Sharon Hewitt in 2023 LA Governor's race


On Abortion: A leader in passing the state's strict abortion ban

Hewitt also was a leader in passing the state's strict abortion ban. When asked if she'd be open to allowing exceptions for rape and incest into the law, she said she hasn't seen a bill allowing it that she agrees with. "I have not seen any other legislation or any other bills proposed that I thought did a better job than what we have in place right now," Hewitt said.
Source: Baton Rouge Proud on 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race Aug 14, 2023

On Budget & Economy: One of the best ways to ignite the economy is build things

One of the best ways to ignite the economy is to build things. And Louisiana has a $15B backlog of roads, bridges, ports, and airports that need to be built, upgraded, repaved, or expanded. I will revamp the Department of Transportation to maximize our dedicated transportation dollars for actual engineering and construction, rather than overhead. And I will shorten the cycle time required for projects by pushing more money and decision-making to the local districts.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Civil Rights: Supported the state's version of the Don't Say Gay bill

Hewitt saw the of legislation aimed at the LGBTQ community that is believed to be discriminatory. Hewitt voted in favor of all three bills, including overturning the governor's veto of the ban on gender-affirming care for minors. "Children are not capable at that age of making those kinds of life-changing decisions," Hewitt said. She also supported the state's version of the Don't Say Gay bill, stating teachers should not be discussing gender identity and sexual orientation in the classroom.
Source: Baton Rouge Proud on 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race Aug 14, 2023

On Crime: Establish Truth in Sentencing task force to clarify process

Our criminal justice system needs to be reviewed. I support second-chances for non-violent offenders with education and job-training. And I want the violent offenders to go to jail. However, victims and their families are often surprised when offenders are released sooner than expected as a result of complicated formulas. As Governor, I will establish a "Truth in Sentencing" task force to simplify, clarify, and provide more transparency to this process.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Drugs: Greatly increase the penalties for fentanyl dealers

One of the most urgent challenges facing our young adults is the risk of fentanyl overdoses. It's heart-breaking. I have legislation that I have authored that will greatly increase the penalties for fentanyl dealers and those operating these makeshift clandestine labs in hopes of running these criminals out of our state and protecting our young people from one bad decision.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Drugs: Received F from Marijuana Policy Project, against legalizing

The Marijuana Policy Project has released a voter guide for the October 14th primary so voters can see where the candidates, as well as incumbent legislators, stand on a variety of cannabis issues. Southeast Legislative Manager at MPP, Kevin Caldwell, says gubernatorial candidate Sharon Hewitt received an "F" grade. "Senator Sharon Hewitt has a very negative record on voting on cannabis and has told Gambit Magazine in New Orleans that she does not support legalization," said Caldwell.
Source: Louisiana Radio Network on 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race Sep 19, 2023

On Education: Curriculum should focus on education not indoctrination

As Governor, I will continue my work to put a computer science curriculum in every K-12 grade level, computer coding in our high school curriculum, and a much more STEM-rich educational experience for all of our students. Our school curriculum will be focused on education, not indoctrination. We need to acknowledge that parents want to choose the best educational setting for their child, utilizing their state education dollars, to give their child the best opportunity to succeed.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Energy & Oil: Support traditional fossil fuels while diversifying energy

As your Governor, I will support our traditional oil and gas industry, while diversifying our energy portfolio with wind, solar, hydrogen, and biofuels. As we diversify our energy portfolio and work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in a common sense approach, I will ensure that our citizens and businesses always have a reliable and affordable energy grid.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Government Reform: We need LESS government in our lives, not more

The amount of government red tape and bureaucracy is often overwhelming to citizens and a burden to businesses. We need LESS government in our lives, not more. Government should work FOR the people, not the other way around. I will eliminate many of the licensing requirements that are a barrier to entrepreneurs and do not improve safety. I will stand up and defend your personal freedoms, pushing back against federal overreach, and giving you every opportunity to pursue the American dream.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Government Reform: Led discriminatory Congressional redistricting effort

Hewitt led the redistricting effort to redraw a congressional map in Louisiana to continue having only one majority-Black district out of six, despite the fact Black residents account for about one-third of the state's population. That map has been caught up in litigation for more than a year. Many believe the map will be found unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court found Alabama's map unconstitutional in a similar case. But Hewitt believes the two cases are different.
Source: WWNO 89.9 FM on 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race Aug 7, 2023

On Gun Control: I support the right of citizens to carry a concealed gun

I support the Second Amendment and the constitutional right of citizens to carry a concealed gun. I enjoy training with my local sheriff deputies to make sure that I am safely using my gun and am confident in using it. In the last few years, I have learned to hunt and fish, bringing new meaning to me as a lifelong resident in the Sportsman's Paradise. One of the proudest moments for me was the day that my dad gave me his 28-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns. He was so happy!
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Health Care: Can't pay for Medicaid for those not meeting requirements

Louisiana State Sen. Sharon Hewitt (R- Slidell) created and shared a two-and-a-half minute long video of her exchange with Daryl Purpera, the state's legislative auditor, during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee on April 30th, asserting that Purpera revealed conclusive evidence of massive government fraud. On her Facebook page, she added, "At a cost of $500/person/month, we cannot keep paying for Medicaid for those 83,000 who don't meet the eligibility requirements."
Source: Bayou Brief on 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race May 2, 2018

On Principles & Values: Together I know that we can put Louisiana first!

I am beginning this journey to be your next Governor with one end in mind: To give families in Louisiana reasons to STAY in Louisiana, rather than reasons to leave. And I will do this by building a strong team of principle-centered leaders who are as committed to driving bold policy reforms as I am. TOGETHER I KNOW THAT WE CAN PUT LOUISIANA FIRST!
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

On Tax Reform: Simplify tax system on the way to zero state income tax

The tax reform work the legislature started in 2021 has put Louisiana on a smart path of lower personal income tax rates and lower corporate tax rates that will continue to be reduced as the economy continues to improve. They work hand in hand. As Governor, I will continue to simplify our tax system, while providing long-term predictability to our businesses who are choosing to stay in Louisiana or considering a relocation to Louisiana, as we work our way to zero state income tax.
Source: 2023 Louisiana Governor campaign website SharonHewitt.com Oct 3, 2023

The above quotations are from 2023 Louisiana Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
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Page last updated: Oct 14, 2023