Jeff Landry Again Fails to Disclose Donor Flight to Ethics Board

Gov. Jeff Landry is again facing scrutiny for failing to report a flight on a donor's private jet to the state Ethics Board. This comes amid ongoing issues over a similar undisclosed flight.

On May 9, Landry flew to Eagle Pass, Texas, to visit Louisiana troops at the U.S.-Mexico border. The flight was provided by Boysie Bollinger, a prominent Republican businessman and Landry ally. According to ethics rules, Landry had 60 days—until July 8—to disclose the flight. As of Friday morning, no disclosure had been filed.

Kate Kelly, Landry's spokesperson, downplayed the issue, questioning the need for a news story. "With everything going on in the state and country, it’s amazing what gets deemed newsworthy," she said. Kelly added that Landry would file any required paperwork once the Board of Ethics clarifies constitutional officers' official travel rules.

Louisiana law requires public servants to disclose complimentary lodging, transportation, and admission. Flights related to campaigns or official business must be disclosed, said Kathleen Allen, the state's Ethics Administrator.

Landry has been in hot water with the Ethics Board before. He failed to disclose a donor flight to Hawaii in 2021, and in 2022, the board criticized him for spending $12,000 in campaign funds on a car note, although it took no further action.

Last fall, reports revealed that Landry hadn't disclosed several flights from top donors. After these revelations, the Louisiana Republican Party began reporting some trips on campaign finance disclosures. The Ethics Board has only penalized Landry for one undisclosed flight.

A hearing scheduled for Thursday about the previous undisclosed flight was postponed to September 24. The delay comes just weeks before a new law takes effect, increasing Landry's influence over the Ethics Board and potentially complicating its ability to meet.