Billy Nungesser - Biography

William Harold Nungesser is the 54th Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, serving in this capacity since January 2016. A Republican, he represents the entire state in his role as lieutenant governor.

Nungesser was born on January 10, 1959, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before entering politics, he built a successful career in business. He owned and operated General Marine Leasing from 1991 to 1998 and previously served as director of Offshore Catering Services at General Marine Catering, Incorporated, from 1980 to 1990. Louisiana Life Magazine recognized him as one of the state's "Top CEOs" in 2002.

His entry into politics was motivated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After experiencing the slow government response to the disaster firsthand while at his ranch in southern Plaquemines Parish, Nungesser decided to pursue public service. He ran for Plaquemines Parish President in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010 with over 70 percent of the vote.

Political Experience

Nungesser served as President of Plaquemines Parish from 2007 to 2014, where he applied his business acumen to hold the line on taxes and control spending, generating annual savings and millions of dollars in surpluses for the parish.

He first ran for lieutenant governor in 2011 but lost to incumbent Jay Dardenne. He successfully won the lieutenant governor race in 2015 and took office in January 2016. From July 2019 to July 2020, he served as Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, a professional organization representing the second-highest ranking officials in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

As Lieutenant Governor, Nungesser has focused on tourism and economic development, guiding Louisiana to record-breaking tourism numbers in consecutive years prior to the pandemic. He also worked to keep state parks operational and profitable. Additionally, he has been recognized for his advocacy on coastal protection and restoration, particularly regarding the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.