It’s conceivable that Cruz might steal a big chunk of Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards’ thunder on Monday, given Cruz has three Louisiana events planned that day.

While Edwards is taking the oath of office, Cruz will be holding a lunch fundraiser at Mansur’s On The Boulevard on Corporate Blvd. from 12:30 to 2:00. It’s a $1,000-a-plate lunch, which isn’t quite the max-out fundraiser some of the other candidates have thrown but it isn’t a franks-and-beans affair, either.

Then at 3:00, Cruz will be just up the street at the Marriott for a big rally in the hotel’s ballroom from 3:00 to 5:00.

If you’d like to go to that, here’s the EventBrite RSVP link.

After the rally, Cruz will be heading down to New Orleans for another fundraiser, this one at Mary Matalin’s house on Palmer Avenue Uptown. There’s a VIP reception from 7:00-8:00, and then a general reception from 8 to 9. Tickets for the VIP reception are $2,000 apiece and they’re $750 apiece for the general reception.

If you’re interested in attending either the fundraising lunch in Baton Rouge or the reception at Mary Matalin’s place in New Orleans, Mary Elise Schlesinger is handling tickets. Contact her at maryelise@thebautschgroup.com.