Louisiana gubernatorial election, 2019 (October 12 primary election)

Elections in Louisiana, 2019

* Primary: Oct. 12
* General election: Nov. 16
* Voter registration deadline: Oct. 16 (in-person and mail) or Oct. 26 (online)
* Early voting: Nov. 2-Nov. 9
* Absentee voting deadline: Nov. 15

* Online registration: Yes
* Same-day registration: No
* Voter ID: Photo ID required
* Poll times: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m (7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for elections that fall on a Saturday)

* * *

On the ballot: Governor • Lt. Gov • Attorney General • Secretary of State • State executive offices • State Senate • State House • Special state legislative • Supreme court • Appellate courts • State ballot measures • Local ballot measures • Municipal •

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Governor of Louisiana

Primary election
General election

Election details
Filing deadline: August 8, 2019
Primary: October 12, 2019
General: November 16, 2019

* * *

Pre-election incumbent(s):
John Bel Edwards (Democrat)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Louisiana
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss-up
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up
Inside Elections: Toss-up
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2019
Impact of term limits in 2019
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2019
Louisiana
executive elections
Governor

Lieutenant governor
Attorney general
Secretary of state
Agriculture commissioner
Insurance commissioner
Treasurer
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (8 seats)

Incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) and businessman Eddie Rispone (R) advanced from a primary election for governor of Louisiana on October 12, 2019. In addition to Edwards and Rispone, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham (R), Oscar Dantzler (D), Gary Landrieu (independent), and Patrick Landry (R) ran. As no candidate received a majority of the primary vote, the top two finishers advanced to the November 16 general election. This page covers the primary election. For more information on the general election, click here.

Media outlets and polling identified Edwards, Rispone, and Abraham as top candidates.[1][2]

At the time of the election,Edwards was the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, and he was the only Democrat holding statewide office in Louisiana.[3] Edwards defeated U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R) in 2015 and succeeded Bobby Jindal (R) in the governor's office, breaking a Republican trifecta in the state.

Edwards said that Louisiana went from having a budget deficit to a budget surplus during his tenure. He emphasized increasing funding for K-12 schools and expanding Medicaid in the state as accomplishments of his administration. Rispone and Abraham said that Louisiana's economy ranked last in the nation. Both said they would increase jobs and lower taxes. Rispone described himself as a conservative outsider and job creator, highlighting his background as a businessman. Abraham campaigned on his record in the U.S. House, referring to himself as a conservative Christian leader in Congress.

Rispone and Abraham each described themselves as the stronger challenger to Edwards. Rispone said that Abraham was not a genuine supporter of President Donald Trump (R), while Abraham said that Rispone had a long history of involvement in politics as a donor.[4]

Democratic Governors Association (DGA) spokesperson Jared Leopold said, "Gov. Edwards is in a strong position for re-election and is one of the most popular governors in America for a reason: He’s working across party lines to get things done for Louisianans."[5][6]

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) called Louisiana a "top pick-up opportunity for Republicans." "With the state’s solid red hue combined with President Trump’s 20-point victory in 2016, Gov. Edwards will certainly face a competitive race no matter who Republicans decide to nominate," said Jon Thompson, RGA spokesperson.[5][7]

Of the five gubernatorial elections between 1999 and 2015, three were won outright in the primary and two (in 2003 and 2015) proceeded to general elections.[8]

The gubernatorial election coincided with elections for the state Senate and state House, meaning that all three trifecta components were on the ballot. Republicans maintained their majorities in the state House and Senate following the October 12 elections. Democrats needed to retain the gubernatorial seat to maintain a divided government, while Republicans needed to pick up the governor's mansion to gain a trifecta.

This election was a battleground race. Other 2019 battlegrounds included:

* Mayoral election in Kansas City, Missouri (April 2, 2019 primary election)
* Mayoral election in Tampa, Florida (2019)
* Virginia state legislative Republican primaries, 2019

