Baton Rouge Reporter

Eric McVicker, a GOP strategist and community advocate, said that State Sen. Jean-Paul Coussan (R-Lafayette) has a record in the State Legislature of supporting legislation that supported Louisiana families and kept energy bills low.

"Jean-Paul Coussan has a proven record in the legislature of fighting for policies that protect Louisiana families from rising utility costs," McVicker told Baton Rouge Reporter. "His work to secure affordable energy and water access reflects a deep commitment to keeping bills low, even during times of economic uncertainty."

"In contrast, Julie Quinn's history of conflicts of interest and financial violations raises serious questions about her ability to prioritize the public good," McVicker said. "Coussan’s transparency and focus on protecting rate-payers make him the clear choice for Public Service Commissioner."

As the Louisiana Illuminator reported in July 2024, State Sen. Coussan is running for a seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission to be a "conservative watchdog in the utility space.” He touted his "business friendly" approach would be beneficial for household energy consumers, since utility companies want lower energy prices as well.

On his campaign website, Coussan says that as a member of the LPSC, he will advocate on behalf of utility consumers and fight for transparency and accountability from utility companies. He states that consumers "deserve a true conservative watch dog, and someone who understands the importance of the role that affordable and reliable energy plays in bringing jobs to our state. If I’m elected, that’s the type of Public Service Commissioner they’ll get."

Coussan served two terms as the Representative of District 45 in the Louisiana House before being elected to the Louisiana State Senate. During that time he served on the House Natural Resources Committee, including as its chairman. 

Julie Quinn, a former state senator, is attempting to re-enter public service and is also seeking the district 2 seat on the LPSC. According to prior reports from the Baton Rouge Reporter and a report from South Louisiana News, Quinn has faced past criticism over campaign finance violations in three of her political campaigns, as well as conflicts of interest related to regulations Quinn advocated for in the senate that benefitted her personal employer. Quinn was found to have violated the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act and paid a fine. 

Coussan will face Quinn and Democrat Nick Laborde, a human resources consultant, for the District 2 seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission during the November general election. If no candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold, the top two vote receivers will advance to a runoff. 

Eric McVicker is a seasoned GOP Strategist, political consultant, and community advocate with over 15 years of experience in political campaigns, nonprofit, and governmental affairs work. He has served as a key strategist for more than 100 political campaigns. A graduate of LSU and Loyola University’s Institute of Politics, McVicker has also served on multiple nonprofit boards.