In a major victory for the Republican Party, Attorney General Jeff Landry, backed by former President Donald Trump, has won the Louisiana governor's race, defeating a crowded field of candidates. This win marks the first time in eight years that the GOP has reclaimed the governor's mansion. Landry will replace current Governor John Bel Edwards, who was unable to seek reelection due to consecutive term limits. Edwards is the only Democratic governor in the Deep South.

During his victory speech on Saturday night, Landry stated, "Today's election says that our state is united. It's a wake-up call and 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." Landry's ability to secure over half of the votes allowed him to avoid a runoff, a rarity under Louisiana's "jungle primary" system.

At the age of 52, Landry has significantly raised the profile of the attorney general's office since taking office in 2016. He has been a staunch advocate for conservative policy positions, including controversial laws such as the banning of gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths, a near-total abortion ban without exceptions for rape and incest, and a law restricting youths' access to "sexually explicit material" in libraries. These laws have sparked intense debate, with opponents expressing concerns about potential discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Landry has repeatedly clashed with Governor Edwards on various matters, including LGBTQ rights, state finances, and the death penalty. He has also engaged in national fights concerning President Joe Biden's policies that limit oil and gas production and COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Prior to his political career, Landry served in the Louisiana Army National Guard, worked as a local police officer, sheriff's deputy, and attorney. He also spent two years representing Louisiana's 3rd U.S. Congressional District on Capitol Hill.

Throughout the gubernatorial election season, Landry was considered the early frontrunner. He received endorsements from prominent Republicans such as Trump and U.S. Representative Steve Scalise. Landry also enjoyed a significant fundraising advantage over his opponents. One of his top priorities as governor will be addressing crime in urban areas, as Louisiana has the second-highest murder rate per capita in the nation. Landry has emphasized the need for more transparency in the justice system and has expressed continued support for capital punishment.

During the campaign, Landry faced political attacks on social media, with opponents calling him a bully and accusing him of backroom deals to gain support. He also faced criticism for skipping most of the major televised debates. Among the other gubernatorial candidates on the ballot were GOP state Senator Sharon Hewitt, independent candidate Hunter Lundy, Republican State Treasurer John Schroder, former senior aide to Governor Bobby Jindal Stephen Waguespack, and former head of Louisiana's Transportation and Development Department Shawn Wilson, who was the sole major Democratic candidate and the runner-up in the race. Wilson conceded defeat and congratulated Landry, urging him to prioritize Medicaid expansion, teacher pay increases, and education reform.

In addition to the governor's race, several other statewide contests and ballot measures were decided on Saturday. Lieutenant Billy Nungesser won reelection, while other races, including the attorney general and treasurer races, will be decided in a November runoff. The secretary of state race also advanced to a runoff. This position is crucial as the winner will oversee the replacement of Louisiana's outdated voting machines, which do not produce paper ballots necessary for accurate election results.

Overall, the Louisiana gubernatorial election showcased the Republican Party's efforts to reclaim power in the state and provided an opportunity for Democrats to defend their hold on the governor's mansion. With Landry's victory, Republicans have succeeded in their quest, marking a significant political shift in Louisiana.