The election to choose the next chair of the Louisiana House Republican Caucus, normally a little-noticed piece of inside baseball, is roiling the ranks of the 73-member Republican delegation.

That's because Gov. Jeff Landry, in an unprecedented move, is pressuring lawmakers to select Rep. Michael Echols, R-Monroe, instead of Rep. John Ilg, R-Metairie.

Numerous House members said Landry’s support for Echols has to do with his anger at Illg for taking a stand against the governor’s biggest priority during the 2025 legislative session, a measure that will give Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple more power to reject car insurance rate increases. The bill would allow Landry to blame Temple if insurance rates continue to rise.

Landry has already sought retribution against Republicans who op

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