Republican Flips Dem State After Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Gubernatorial Election

On Saturday, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry cruised to victory and became the state's first Republican governor in eight years.

“Today's election says that our state is united,” Landry said in his 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.”

According to The Daily Wire, Landry beat out his next closest challenger, Democrat Shawn Wilson, by 51.6% to 25.9% in Lousiana's all-party primary election.

Louisiana has a “jungle primary” system, meaning that the expected runoff was averted because Landry garnered more than 50% of the vote in the 16-candidate field, including Republicans, Democrats, and independents. It's the first time that's happened since the 2007 and 2011 elections, with former Republican Governor Bobby Jindal winning both contests handily. 

In May, Trump endorsed Landry, saying, “I am endorsing your Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. He has been a fantastic Attorney General. He wants to stop crime. He loves the people of Louisiana just like I do.”

In a Saturday post to Truth Social, Trump congratulated Landry on the win and said he would be a “truly GREAT GOVERNOR.” 

Following the election on Saturday night, Landry said he was “Thankful beyond belief” and “ready to get to work.” He will succeed Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards, who congratulated Landry in a statement and said he campaigned on “important kitchen table issues.” 

Landry ran on getting crime under control and improving the economy and public school system. The Republican has also been a strong voice for parental rights in education, saying he would sign a parental rights bill as governor and pledging to stop the “woke agenda” in schools throughout the state.  

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