reefs add natural breakwaters, and engineered revetments or levees are all important projects to fight for.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Enforcing current regulations and assessing whether or not those are enough to protect Louisiana citizens is essential. No community in our nation should sacrifice health for the wealth of corporations. Protecting our aquifers and fresh waters is critical. Without healthy land and water, we cannot have a firm foundation for the future.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

Our approach must be to treat this issue as urgent and of the highest priority. Our top scientists should be given full leeway to set out the steps that must be taken, and then implement them. There is no time to waste. Climate change is very real and how we treat it must be guided by professional scientists and not by ideologues and politicians.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Enforce state and federal environmental laws.Repair and reinstate what has been damaged by the Trump administration. Monitor all natural and manmade conditions and make changes to control them. Our policy should be to treat water issues as affecting and serving people first, before industry and business in general.

Q2 Louisiana has the highest rate of wetlands loss in the United States, and within the past 100 years, Louisiana’s barrier islands have decreased in area by more than 40 percent. Among other things, coastal land loss puts people and property at higher risk of being impacted by hurricanes; this was acknowledged in 2017, when the then-government declared a state of emergency for the Louisiana coast. Shoreline restoration and the management of natural buffer zones has shown promise in lessening the damage from hurricanes. What strategies, if any, would you support as a leader to protect our coastal communities?

This is more of a state and local issue. I’d rather leave it to locals and environmental experts to handle the issue.

Q3 Louisiana is a state inextricably tied to its waterways, whether it be through fishing, tourism, irrigation, or the water we all need to drink. What actions, if any, will you take to ensure the health of Louisiana’s rivers and lakes?

Again, this is more of a state and local issue. It is up to Louisiana officials to determine the environmental policy and balance the effects of the policies.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

These schools are where our next scientists, farmers and technicians start. I’d increase federal grants and subsidies for science, technology and career programs at rural and low-income schools, and I support tripling Title I funding for low-income and rural schools. None of it works without enough teachers, and Louisiana has a teacher shortage. Raising teacher pay has to be part of the plan, because students who want to learn need someone in the classroom to teach them.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

A child should be able to grow up in Louisiana, get a strong education, and find meaningful work here. Our public schools and community colleges are essential to making that possible. I would support federal funding for well-equipped science classrooms, hands-on learning, and training that helps teachers bring research into their lessons. Students should have opportunities to study the science around them, from agriculture and water quality to coastal restoration and energy. Community colleges can connect that learning to good-paying careers through affordable credentials, apprenticeships, and partnerships with universities and local employers. I would support Pell Grants, paid training opportunities, and programs that help working adults gain new skills. We should also expand access to research experiences for rural students and students from families who cannot afford unpaid internships. Louisiana needs scientists and engineers. We also need skilled technicians, electricians, water system operators, and other workers who put scientific knowledge to use every day.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

K-12 education is the foundation of a successful, thriving society. It is also basic to teaching our children the critical thinking skills necessary to go on to a career in science or any other field. Children should be exposed to the role of the sciences in our economy, culture and society so they can have a clear understanding of what a career in the sciences might look like.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

As a former educator, I see schools and community colleges as essential to building Louisiana’s scientific talent. A child’s opportunity to explore science shouldn’t depend on their ZIP code or whether their school can afford lab equipment. K–12 schools give students the foundation to ask questions, evaluate evidence, and understand the world around them. Teachers need the time, resources, and support to make that learning meaningful. In Congress, I would support federal investment in science labs, reliable broadband, classroom materials, and professional development, along with teacher recruitment and retention in communities struggling to fill positions. I would also support partnerships that connect schools with Louisiana’s universities, community colleges, and scientists. Students could investigate local water quality, study flooding, or learn how coastal restoration works. Seeing science applied to something happening in their own neighborhood can make a career in research feel within reach. Community colleges are especially important because they serve recent graduates, working parents, and adults preparing for a new career. They can train the laboratory technicians, healthcare workers, and environmental monitoring specialists who help turn research into practical work. I would support affordable tuition, modern equipment, paid internships, and clear transfer pathways into four-year science and engineering programs. Those opportunities need to be accessible to students who can’t afford to work for free or travel far from home. Partnerships with employers should lead to recognized credentials and good-paying jobs, with skills that remain useful as industries change. Too many of our young people feel they have to leave Louisiana to build a future. I want us to give them reasons to stay: a strong education, good-paying jobs, and opportunities to build a life in the communities they call home.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

