Jeff Landry Secures Louisiana Governorship, Marking a GOP Victory and State Flip

Jeff Landry Secures Louisiana Governorship, Marking a GOP Victory and State Flip

“In a significant political shift, the two-term Democratic tenure as the governor of Louisiana is set to conclude next year, as Republican State Attorney General Jeff Landry emerged victorious in the race on Saturday by securing a majority of the votes in an all-party primary.

With more than 51% of the vote, Jeff Landry’s triumph was confirmed by the Associated Press after 11 p.m. ET. This victory was achieved in a crowded field featuring 16 candidates from various political affiliations, including Democrats, independents, and Republicans.

This victory foreshadows two more gubernatorial elections in red states this autumn. One such contest includes another Republican attempt to flip a seat. In Kentucky, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear seeks re-election on November 7th, while in Mississippi, Republican Governor Tate Reeves does the same.

Given the large number of Republican contenders in the Louisiana race, it was anticipated that Landry might not secure an outright majority in the initial round, potentially leading to a runoff against the leading Democratic candidate, former State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson. However, Landry, who enjoyed the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, managed to consolidate substantial support.

Shawn Wilson secured the second position with 26% of the vote, while the third-place Republican candidate, Stephen Waguespack, lagged far behind with just 6%.

Jeff Landry will assume office following the term-limited Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards, who had won Louisiana, a traditionally red state, in both 2015 and 2019. Landry, a former member of Congress, has been outspoken in his backing of the state’s near-total abortion ban and has highlighted his work as attorney general on issues related to the opioid crisis and crime.”