Republican Jeff Landry elected next governor of Louisiana in first round of voting

Im Louisiana, Republican candidate Jeff Landry defeated Democrat Shawn Wilson to become the state’s next governor. With 52% of the vote count in his favor, Landry wins the election without the need for a runoff.

Louisiana law provides that gubernatorial elections are free and open to any participant. After a first round known as a “jungle primary,” only the two candidates with the best results are retained. However, if one of the candidates earns more than half of the vote, a second round is not necessary.

Landry thus leaves his position as attorney general of Louisiana to make the leap to the governor's mansion. The polls already projected him as the winner of the second round, but his direct victory in the first round was a surprise that the polls did not see coming. Throughout his election campaign, Landry had the support of former President Donald Trump, whom he aligns with on many issues. Trump asked his followers in the state of Louisiana to vote for Landry.

Democrat John Bel Edwards will this exit his role as governor without being able to ensure the continuity of Democratic power in the state. Starting in 2024, the change of government will become effective. Landry gives hope for more shifts in power in southern states. Kentucky will also hold gubernatorial elections before the end of 2023, where Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron is in the running.