Millionaire businessman John Georges dropped his Republican Party affiliation today before signing up to run for Louisiana governor as an independent.
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin kept political observers guessing whether he intended to run, but in the end decided not to run.
The primary election is Oct. 20.
Georges changed his party affiliation after reviewing poll numbers that showed him with higher support numbers as an independent.
Thirteen candidates signed up to replace Democratic Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who decided not to run for re-election after her approval ratings plummeted following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Polls show the front-runner this year is U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-Kenner, who lost to Blanco in the 2003 governor's election.
Two established Democrats have registered to run: Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell of Bossier Parish and state Sen. Walter Boasso of St. Bernard Parish.
Nine lesser-knowns with little financing also filed to run.
More candidates filed today to run for Northwest Louisiana seats in the Legislature:
Senate District 36: Tyler Nezat of Benton.
Senate District 39: Raymond Simmons of Shreveport.
House District 1: Michael Page Boyter of Vivian and Richie Hollier of Mooringsport.
House District 2: Incumbent Roy Burrell and Brian Hairston, both of Shreveport.
House District 3: Spencer Stephens of Shreveport.
House District 7: Curtis Lee Green of Mansfield.
Filing today to run for statewide office:
Governor: Vinny Mendoza of Kenner, Jim Nichols of Donaldsonville, Hardy Parkerson of Lake Charles and Mary Volentine Smith of Winnsboro.
Lt. Governor: Gary Beard of Baton Rouge.
Commissioner of Agriculture: Wayne Carter of Zachary.
Commissioner of Insurance: Jim Crowley of Shreveport and Robert Lansden of Covington.
Secretary of State: Scott Lewis of Baton Rouge and R. Wooley of Baton Rouge.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
