Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) voted 3-2 on Wednesday to remove Commissioner Davante Lewis from his role as vice chair, a decision that follows his public criticism of Governor Jeff Landry. The move has sparked debate over free speech, political influence, and the commission’s motivations.
The controversy began when Lewis responded to a social media post by Landry, in which the governor compared newly confirmed U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Assistant Health Secretary Rachel Levine, a transgender woman. Landry’s tweet, which framed Kennedy’s appointment as a “major upgrade,” was widely viewed as mocking Levine’s gender identity.
Lewis reposted the message and responded: “This tweet shows that conservatism right now is only about cruelty and chaos. They will find away to be cruel to someone just bc they can… What a completely asshole you are @LAGovJeffLandry.”
The exchange prompted PSC Chairman Mike Francis to add an item to the commission’s agenda replacing Lewis as vice chair with Commissioner Eric Skrmetta.
Debate Over Free Speech and Political Influence
During the public comment period, multiple speakers argued that removing Lewis over his remarks would amount to punishing him for exercising free speech.
“I am just in disbelief that you’re willing to remove an official because of their freedom of speech,” said Sharon White, a retired state employee from Ascension Parish.
Others suggested that the decision was politically motivated, particularly given the broader climate surrounding criticism of the governor. Lewis’ removal follows a separate controversy at LSU, where law professor Ken Levy was suspended from teaching after making vulgar remarks about Landry.
Francis denied any coordination with the governor’s office, stating, “I haven’t spoken to Gov. Landry since the election. This is a decision that I felt like I had to make as chairman.”
Commissioner Foster Campbell, who voted against the change, pointed out inconsistencies in how decorum is enforced within the PSC. He recalled an incident where Francis, while in the audience during one of Campbell’s speeches, held up a sign reading “bulls**t.” No action was taken against Francis at the time.
Lewis himself refused to apologize, saying that Francis had allowed others to be disrespectful toward him in past meetings. “I’m not going to sit here and hold myself to a standard that you won’t hold yourself to,” he said before the vote.
Concerns Over Precedent and Political Pressure
The PSC’s decision to remove Lewis has raised concerns about whether Louisiana’s governing bodies are becoming more reactive to political considerations. While Francis and others maintain that the decision was made independently, critics argue that it fits a pattern in which public institutions face pressure—direct or indirect—to distance themselves from those who challenge the governor.
The vote also raises questions about the limits of elected officials’ free speech. While commissioners are expected to maintain professionalism in their roles, the removal of an elected official from a leadership position over a social media post is unusual.
Ultimately, the decision highlights ongoing tensions in Louisiana’s political landscape, where the line between independent governance and political influence continues to be debated.
