Republican Stephen Waguespack launches first TV ad in Louisiana governor's race as 'Wags'

Republican Louisiana governor candidate Stephen Waguespack is releasing his first TV campaign ad that focuses on making a comfortable first impression with voters, including introducing himself by his nickname "Wags."

A spokesperson said the campaign has invested in a "six-figure ad buy" for the statewide spot called "Louisiana's Comeback" that will role out on digital platforms Thursday and follow on TV.

Waguespack was featured in a previous digital/TV ad, but it was produced by the political action committee that supports him, not his campaign.

"While other states in the South are thriving, Louisiana is slipping away," Waguespack said in a statement. "I am running for governor because I believe that Louisiana should be the best state to work, live and raise a family. I have experience in both the public and private sectors, and I am the only candidate who knows how to bring people together to fix our problems. We need bold, conservative leadership to build the Louisiana we deserve."

Waguespack is the former chief of staff for former Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal and was most recently president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, which lobbies for the business community.

In the ad, Waguespack said Louisiana faces its "biggest crisis yet," especially with a lagging economy, education outcomes and a spike in crime.

"It's time we raise our expectations," he said. "I’m Stephen Waguespack. I’m running for governor to move Louisiana forward."

He was the last major Republican candidate to declare in a packed GOP field. Polls show Attorney General Jeff Landry as the early front-runner for the Oct. 14 election. Other major Republican candidates include state Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell, state Rep. Richard Nelson of Mandeville and Treasurer John Schroder. Conservative Lake Charles attorney Harold Lundy is running as an independent.

More:Stephen Waguespack makes cash splash in Louisiana governor's race

Democrats have coalesced around former Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson, who worked for Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, who is term limited and can't run again this cycle.

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.