Community-based institutions such as K–12 schools and community colleges can play a critical role in strengthening science, research, and innovation across Louisiana. If elected to Congress, I would support policies that give students greater access to hands-on science education, technology, laboratories, and career and technical training, regardless of where they live or their family’s income. I would support increased federal investment in STEM programs, modern laboratory and technology infrastructure, teacher training, and partnerships between schools, community colleges, universities, local businesses, and research institutions. Community colleges can also provide affordable pathways into high-demand fields such as engineering, healthcare, environmental science, energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Louisiana’s students should not have to leave their communities to find opportunity. By strengthening our schools and community colleges, we can prepare students for good-paying careers, support local research and innovation, and build a stronger workforce for the future.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

I am a life-long educator. I have taught secondary mathematics and science and now I teach future secondary mathematics and science educators at LSU-Shreveport. Science literacy begins at school. We must strengthen science programs in our K-12 schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions. I support funding research that helps push our society forward.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

Community-based institutions like K-12 schools, community colleges, and non-profit organizations in the congressional district and state are vitally important to strengthening science and research. Building interest in science and research begins in our classrooms at the primary and secondary level and through hands-on learning opportunities and field programs because these are the spaces that allow young individuals to ask questions and develop passion and curiosity. I believe it is important that addressing needs for jobs in the energy, climate, health, and technology sectors comes from building a foundation within our educational spaces. After 17 years in Louisiana classrooms, I’ve seen what happens when students get hands-on, inquiry-driven science. It can allow them to further engage and believe they belong in those fields. I have also seen how often students with disabilities, English language learners, and students in under-resourced schools are left out of that opportunity. Policy-wise, I support federal funding for STEM programs and science pipelines that work for all kids with a universal design for learning approach. We also need funding that helps pay for things like science materials, labs, and strong science teacher training and professional learning. I also would advocate for funding and support for partnerships between local colleges or universities and employers in science-related fields.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

Involving programs targeting birth-20 citizens would be the most effective in drawing in youth and talented individuals who can support our efforts to protect our natural world. Our science standards must be better focused on the needs within states. Generalized science knowledge is wonderful, but people need to learn actionable and relevant skills and concepts for their local communities. Apprenticeships in high school should be expanded to include those high-need professions to protect local environments and ecosystems.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

Science in general should be a part of all school curricula. Where it is not the major coursework of a student, science should be nevertheless a part of their degree requirements.

Q5 What role, if any, do you see community-based institutions like K–12 schools and community colleges playing a role in strengthening science and research across our state, and what policies, if any, would you support for these institutions?

