Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican backed by former President Donald Trump, has won the Louisiana governor’s race, holding off many candidates.
The win was a big win for the GOP as they reclaimed the governor’s mansion for the first time in eight years.
Landry will replace current Governor John Bel Edwards, who is unable to run for re-election due to consecutive term limits.
Edwards is the only Democratic governor in the Deep South.
Landry, 52, has raised the profile of attorney general since being elected in 2015.
He has used his office to champion conservative policy positions.
Recently, Landry has been in the spotlight for his involvement and strong support for Louisiana laws that have sparked much debate, including banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth, the state’s near-total abortion ban that has no exceptions for cases. rape and incest, and laws restricting youth access to “sexually explicit material” in libraries, which opponents fear will target LGBTQ+ books.
By earning more than half the vote, Landry avoided a runoff under the state’s “forest primary” system.
Landry will replace current Gov. John Bel Edwards, who is unable to run for re-election due to consecutive term limits.AP
Landry has repeatedly clashed with Edwards over issues in the state, including LGBTQ rights, state finances and the death penalty.
However, the Republican has also repeatedly put Louisiana in the national fray, including over President Joe Biden’s policies limiting oil and gas production and the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Landry spent two years on Capitol Hill, beginning in 2011, where he represented Louisiana’s 3rd US Congressional District.
Prior to his political career, Landry served 11 years in the Louisiana Army National Guard, was a local police officer, deputy sheriff and attorney.
During the gubernatorial election season, Landry was long considered an early front-runner, winning the endorsement of high-profile Republicans — Trump and US Rep. Steve Scalise, who was nominated to be the next House speaker on Wednesday — and a controversial early endorsement from the state GOP.
During the gubernatorial election season, Landry has long been considered an early frontrunner, winning endorsements from high-profile Republicans — Trump and US Representative Steve Scalise.AP
In addition, Landry has enjoyed a large fundraising advantage over the rest of the field throughout the race.
Landry has made it clear that one of his priorities as governor is tackling crime in urban areas.
Republicans have pushed a tough-on-crime rhetoric, calling for more “transparency” in the justice system and continuing to support the death penalty.
Louisiana has the nation’s second-highest homicide rate per capita.
Along the campaign trail, Landry faced political attacks from opponents on social media and in interviews, calling him a bully and making accusations of backroom deals to gain support.
The Republican has pushed a tough-on-crime rhetoric, called for more “transparency” in the justice system and continues to support the death penalty.REUTERS
He also faced scrutiny for skipping all but one major televised debate.
Among the other gubernatorial candidates on the ballot are state GOP Sen. Sharon Hewitt; Hunter Lundy, a Lake Charles-based attorney who practices as an independent; Republican state treasurer John Schroder; Stephen Waguespack, former head of a powerful Republican business group and former senior aide to Gov. Bobby Jindal; and Shawn Wilson, the former head of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the only Democratic primary candidate.
Also on Saturday’s ballot are statewide contests for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer and four ballot measures.
One closely watched race is the attorney general, who holds the highest legal power in the state’s executive branch.
Liz Baker Murrill, a Republican who currently works in the Attorney General’s Office, and Lindsey Cheek, a Democrat and trial attorney, have advanced to the November runoff.
Landry spent two years on Capitol Hill, beginning in 2011, where he represented Louisiana’s 3rd US Congressional District.AP
Also advancing in the state treasurer race are John Fleming, Republican, and Dustin Granger, Democrat.
There are hundreds of additional local races, including all 39 Senate seats and 105 House seats, but a large number of incumbents are running unopposed.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
