Republicans have won the race to become Louisiana’s next governor, flipping the state from Democratic control in the first major race for the 2024 election.
In Saturday’s jungle primary, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry was declared the clear winner, receiving the 50% of votes needed to avoid a runoff. The Associated Press called the race.
Landry and Democrat Sean Wilson were considered front-runners in a crowded race to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards.
As the first major test for Republicans and Democrats heading into the 2024 election, the results could signal Republican momentum for the rest of the year and into a presidential election year.
As Election Day approaches, Republican challenger slams red state’s Democratic governor for supporting Biden: ‘No surprise’
On October 14, 2023, Republican Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry was elected as the state’s next governor. (Getty Images)
Wilson received support from Bel Edwards early in the campaign and told Fox News Digital earlier this week that his experience working across the aisle has led him to be a Democrat in the conservative-majority state. He said that he had shown that he was capable of governing. Bel Edwards served his second term and remained popular under similar circumstances.
Democrats and Republicans face first test ahead of 2024 election as voters head to polling places in Louisiana
But in an interview on Fox early in the campaign, Landry said it was time to end Democratic control of the state, to curb crime in Louisiana and improve Louisiana’s standing in areas such as education and society. I ran on this platform. It is economical compared to other southern states.
Democratic Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards testifies before the Senate Budget Committee at the Dirksen Senate Building on July 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Mr. Landry was the favorite to win, but a series of recent polls suggested that neither candidate would reach the 50% threshold on Saturday, potentially forcing a runoff in November. Ta.
Democrats and Republicans will face tougher races this year, including a contentious gubernatorial race in Kentucky and a race to determine control of the Virginia Senate and Representatives. Both are scheduled for November.
Get the latest on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more with Fox News Digital’s Election Hub.
