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Mark Wright Endorsed by Primary Opponent

Lisa Condrey Ward, Casey Revere Throw Support Behind Mark Wright for November 18th Election
Lisa Condrey Ward of Covington and Casey Revere of Madisonville have endorsed their primary opponent Mark Wright for the November 18th Special General Election. Together, the three candidates for District 77 earned 63% of the vote in Saturday's primary election.

In his endorsement, Revere cited Wright's fiscal conservatism:

"I chose to support Mark Wright because he is committed to helping the residents of District 77, first. Mark is very involved in our community and is focused on rapidly improving our outdated infrastructure in this district. He is the fiscal conservative that we need in office to eliminate wasteful spending, balance the budget, and fight the corruption that has plagued Louisiana politics. We need someone in Baton Rouge who will fight to benefit the citizens of our state, not just the Republican Party. On November 18, let's make my friend, Mark Wright, our next State Representative."

In her endorsement, Ward stated that she "encourages all who entrusted their votes to me in the primary to vote for Mark in the runoff."

Wright thanked both of his previous opponents for their trust and support.

"Lisa and Casey ran strong and respectful campaigns.  It's clear that over 60% of the voters want a leader deeply involved in the West St. Tammany community who will put them first. I recognize this election's importance for the people of Covington, Folsom, and Madisonville; and I am humbled and honored to have the support of Lisa and Casey for the general," said Wright.

"As a businessman and city councilman, I know firsthand the challenges our district and state are facing. But I believe that - through hard work and a commitment to conservative principles, we can achieve positive results on economic development, tax reform, and road improvements."

In addition to those of Ward and Revere, Wright also received the endorsement of Covington Mayor Mike Cooper, the Alliance for Good Government, the St. Tammany West's Chamber PAC, the Greater New Orleans Republicans PAC, The Times Picayune, and LABI's South PAC.

Early voting for the special general runs from Friday, November 3rd through Saturday, November 11th. Election Day is Saturday, November 18th.

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Big year for St. Tammany road work, from I-12 widening to Bogalusa highway
(Via Nola.com)
Complaining about traffic congestion might be the most unifying topic of conversation in St. Tammany Parish, where rampant growth has far outstripped road capacity for major corridors like Interstate 12. Social media pages have even been spawned for people to vent.

"Treat yourself like I-12 and never stop working on yourself, no matter how inconvenient it is to everyone else," a poster quipped on one Facebook page devoted to the topic.

But while the massive $187 million project to widen I-12 from U.S. 190 to Louisiana 1077 in western St. Tammany might seem like it's taking eons, the first phase, from U.S. 190 to Louisiana 59, is all but finished, according to the state Department of Transportation and Development.

The second phase, a 3-mile stretch from Louisiana 21 to U.S. 190 that includes widening the bridge over the Tchefuncte River, is currently under construction with completion anticipated this summer.

And in July, DOTD expects to let bids on the third phase, from La. 21 to La. 1077.

The I-12 project is just one of several large-ticket state highway projects currently underway in St. Tammany. Another is the new 20-mile four-lane highway that will connect Lacombe to Bush near the Washington Parish line.

And construction will start soon on a new bridge on U.S. 190 over the Bogue Falaya River in Covington — a chronic traffic chokepoint that has exasperated drivers for decades.

"These are very impactful projects to ease traffic and make it safer," St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper said.

22 projects in St. Tammany

All told, DOTD will spend $172 million on 22 projects in St. Tammany Parish over the next 12 months alone, highway department Sec. Shawn Wilson said Thursday during an update on local projects to the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club.

The I-12 work, which adds a third lane in each direction, began in May of 2020. That's much sooner than the state's original start date, which was 2023. A multi-vehicle accident in 2018 that killed four people lent a sense of urgency that helped get the project on a faster track.

Wilson said the interstate work had to be done in phases, mainly because of the steep cost. Largely paid for with federal highway dollars, the cost mushroomed from an estimated $154 million at the start of the project to $187 million.

New highway taking shape

While the I-12 widening launched sooner than scheduled, another huge highway project now under construction in St. Tammany — Louisiana 3241 — was actually funded in 1991 as one of 16 projects to have been paid for with a 4-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax. That money ran out in 2007 or 2008, Wilson said.

