Earlier this year, Garret Graves was appointed by Speaker Kevin McCarthy to be his right-hand man. A prestigious position that came with a lot of influence. It was likely a large reason why Graves decided to opt-out of running for Governor after raising millions of dollars in PAC money for that purpose (or something like it).

However, it seems that what Graves got from that appointment was an inflated ego and a noticeable shift from caring about Louisiana to focusing on his next move up in Washington.

In the past few months, he has not only publicly undermined Steve Scalise, but he’s done everything possible to hurt our legislative Republican leaders here at home. Graves has even quietly nosed into the governor’s race, tacitly supporting Stephen Waguespack as his proxy against Jeff Landry, who has Scalise’s support, and one of the PACs Graves raised money for dropped a blatantly unfair attack ad on Landry that drew Scalise’s objection – something which got Waguespack off to a shaky start to a campaign that hasn’t really found much footing.

And then Tuesday, this all came crashing down on him when the House, in a highly unprecedented move, voted to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. And in doing so, taking Graves and his made-up leadership post down with him.

Following this turn of events, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan both jumped into the race to become the next House speaker.

As the Majority Leader, Steve Scalise is technically the next in line for Speaker of the House. Not only would having Scalise in that position be a great opportunity for the State of Louisiana, but it is also well-deserved as he has led our party and Louisiana in Washington in the House thru a myriad of ups and downs.

Scalise is well liked by all of his colleagues, he’s been a relentless fighter for our country and our state, and he’s been in leadership for the past decade. He understands the role of the position unlike anyone else.

But yet again, Garret Graves decided to take another jab at Scalise telling reporters: “I think this whole narrative about every member of existing leadership taking one step up is bullshit. That’s not what we need to be talking about right now.”

Sounds like someone is bitter.

Did Garret Graves forget where he is from and who elects him? For Graves to not support the highest-ranking member in the Louisiana delegation is an absolute betrayal to the people of Louisiana.

Graves needs to represent the people of Louisiana, not just his own self-interest. Having our own Steve Scalise as Speaker of the House is something every Louisianan should support. It would be historical and lead to great things for our state. I would hope at the end of the day, even Troy Carter would back Scalise.

Frankly, Garret Graves had a lot of potential in Louisiana politics. He was seen by many as the golden boy of the state. However, his recent political moves make me wonder—who really is Garret Graves? He certainly no longer has the best interest of Louisiana in mind. Maybe his ego has taken hold. It’s a sad thing to see, and in such a short time.

This year, Garret Graves has put himself on a political collision course and it seems he has no interest in turning back.