Sharon Hewitt

Sharon Woodall Hewitt (born September 1958) is a former Republican member of the Louisiana State Senate for the 1st district, which encompasses portions of St. Tammany, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes. In January 2016, she succeeded fellow Republican A. G. Crowe, who did not pursue a third term in the primary election held on October 24, 2015. She chaired the Republican Legislative Delegation in the state senate.

Hewitt was a candidate in the 2023 Louisiana gubernatorial election.

Background and personal life Hewitt attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, receiving her Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1981.

Hewitt and her husband, Stan, have two sons. They are members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell.

After serving in seven positions at Shell Oil, Hewitt became Deepwater Assets Manager, responsible for all oil and gas activities in the Central Gulf of Mexico.

Community service

Hewitt held seventeen positions, including Chapter President, over her 11 years of service for the National Parent-Teacher Association. In 2010, Hewitt received the National PTA Life Achievement Award (the organization's highest honor at the national level), for her advocacy and leadership in education, safety, and legislation. Hewitt has been recognized for her efforts to replace technology equipment in local schools after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in 2005. Three bills authored or coauthored by Hewitt in the 2017 Regular Session have been sent to the governor.

Committee assignments Environmental Quality Committee Finance Committee Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee Coastal Restoration and Flood Control Committee Women and Children Committee

Gubernatorial election In January 2023, Hewitt announced via social media that she was running for Governor of Louisiana for the 2023 election. She won 1.74% vote in the primary which was won by fellow Republican Jeff Landry.

Electoral history During her campaign announcement in 2015, Hewitt stated, "People are tired of career politicians. As an engineer, I am a problem solver. It's time to stop the political games and get to work. Throughout my life, I've earned leadership roles where my passion, organizational skill, collaboration with stakeholders and ability to inspire others has helped solve problems. I will use my skills and abilities to help the people of this district."

Hewitt received several prominent conservative endorsements throughout the campaign, including the St. Tammany Parish Republican Party, GatorPAC, and the political arm of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

On October 24, 2015, Hewitt defeated her primary opponent, fellow Republican and former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives Pete Schneider of Lacombe. Hewitt received 15,144 votes (58.7 percent) to Schneider's 10,645 (41.3 percent). Hewitt and Schneider agreed in the campaign on the need to repair the state budget.

Prior to her 2015 Senate campaign, Hewitt ran for the District 1 seat on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which encompasses Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes. On October 22, 2011, Hewitt was defeated by fellow Republican James Garvey, who received 58.3% of the primary vote.

2015

2011