"It should have been here 30 years ago," Wilson said of the highway that will run from the juncture of I-12 and Louisiana 434 in Lacombe north to Bush.

At an estimated cost of nearly $189 million, the project is even pricier than the I-12 widening. A combination of BP oil spill settlement money and federal stimulus money is being used for the project.

DOTD broke ground in November of 2021, and work is currently being done on two sections, a 5.6 mile stretch from Louisiana 435 to the junction of Louisiana 40 and Louisiana 41 and an 8-mile section from Louisiana 36 to La. 435. Wilson said that a lot of land-clearing is underway, but there's also pavement already going down.

DOTD estimates a spring 2024 date for the work to be complete on those two segments. Bids will be let in July on the final leg, from the juncture of I-12 and La. 434 to La. 36, a 6.2-mile section that is expected to be the most expensive section at an estimated $79 million.

Construction costs rising

When first pushed by state Sen. B.B. "Sixty" Rayburn, D-Bogalusa, the new highway was intended to help what was then a thriving timber industry in Bogalusa. Officials there still have hopes that the north-south corridor will be an economic stimulus for the city.

Decades after the road was planned, the western and eastern sides of St. Tammany are bursting at the seams. La. 3241 could open up central St. Tammany to another wave of development, parish officials say.

But Cooper says that the new corridor will also reduce traffic congestion on St. Tammany highways like La. 41 and La. 21.

Construction of a third large project, a new $30 million Bogue Falaya bridge on U.S. 190, will also begin this year. DOTD estimates a 2025 completion date, although so far work has been confined to moving utility lines.

Wilson has previously called the bridge, which funnels three northbound lanes of traffic into single lane, one of the worst choke points in the state. A new northbound bridge will be built first, just east of the existing span. A second south-bound bridge will be built in a later phase.

Covington Mayor Mark Johnson quizzed Wilson about the full project, which also calls for widening 2.7 miles of U.S. 190 Business to La. 25, making 190 a four-lane divided highway with several roundabouts to replace traffic lights.

"It's important to get that design work started, because the building of the new bridge by itself is not going to fix our problem," Johnson said.

Wilson said that the highway widening and new bridges will have a big impact on capacity, but with money constraints, work has to be done in phases.

More News

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Louisiana Name Mark Wright Legislator of the Year

SMothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Louisiana has named State Representative Mark Wright the 2022 Legislator of the Year.

MADD Louisiana awarded Represetnative Wright for his major role in MADD's mission to eliminate imparied driving and support the victims of this 100% preventable crime.

Mark Wright Interviewed by the Louisiana Global Gumbo Podcast

State Representative and House Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Wright is a key legislative leader on the issues most impacting Louisiana's economy - infrastructure and international trade . And he is one of the most outspoken proponent's of an independent legislature. 

Chairman Wright joined the Louisiana Global Gumbo podcast to explain his leadership on these issues and to tell us about latest happenings in Baton Rouge.

New North Shore transporation heads could alleviate traffic woes

For drivers on the north shore, traffic is so bad that it can take nearly an hour just to go four miles. That’s the reality for many as traffic and congestion continue to be a problem. Now, state lawmakers are hoping to direct more funding to resolve the issues.

Sen. Patrick McMath (R-Covington) and Rep. Mark Wright (R-Covington) now chair the Transportation committees in their respective chambers.

“We all know our communities have significant needs for transportation infrastructure improvements, and Patrick and I are now well positioned to ensure the North Shore gets the funding and attention our citizens deserve,” said Wright.
Mark Wright Endorsed by Primary Opponents

Lisa Condrey Ward of Covington and Casey Revere of Madisonville have endorsed their primary opponent Mark Wright for the November 18th Special General Election. Together, the three candidates for District 77 earned 63% of the vote in Saturday's primary election.

"I chose to support Mark Wright because he is committed to helping the residents of District 77 first," said Revere. "Mark is very involved in our community and is focused on rapidly improving our outdated infrastructure in this district. He is the fiscal conservative that we need in office to eliminate wasteful spending, balance the budget, and fight the corruption that has plagued Louisiana politics. We need someone in Baton Rouge who will fight to benefit the citizens of our state, not just the Republican Party. On November 18, let's make my friend, Mark Wright, our next State Representative."

