News/Commentary

Dems lose only governor’s seat in the South when Trump-backed Republican prevails in Bayou State

October 15, 2023 | | Print Article

Trump-backed Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has scored a major GOP victory in the Deep South, winning his bid to become Louisiana’s governor and replacing the only Democratic Governor, John Bel Edwards, in the region.

Landry will be the first Republican to reside in Louisiana’s governor’s mansion in eight years, the Associated Press reports.

“Today’s election says that our state is united,” Landry said during his Saturday night victory speech. “It’s a wake-up call, and it’s a message that everyone should hear loud and clear, that we the people in this state are going to expect more out of our government from here on out.”


(Video: YouTube)

With the state’s “jungle primary” system, a runoff was expected. Since 2011, every gubernatorial race in Louisiana has ended in one.

But Landry, 52, received more than half of the votes in what he called a “historic” win, and the runoff was avoided.

“During the gubernatorial election season, Landry had long been considered the early frontrunner, winning the endorsement of high profile Republicans — Trump and U.S. Rep Steve Scalise — and a controversial early endorsement from the state GOP,” AP reports. “In addition, Landry has enjoyed a sizable fundraising advantage over the rest of the field throughout the race.”

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The former sheriff’s deputy and local police officer beat out “GOP state Sen. Sharon Hewitt; Hunter Lundy, a Lake Charles-based attorney running as an independent; Republican state Treasurer John Schroder; Stephen Waguespack, the Republican former head of a powerful business group and former senior aide to then-Gov. Jindal; and Shawn Wilson, the former head of Louisiana’s Transportation and Development Department and sole major Democratic candidate,” according to AP.

On Truth Social, Trump congratulated the governor-elect.

“A very BIG VOTE in the GREAT STATE OF LOUISIANA for A.G. Jeff Landry, who will now become the Governor. Despite many people running, Jeff was easily able to get a majority, meaning that there will be NO RUNOFF,” the former president wrote. “This is an amazing victory for a man who will be a truly GREAT GOVERNOR. Congratulations to all! DONALD J. TRUMP.”

On X, more congratulations are pouring in for Landry, who has vowed to make urban-area crime one of his top priorities as governor.

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“Congratulations Governor-Elect @JeffLandry,” wrote Republican Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins.

“Congratulations to @JeffLandry, the next Governor of Louisiana!” exclaimed GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “This is a historic victory – avoiding a runoff with his resounding vote total – and a flip of the governor’s office from Democrat to Republican!”

“Congratulations to NRA Life Member, Governor-elect @JeffLandry, on his victory!” posted the National Rifle Association. “Thank you to NRA members and gun owners for voting. A brighter future for freedom awaits in Louisiana.”

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“Thankful beyond belief,” Landry wrote on X. “I’m ready to get to work for Louisiana!”

 

Melissa Fine
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