Shawn Wilson Explained

Shawn Wilson
Office:Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Governor:John Bel Edwards
Term Start:January 11, 2016
Term End:March 4, 2023
Predecessor:Sherri LeBas
Successor:Eric Kalivoda
Birth Place:New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Children:2
Education:University of Louisiana, Lafayette (BA)
Southern University (MPA, PhD)

Shawn D. Wilson is an American politician and transportation official who served as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development from 2016 to 2023. Wilson unsuccessfully ran for governor of Louisiana in 2023 and came in second place to Republican Jeff Landry in a jungle primary receiving 25.9% of the vote.

Early life and career

Wilson is from New Orleans.[1] He intended to pursue nursing but changed his path after the death of his father. In 1993, Wilson completed a bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.[2] He was president of the Student Government Association and was the student member on the University of Louisiana System board.[3] Wilson earned both a master's degree and Ph.D. in Public Administration from Southern University. His 2015 dissertation was titled A comparative study of transportation decision making by state and locally elected officials in Louisiana. James S. Larson was Wilson's doctoral advisor.[4]

Wilson was executive director of the Louisiana Serve Commission and served as the deputy legislative director for Governor Kathleen Blanco. In 2005, Wilson joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as a confidential assistant to Secretary Johnny Bradberry. In 2007, Wilson was a candidate for Lafayette Parish Council.[5] He lost in a runoff. Wilson served as chief of staff to state transportation secretary William Anker and Sherri LeBas. Wilson was appointed secretary by Governor John Bel Edwards, beginning his term on January 11, 2016.[6] In 2021, Wilson was elected president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. He is the first African-American to serve in the role.

2023 Louisiana gubernatorial election

In December 2022, Wilson established an exploratory committee for the 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial election.[7] On February 15, 2023, Wilson announced that he would be resigning as secretary effective March 4, 2023, which was taken as confirmation that he would run for governor.[8] [9]

On March 6, 2023, Wilson officially launched his campaign for Governor of Louisiana.[10] As the only major Democratic candidate in the race, Wilson has garnered the endorsements of incumbent governor John Bel Edwards,[11] the Louisiana Democratic Party, and former 2022 Senate candidate Gary Chambers.[12]

Electoral history

Lafayette Parish Council

2007

Governor of Louisiana

2023

Personal life

Wilson and his wife, Rocki, live in Lafayette, Louisiana. They have two children. He is a Progressive Baptist and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sentell . Will . January 5, 2016 . New DOTD chief Shawn Wilson boasts experience, ready to take on job stacked with about $12 billion road, bridge project backlog . January 29, 2023 . The Advocate . en.
  2. Web site: McLoud . Don . November 5, 2021 . Shawn Wilson elected AASHTO's first African-American president . January 29, 2023 . Equipment World . en-us.
  3. Web site: October 20, 2021 . Dr. Shawn Wilson . January 29, 2023 . College of Engineering . en.
  4. News: December 12, 2015 . Southern University graduates almost 500 students on Friday . The Advocate . January 29, 2023.
  5. Web site: O'Donoghue . Julie . January 30, 2023 . What potential Louisiana governor candidates are saying . January 31, 2023 . Louisiana Illuminator . en-US.
  6. Web site: Sentell . Will . December 30, 2015 . Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards makes key cabinet appointments, including DOTD chief . January 29, 2023 . The Advocate . en.
  7. Web site: Sentell . Will . December 7, 2022 . DOTD chief sets up exploratory committee as he considers bid for governor . January 29, 2023 . NOLA.com . en.
  8. Web site: Sentell . Will . Shawn Wilson quitting transportation post ahead of likely bid for Louisiana governor . . February 15, 2023.
  9. Web site: Hilburn . Greg . Democrat Shawn Wilson sets stage to launch campaign for Louisiana governor . . February 15, 2023.
  10. Web site: Former Louisiana DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson announces his bid for governor . Fox 8 Live . March 6, 2023 . March 6, 2023.
  11. Web site: John Bel Edwards endorses Shawn Wilson in 2023 Louisiana governor's race . . March 7, 2023 . May 8, 2023 . en-US . Finn . James.
  12. Web site: Bridges . Tyler . Troy Carter endorses Shawn Wilson's campaign for governor. Here's why it matters . . March 7, 2023 . May 8, 2023.