Wallace Cooper II

Wallace Cooper II graduated from Ponchatoula High School. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Cooper's career experience includes working as a manager.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Wallace “Wayne” Cooper, and I am running for Public Service Commission in District 1. I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who understands what it means to work hard and pay the bills, just like the people I’m asking to represent. I decided to run because families across our state are feeling the pressure of rising costs, especially when it comes to utilities, and I believe we deserve better oversight, more transparency, and leadership that puts the ratepayer first. I’m running to be a voice for the people, to bring accountability to this office, and to make sure every decision is made with one question in mind: is it fair to the people paying the bills.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am the only candidate in this race who has taken $0 in campaign contributions from utility companies or their PACs. For too long, the Public Service Commission has operated as a rubber stamp for multi-billion dollar monopolies while Louisiana families pay some of the highest bills in the country relative to their income. You cannot be a watchdog if you are on the payroll of the companies you are supposed to regulate. My vote isn't for sale, and my only loyalty is to the ratepayers of District 1.I am a firm NO on the $21.37 Billion 'Lightning Initiative' fast-track. This proposal attempts to bypass competitive bidding and judicial reviews for a massive data center project, shifting the long-term financial risk onto the backs of working families and small businesses. I believe in due diligence, not special-interest speed. As your Commissioner, I will demand full transparency and ensure that massive infrastructure projects are vetted to protect you from stranded asset risks and hidden costs.I am running to be a voice for the fed-up voter. From retirees on fixed incomes to young families struggling with inflation, Louisianians are exhausted by 'premium' utility prices paired with 'budget' reliability. I will bring my experience as a small business owner and a working man to the PSC to ensure every decision is viewed through one lens: How does this affect the monthly bill of a Louisiana citizen? It is your money, and I am ready to make it my fight.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about Ratepayer Advocacy and Energy Accountability. For too long, the Public Service Commission has operated in a way that favors the bottom lines of multi-billion dollar monopolies over the pocketbooks of Louisiana families.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have no endorsements.

Campaign websiteCooper's campaign website stated the following:The IssuesThe Public Service Commission has a direct impact on your wallet. Wayne Cooper will fight to make sure your interests come first.Lower Utility RatesLouisiana families are paying too much for electricity and gas. Wayne will hold utility companies like Entergy and Atmos Energy accountable and fight against unjustified rate increases that hurt working families.Accountability & TransparencyThe PSC must serve the people, not the utility companies. Wayne will demand transparency in rate-setting decisions and ensure every dollar charged to ratepayers is justified and prudently spent.Reliable EnergyAfter devastating hurricanes, Louisiana needs a resilient power grid. Wayne will push for smart infrastructure investments that harden our grid against storms—without passing unreasonable costs to ratepayers.Pro-Business, Pro-ConsumerAs someone who built a business from zero to 20,000 customers, Wayne understands both sides. He'll balance the needs of business growth with protecting consumers from monopolistic utility practices.Storm Cost FairnessWhen hurricanes hit, utility companies pass billions in storm recovery costs to customers. Wayne will scrutinize every storm-related charge to ensure only prudent costs are recovered from Louisiana families.No More Backroom DealsThe PSC has a history of cozy relationships with the companies it regulates. Wayne will bring an outsider's perspective and a businessman's eye to ensure decisions are made in the public interest—not behind closed doors.— Wallace Cooper II's campaign website (May 12, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.