In her endorsement, Ward stated that she "encourages all who entrusted their votes to me in the primary to vote for Mark in the runoff."

"Lisa and Casey ran strong and respectful campaigns. It's clear that over 60% of the voters want a leader deeply involved in the West St. Tammany community who will put them first. I recognize this election's importance for the people of Covington, Folsom, and Madisonville; and I am humbled and honored to have the support of Lisa and Casey for the general," said Wright.

"As a businessman and city councilman, I know firsthand the challenges our district and state are facing. But I believe that - through hard work and a commitment to conservative principles, we can achieve positive results on economic development, tax reform, and road improvements."
The Times-Picayune Endorses Mark Wright for State Representative

The Times-Picayune has endorsed Mark Wright for State Representative. In their endorsement, the editorial board highlighted Wright's focus on improving the state's business environment, reforming the Department of Transportation and Development and reducing budget dedications to take pressure off higher education and health care.

In accepting the endorsement, Wright said, "I am humbled and honored to have earned the endorsements of our state's leading business, good government and conservative organizations, as well as the newspaper of record in our region. That said, the endorsement that means the most is the vote of our neighbors in District 77. I humbly ask all of them for their vote on October 14th.

READ MORE
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's SOUTHPAC Endorses Mark Wright

SOUTHPAC, one of the political action arms of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry representing the political interest of business people in Louisiana, has endorsed Mark Wright for State Representative. Their endorsement is based on Wright's pro-business record and fight for the principles of smaller and smarter government.

In accepting the endorsement, Wright said, "I am humbled and honored to have earned the endorsements of our state's leading business organizations. I am committed to working hard for our small businesses, job creators and working families."

Mark Wright Launches TV Ads in State Representative Campaign

Covington City Councilman Mark Wright today took his campaign for State Representative in District 77 to television. The TV spots were shot in Folsom, Covington and Madisonville, the three communities within the district. 

In the 30-second ads, Wright talks directly to voters about the importance of responsible budgeting, capitalizing on Louisiana’s resources, and ending corruption.

“We have a spending problem.  We have a corruption problem.  We have a leadership problem,” Wright says in the spots, which began airing on CNN and Fox News and which can be seen online at www.Facebook.com/VoteMarkWright.

The spots were produced by Chris Comeaux of Brave New Television, who also handled media for Congressman Clay Higgins in last year’s federal election.

Alliance for Good Government Endorses Mark Wright for State Representative

The Alliance for Good Government, whose purpose is to foster, protect and promote the welfare and interest of the citizens of the State of Louisiana, has endorsed Mark Wright for State Representative.

In accepting the endorsement, Wright said he was extremely proud to have earned the coveted endorsement of the Alliance of Good Government and asked his supporters to share the news of the endorsement with family, friends and neighbors.

Covington Mayor Mike Cooper Endorses Mark Wright for State Representative

Touting Mark Wright's work to make our communities safe, to keep government accessible and transparent, and to always protect the taxpayers - having never voted to raise taxes, Covington Mayor Mike Cooper endorsed Wright's campaign for State Representative.  In his six years as Mayor, Cooper has rarely endorsed a candidate for public office.  In accepting Cooper's endorsement, Wright said he is "extremely humbled and proud to have earned the support and vote of Mayor Cooper and his wife, Catherine."

St. Tammany CHAMBERPAC Endorses Mark Wright

The St. Tammany CHAMBERPAC, the political action committee of the leading business organization in the area, announced their endorsement of Mark Wright. In their endorsement, CHAMBERPAC highlighted Wright's commitment to work with the business community, his willingness to listen to concerns expressed by employers in the district, and his commitment to transparency in government. They also stressed Wright's support of business, the free enterprise system, freedom from unnecessary government regulation, and quality of life in our region.

Greater New Orleans Republican PAC Endorses Mark Wright for State Representative

Mark Wright has earned the endorsement of the Greater New Orleans Republican PAC. In accepting the endorsement, Wright stated, "I am extremely humbled and honored to have the endorsement and support of the Greater New Orleans Republican PAC! I am proud of my conservative credentials and proud to be the only GNOR PAC endorsed candidate in the race!"

Mark Wright enters race for Covington area House seat

Covington City Councilman Mark Wright has announced his candidacy for the state House of Representatives seat of outgoing Rep. John Schroder, who is stepping down to concentrate on running for state treasurer. 

