Where: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans

When: June 2

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana hosted a Coastal Issues Candidate Forum for gubernatorial candidates on June 2, 2023, with the major contenders answering questions about coastal land loss and the state’s restoration program and plans. The forum, which was open to the public, was held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans at the conclusion of the State of the Coast conference. 

The gubernatorial candidate forum was the latest in a series of candidate forums hosted by CRCL, the first statewide nonprofit dedicated to confronting coastal land loss in Louisiana. The following candidates participated: state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, Hunter Lundy, state Rep. Richard Nelson, Stephen Waguespack and Shawn Wilson. The forum was live-streamed and can be watched on our YouTube.  

Recent polling conducted by Global Strategy Group indicates that support for large-scale coastal restoration is growing across the state and that voters are more likely to support candidates who embrace bold action to restore and protect Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. 

 The Coastal Issues Candidate Forum was modeled on the forum CRCL hosted for gubernatorial candidates in 2015. Information on that forum and other candidate forums can be found on CRCL’s website. CRCL, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, does not endorse candidates for office.  

The forum was open to media as well as members of the public.

The primary in the Louisiana gubernatorial election is scheduled for Oct. 14.