These schools are meant to provide the foundation for understanding science. But I do not know of any exact policy that I have to provide support.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Public trust in science is built when funding decisions are made on merit and not politics. I’d work with researchers, including the ones at our universities and extension programs, and I’d invite them to testify and brief Congress directly. I would support putting a merit-based grant review process into federal law, so funding follows the quality of the research and its benefit to the public. If funding becomes unpredictable, we risk driving a generation of scientists and their work out of this country.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Yes. Elected officials have a responsibility to listen, ask serious questions, and tell the truth about what the evidence shows, including what remains uncertain. As a farmer, I use weather forecasts, soil tests, and agricultural research to make decisions. Scientists do not have to promise certainty to provide information we need. As your senator, I would regularly consult researchers at Louisiana’s universities, agricultural research stations, and other scientific institutions. I would bring them together with farmers, fishermen, health professionals, and residents who understand local conditions firsthand. I would support public research funding and defend scientists’ ability to report findings without political interference. When explaining a decision, I would identify the evidence behind it and acknowledge the tradeoffs. Trust grows when people can ask questions, understand the answers, and see that their concerns are being taken seriously. Officials have to earn that trust through their own conduct.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Yes, it’s important that we have a common set of facts as we make decisions and it’s everyone’s job to understand the role of science in that process.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Yes. Elected officials have a responsibility to seek out credible scientific evidence, understand it, and explain how it informs our decisions. That also means being honest about what we don’t know and being willing to change course when the evidence changes. As an educator, I know people need room to ask questions without being dismissed. Trust grows when experts explain their work in plain language, listen to people’s concerns, and acknowledge uncertainty. Officials undermine that trust when they cherry-pick findings to defend a decision they’ve already made. In Congress, I would seek input from researchers at Louisiana’s universities, public health professionals, coastal scientists, and other relevant experts when developing legislation and reviewing major projects. I would also bring scientists into community conversations so residents can ask questions directly about issues affecting their water, health, property, and livelihoods. Scientific expertise and local knowledge both matter. A fisherman who has watched a waterway change over decades or a neighborhood reporting recurring flooding deserves to be heard. Those observations can help researchers identify questions that need closer study. I would push for publicly funded research to be accessible and for funding sources and potential conflicts of interest to be disclosed. People should be able to see the evidence behind a recommendation and understand why I made a particular decision. My job would be to weigh that evidence carefully, explain the tradeoffs, and remain accountable to the people affected.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Yes. Elected officials have an important role in helping the public understand and trust credible scientific information, especially when decisions affect public health, the environment, infrastructure, and our economy. That role is not to tell scientists what conclusions to reach, but to make sure scientific expertise is heard and communicated honestly. If elected, I would work with scientists, universities, public-health experts, engineers, environmental researchers, and other qualified professionals when developing policy. I would support public forums and accessible explanations of scientific findings so constituents can ask questions and understand how evidence is being used in government decisions. I also believe transparency is essential: we should distinguish established facts from areas where scientists are still studying the evidence, acknowledge uncertainty when it exists, and correct misinformation with facts rather than politics. My goal would be to make science a resource for better decision-making while respecting the public’s right to ask questions and expect accountability from their elected officials.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Absolutely. My background is science and science education (Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Bachelor’s in Science Education, and Master’s in Agriculture & Extension Education). We need to work with scientists to improve our state. As your next congressman, I would have a science advisory board that would provide necessary input into all decisions.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

I believe in science and support research and facts, and I think elected officials and representatives have a role and responsibility to build public trust in science. Good elected officials recognize that they are not the expert in every topic or issue and they have the humility to understand when they need to seek solutions from the community and professional experts when developing effective policies and legislation. When elected officials make decisions where science and research funding is cut or when they promote a culture where scientific evidence is ignored and overlooked, this can damage trust that we have as a community in science. Our federal agencies and educational institutions that engage in research need consistent funding and the ability to continue to do the important work they do, rather than dealing with political attacks and interference. We also need elected officials to work with scientists to help make scientific concepts and abstract ideas understandable for people. As a teacher, I’ve learned that if a message isn’t accessible, you haven’t communicated it. I would work with scientists to put research into plain language, help build a lexicon of concepts for the public on issues that impact them, and share this information where people actually are (places like schools, community meetings, libraries, and local media, not just journals and press conferences).

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Science must guide every decision. Experts are needed in every aspect of health, from our land to our bodies. I would invite scientists to consult on every project/funding proposal to have the data necessary for intelligent recommendations.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Yes, certainly elected officials have a role and should work closely with scientists. Environmentalists and scientists in general must be given positions of authority and respect. The public and our students must be shown the scientific community has the respect of government.

Q4 Do you think elected officials have a role in working with scientists to build the general public’s trust in science? How, if at all, do you envision working with scientists?

Not really. I would say that science creditability comes on its own merits and transparency.