Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy is keeping the door open on a run for the White House. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Kennedy says seeking re-election in 2028 remains his top option, but if he doesn’t like the field of Republican candidates running for president, he could pivot.
“If a bunch of goobers run, and I think they’re goobers; and one of the goobers might win and I think I could do a better job, I would consider running. But right now, I’m running for re-election,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 and he was re-elected in 2022. The 74-year-old, who lives in St. Tammany Parish, says he wants to serve where he’s most effective.
“My plans right now are to run for re-election; but as I’ve said before, if I don’t think I can be effective in the Senate anymore, I would consider it,” Kennedy noted.
Kennedy is known in Louisiana and around the country for his one-liners, his Southern wit and his candor. During his appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Kennedy disapproved of President Trump’s decision to post Arkansas Senator Tom Cotten’s cell phone number online over a dispute over permanent daylight saving time.
“He exists loudly. He can be tempestuous. He can go from zero to a-hole in about three seconds. I don’t think he should have given out Tom’s cell phone number; I don’t think that’s going to help convince Tom,” Kennedy explained.
Former state lawmaker, Lt Governor and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has said he me may run for the Democratic nomination.
