Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin won't seek reelection, blasts election deniers

Republican Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, the state's chief elections officer, won't run for reelection next fall, citing health concerns and blasting election deniers as spreading "pervasive lies that have eroded trust in our elections by using conspiracies so far-fetched that they belong in a work of fiction."

Ardoin, 55, has been secretary of state since 2018 after being appointed to the position following then Secretary of State Tom Schedler's resignation amid a sex scandal. Ardoin then easily won a runoff election to replace Schedler.

Two candidates - Republican businessman Brandon Trosclair and Republican Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis - have already announced they intend to run for the job.

With Ardoin's exit, Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is expected to run as well. His consultant Lionel Rainey said Schexnayder will likely make it official later this week.

Republican state Rep. Barry Ivey said he will also consider the race after Ardoin's decision.

Following is Ardoin's complete statement to USA Today Network.

"For the last five years, I have had the blessing of serving as Louisiana’s 44th secretary of state," he said. "In that time, we have faced unprecedented challenges including major hurricanes, a global pandemic, and lies about our election processes and procedures. Through it all, I have been able to witness the unyielding dedication of election staff across the state who worked countless late nights and weekends, sometimes putting their own needs on hold, to deliver democracy to the people of Louisiana. I could not be prouder of their work, and being tasked with leading these individuals has been the honor of a lifetime.

"I trust that the next secretary of state will be able to build off of the accomplishments we have achieved in the last five years, including widespread recognition from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the Heritage Foundation and the Electoral Integrity Project for our election integrity measures.

"I hope that Louisianans of all political persuasions will stand against the pervasive lies that have eroded trust in our elections by using conspiracies so far-fetched that they belong in a work of fiction. The vast majority of Louisiana’s voters know that our elections are secure and accurate, and it is shameful and outright dangerous that a small minority of vocal individuals have chosen to denigrate the hard work of our election staff and spread unproven falsehoods."

"I am thankful for the tireless work of my staff over these last five years, and for the love and support of my family through the many challenges we have faced. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Louisiana through the remainder of my term.”

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1 

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin won't seek reelection