The Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) voted Wednesday to remove Davante Lewis as its vice chairman after he publicly insulted Governor Jeff Landry on social media, calling him an "a**hole."
In a 3-2 vote, the commission replaced Lewis with Commissioner Eric Skrmetta. The decision reaffirmed the importance of professionalism and decorum in public office, despite protests from some activists claiming it violated Lewis' right to free speech.
Sharon White, a retired state employee from Ascension Parish, attempted to frame the vote as an attack on free expression. “I’m in disbelief that you’re willing to remove an official because of their freedom of speech,” she said, even though the vote did not affect Lewis' ability to speak, only his leadership position.
Lewis’ Controversial Social Media Post
The controversy began when Lewis responded to a post on X from Gov. Landry, who had praised Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a strong choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Landry’s post contrasted Kennedy with Rachel Levine, a Biden administration official.
Lewis lashed out, writing: "This tweet shows that conservatism right now is only about cruelty and chaos." He then personally insulted the governor, saying, "What a completely (sic) asshole you are, @LAGovJeffLandry."
This unprofessional outburst sparked backlash, leading PSC Chairman Mike Francis to call for a leadership change within the commission.
Maintaining Standards of Conduct in Public Office
The role of vice chair is an important leadership position, requiring someone who can preside over meetings with professionalism. PSC members debated whether Lewis' behavior met that standard, with some arguing that his remarks were unbecoming of a public official.
"I am not his mama. And Mr. Chairman, you are not his daddy," said Melissa Flournoy, a left-wing activist, attempting to defend Lewis’ comments. However, PSC members noted that their vote was about maintaining standards of conduct, not policing free speech.
Francis denied claims that Landry influenced the decision, saying, “I haven’t spoken to Gov. Landry since the election. This is a decision that I felt like I had to make as chairman.”
Commissioners Francis, Skrmetta, and Jean-Paul Coussan voted for the change, while Lewis and Commissioner Foster Campbell opposed it.
Lewis Doubles Down on Divisive Rhetoric
Instead of acknowledging that his comments were inappropriate, Lewis refused to apologize and escalated his rhetoric, claiming that he was being targeted for being "young, Black, and outspoken." He later posted a screenshot of a private text exchange in which he alleged Francis had used the same insult against him.
Pattern of Attacks on Gov. Landry
Lewis’ removal comes amid another controversy at LSU, where a law professor, Ken Levy, was disciplined after being recorded making vulgar comments about Gov. Landry in class. Levy, who was recorded saying “Fk the governor” and “I can’t believe that f*er won,” was suspended for violating professional conduct rules.
Levy later sued LSU, claiming his punishment was an infringement on free speech, but courts have thus far sided with the university, recognizing its right to enforce standards of professionalism.
The PSC’s vote and LSU’s actions send a clear message: public officials and educators are free to express their opinions, but they are also accountable for the consequences of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior.
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