Gubernatorial elections in Louisiana: Democrat Edwards wins in the Republican stronghold

The governing governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards of the Democrats, has won the elections in his state. He defeated the Republican Eddie Rispone, who wanted to recommend himself to the voters with a clear commitment to Donald Trump.

Edwards - a more conservative politician, Catholic, against abortion - won 51 percent of the vote, his opponent Rispone - a millionaire contractor, also abortion opponents, gun proponents - came to 49 percent.

For the US president, it is the second defeat for a candidate, whom he has supported with great effort. In Kentucky - like Louisiana actually a tight conservative stronghold of the Republicans - in early November, a Democrat also triumphed over a Republican. At the time, Donald Trump had been on stage in Lexington the night before the election, promoting Matt Bevin.

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At the same time, the US president sent a warning: The incumbent should not lose in Kentucky's governorship election. Because that would, according to Trump, "send a really bad signal" beyond the borders of the southern state. It nevertheless won the challenger Andy Beshear.

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Republican Eddie Rispone in Baton Rouge

With similar strategy Trump had also campaigned for the governor candidate in Louisiana: It was more than a top post in the state, Trump had appealed to the voters. Until shortly before the polls closed, he drummed on Twitter: "There are still three hours left, go and vote for Eddie Rispone."

Louisiana, 3 hours ago, get out and vote for @EddieRispone for Governor. Lower taxes and much more!

At the beginning of Election Day, he had already dropped two tweets - with urgent appeals to voters and big promises: "Good morning Louisiana, polling stations are open, choose Rispone, he'll lower your taxes and car insurance (the highest nationwide!) He loves the military and its veterans, will defend your right to possess firearms! "

Good morning Louisiana! Polls are open at 7AM. Get out and vote for @EddieRispone to be your next Gov! He wants to get your taxes and car insurance (highest in country!) Way down. Loves our Military & Vets. Will protect your 2A. Find your polling place below: https://t.co/0rnhb4z3HU

This does not happen now. In his thank-you speech to his supporters, the current and future Governor Edwards said he had already talked to his adversary, and that they had discussed how to overcome the trenches of the election campaign and work together for the good of Louisiana. From Rispone was heard that he was disappointed with the outcome of the election. He thanked Donald Trump for his commitment: "He came to us three times - just to help us in the election campaign."

The election in Louisiana was considered an important barometer in the US media before the election year of 2020. Louisiana was and remains the only state in the deep South of the United States governed by a Democrat.