Republicans in Louisiana achieved a significant victory in recent statewide runoff elections, securing key positions in the state’s political landscape.
On Saturday, Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as attorney general and secretary of state, respectively, marking the first time women have held these positions in Louisiana. John Fleming also won the treasurer’s race. Each of these candidates received over 65% of the vote, according to the state’s secretary of state’s office.
The election results represent a notable shift in Louisiana’s political dynamics, as Republicans now hold every statewide elected office for the first time since 2015. This change follows the tenure of Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, who was succeeded by Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry, who was endorsed by Trump and was elected outright in October, thus avoiding a runoff.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Murrill, Fleming and Landry, who is not related to Gov.-elect Landry. Trump expressed his support for these candidates on November 16 via his Truth Social account, stating, “The three Republicans are outstanding in every way and have my Complete and Total Endorsement. We need Republican Leadership in the Great State of Louisiana.”
In her victory speech, Murrill expressed her gratitude and commitment to the state. “I’m so humble and I’m honored that the people of our state have chosen me to represent you and us and to fight for you,” she said.
“I will continue to fight against that kind of overreach, I will fight to make sure that we have a safe state and safe communities,” she added.
Murrill’s victory was over Democratic Lindsey Cheek, a trial attorney based in New Orleans. Landry, a former state lawmaker, succeeded current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. In her victory speech, Landry thanked Ardoin and pledged to prioritize election integrity and customer service.
“I promise that I’ll work hard every day to make Louisiana number one in election integrity, and to cut red tape, and to oversee an agency that seeks to provide exceptional customer service for our constituents,” Landry stated.
During a candidate forum in September, Landry acknowledged President Joe Biden as the “legitimate president,” despite concerns over voting irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. Fleming, a former congressman and deputy chief of staff for President Trump, succeeded John Schroder as treasurer. He expressed his intention to continue avoiding environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, citing competitiveness concerns with renewable energy sources.
The election also included four proposed constitutional amendments, one of which, approved by voters, allows parish governing authorities to offer additional property tax exemptions to qualified first responders.
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