Covington City Councilman Mark Wright running to fill John Schroder's vacant seat

State Rep. John Schroder's resignation last week has prompted the first candidate to announce for his vacant House seat: Covington City Councilman Mark Wright.

Zurik: Councilman, treasurer slam MERS chief's spending

A local councilman calls for the head of a state retirement board to resign. That follows a series of FOX 8 investigations that showed the head of that board may have used public money to pay for personal trips to the Gulf Coast.

Covington City Councilman Mark Wright has formally announced his candidacy for the Louisiana House of Representatives in District 77, seeking to replace outgoing Rep. John Schroder, who resigned to run for Treasurer.
"Our district needs someone who can immediately jump into this role and fight for a better Louisiana. My main focus will be on our desperate transportation needs, budget reform, and economic development. We have incredible natural resources but regularly waste them through bad policy and poor government. It’s clear the people want our state to live within its means. We can only do that through deep reform and I’m ready to do it. As someone born and raised in Louisiana, I can’t watch this happen anymore. We deserve better.” 

Wright, 46, has served on the Covington City Council, District C, since unseating an incumbent in the 2011 election. He and his wife, Kim, have five children, and are members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where he serves as Lector and is in the Knights of Columbus. Wright is vice president for the American Waterway Operators, where his primary responsibility is managing collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard on the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. He is a member of the Lower Mississippi River Waterway Safety Advisory Committee and the Louisiana Supply Chain Council. Wright attended Louisiana State University and holds a B.A. from Xavier University; an MBA from the University of Dallas; and is expected to graduate in May 2018 with a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of South Alabama.

Wright values community involvement. He is a member of the Covington Rotary Club, where he serves as Treasurer, and the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, where he was on the Advisory Board in 2016. Prior to running for City Council in 2011, Wright was Chairman of the St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee.

"I’m an independent conservative who loves Louisiana, its people, and its culture,” Wright said. “I’m serious about public service, public policy and delivering what the people of our district deserve.”

Media Kit

Biography

Mark Wright is a trusted community leader, who has honorably served our community and state as the District 77 Representative in the State House since his election in 2017.

In the legislature, Mark has worked hard to give families choices in education, create jobs so our families don't need to leave Louisiana, and delivered on securing funding for necessary infrastructure improvement projects.

The Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Mark has earned the respect of his colleagues and our state's leading business and conservative organizations. Named a Most Valuable Policymaker by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry - Mark holds a 100% Pro-Life Career Record by the Louisiana Right to Life Federation, was named a Family Advocate by the Louisiana Family Forum, and was honored with the Conservative Achievement Award from the American Conservative Union.

While serving as a Covington City Councilman prior to the State House, Mark showed that conservative, business principles lead to a better government. His work to help pass six balanced budgets that focus on providing necessary funding for core government services was accomplished with no tax increases - ever. And, Mark’s work as a member of the St. Tammany Inspector General Task Force highlights his commitment to standing up to public corruption and promoting government transparency.

Professionally, Mark’s work in the tugboat and barge industry has put him in the center of Louisiana’s economy. As Vice President of The American Waterways Operators, he manages the Southern Region and leads the industry’s collaboration with the Coast Guard on the Mississippi River and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Mark also serves on the Lower Mississippi Waterway Safety Advisory Committee, as a member of the Louisiana Supply Chain Transportation Council, and as a Co-Chair for the Mid-America Regional Quality Steering Committee.

Prior to his work with AWO, Mark was the Vice President of the American Arbitration Association, where he served as the regional executive for arbitration and mediation. In this position, Mark managed the Louisiana mediation program for the Department of Insurance following Hurricane Katrina.

Under his management, the program successfully conducted over 17,000 mediations between devastated homeowners and insurance companies.
 
Mark’s community leadership includes service as the President of the River Forest Civic Association, Treasurer for the Covington Rotary Club, and an Advisory Board Member for the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce.

His work to promote conservative principles includes serving as Chairman of the St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee and President of the Northshore Republican Men’s Club.
 
A devoted husband and father of five, Mark is an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church. There, Mark serves as a lector and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
 
Mark attended Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and graduated from Xavier University. He has earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dallas and is working on a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of South Alabama.

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