2020 Gumbo Final - Book - Page 59
JBE for the Win
emocratic Gov. John Bel Edwards won
reelection Saturday night after narrowly
defeating Republican challenger Eddie Rispone
in the gubernatorial runoff election.
Edwards received 51.34% of the vote with
774,469 votes, while Rispone received 48.66%
of the vote with 734,128 votes, according to the
Louisiana Secretary of State.
In the primary election on Oct. 12, Edwards
received 46.59% of the vote, and Rispone
27.42%. Neither candidate secured 50% of the
vote, sending both candidates to the runoff
election. U.S. Rep. Republican Ralph Abraham
was also running at the time and received
23.61% of the vote.
In his acceptance speech, Edwards thanked
his family, campaign manager, volunteers and
campaign staff, saying his campaign staff was
the smallest that has ever worked in Louisiana.
“My pledge to you tonight remains the same as
it has been for months. I will always be honest
with you, I will never embarrass you and I
will get up every day fighting to put the great
people of the great state of Louisiana first,”
Edwards said in his acceptance speech.
Edwards stressed the importance of working
together to put Louisiana first, regardless of
race or party. He said he will work hard for all
Louisiana residents, whether they voted for him
or not.
President Donald Trump visited Louisiana three
times during the election cycle and endorsed
Rispone. Edwards mentioned Trump once in his
acceptance speech.
“And as for the president, bless his heart,”
Edwards said.
Edwards is the only Democratic governor in
the Deep South. However, last week Kentucky
elected Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. But
unlike many of his Democratic colleagues,
Edwards opposes most gun restrictions and
abortion.
One of Edwards’ main priorities for his second
term is education. Under former Gov. Bobby
Jindal, Louisiana led the nation in budget
cuts to higher education. Edwards’ budget
compromise in 2018 prevented a 30% cut to
higher education, according to his website.
“Gov. Edwards believes that our higher
education institutions are key drivers of
economic development,” Edwards’ campaign
website says.
Political science senior Lexie Martin said that
Edwards’ prevention of TOPS budget cuts
allowed her to relax. Martin said she is excited
to see what Edwards will bring to the University
with another four years as governor.
“He represents growth and hope for Louisiana
and all of its people,” Martin said. “More than
likely, I think he’ll keep his focus on educational
investment very close to the top of his priority
list.”
Edwards’ other priorities listed on his website
include healthcare, criminal justice reform and
coastal restoration.
Story: Katherine Manuel
Photo: Brett Duke
Design: Chloe Bryars
D
Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards
wins re-election
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