|

## Contents

* 1 Candidates and election results
* 2 Candidate profiles
* 3 Campaign finance
* 3.1 Self-financing
* 4 Satellite spending
* 5 Endorsements
* 6 Polls
* 7 Campaign advertisements
* 7.1 Ralph Abraham
* 7.1.1 Support
* 7.1.2 Opposed
* 7.2 John Bel Edwards
* 7.2.1 Support
* 7.2.2 Opposed
* 7.3 Gary Landrieu
* 7.4 Eddie Rispone
* 7.4.1 Support
* 7.4.2 Opposed
* 8 Noteworthy events
* 8.1 Donald Trump rally
* 8.2 Mike Pence rally
* 9 Debates and candidate forums
* 9.1 October 9, 2019
* 9.2 September 26, 2019
* 9.3 September 23, 2019
* 9.4 September 19, 2019
* 9.5 September 5, 2019
* 9.6 August 1, 2019
* 10 Campaign themes
* 10.1 Ralph Abraham
* 10.1.1 Campaign website
* 10.2 John Bel Edwards
* 10.2.1 Campaign website
* 10.3 Eddie Rispone
* 10.3.1 Campaign website
* 11 Interviews and profiles
* 12 Timeline
* 13 Social media
* 13.1 Twitter accounts
* 13.2 Facebook accounts
* 14 Other executive elections
* 15 Potential impact on trifecta status
* 16 Past elections
* 16.1 2015
* 16.2 2011
* 16.3 2007
* 16.4 2003
* 17 State profile
* 17.1 Partisan data
* 18 See also
* 19 External links
* 20 Footnotes

## Candidates and election results[edit]

Louisiana elections use the majority-vote system. All candidates compete in the same primary, and a candidate can win the election outright by receiving more than 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate does, the top two vote recipients from the primary advance to the general election, regardless of their partisan affiliation.

#### General election

##### General election for Governor of Louisiana

Incumbent John Bel Edwards defeated Eddie Rispone in the general election for Governor of Louisiana on November 16, 2019.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| John Bel Edwards (D) |

51.3

| 774,498

| Eddie Rispone (R) |

48.7

| 734,286

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 1,508,784
(100.00% precincts reporting)

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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#### Nonpartisan primary election

##### Nonpartisan primary for Governor of Louisiana

The following candidates ran in the primary for Governor of Louisiana on October 12, 2019.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

| John Bel Edwards (D) |

46.6

| 625,970

| Eddie Rispone (R) |

27.4

| 368,319

| Ralph Abraham (R) |

23.6

| 317,149

| Oscar Dantzler (D) |

0.8

| 10,993

| Patrick Landry (R) |

0.8

| 10,966

| Gary Landrieu (Independent) |

0.8

| 10,084

* * *

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 1,343,481

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

#### Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

* Manuel Leach (R)
* Patrick Doguet (R)
* M.V. Mendoza (D)

## Candidate profiles[edit]

See also: Editorial approach to writing about key campaign messages

The following were identified as top candidates based on media reports and campaign finances. They are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Ralph Abraham, U.S. representative

Party: Republican

Incumbent: No

Political office: U.S. representative, Louisiana's 5th Congressional District (Assumed office: 2015)

Biography: Abraham received a degree from the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine and an M.D. from the LSU School of Medicine.[9] He worked as a veterinarian and served as a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard. At the time of the election, Abraham was a general family doctor and volunteered as a pilot for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Air Force’s Civil Air Patrol.[10]

Key messages

* Abraham called himself "a leading conservative Christian voice" in Congress, saying he worked to put children ahead of unions in education policy, lower taxes, and defend all life.[11]

* Abraham said Edwards failed the state and that Louisiana's economy ranked at the bottom compared to other states' economies.[12][13] Abraham said he would work as governor to lower taxes, reduce the size of government, and increase the number of jobs.[14]

* Abraham aired an ad defending his record and saying that Rispone lied about him in an opposition ad. Abraham also questioned Rispone's self-description as an outsider, saying Rispone was a longtime political donor.[4]

* Abraham emphasized his background of working as a doctor and serving in the National Guard, Coast Guard, and Civil Air Patrol.[10]

John Bel Edwards, Louisiana governor

Party: Democratic

Incumbent: Yes

Political office: Governor of Louisiana (Assumed office: 2016); Louisiana state representative, District 72 (2008-2015)

Biography: Edwards received a B.S. in engineering from the United States Military Academy. He served eight years as an airborne ranger in the U.S. Army following his graduation. He then received a J.D. from Louisiana State University and opened a civil law practice.[15] In the state House, Edwards served as minority leader from 2012 to 2015.[16][17]

Key messages

* Edwards said the state went from having a deficit to having a surplus under his leadership. His first TV ad stated Edwards was "leading Louisiana in the right direction."[18][19]

* Edwards listed as accomplishments expanding Medicaid, raising teacher pay, increasing K-12 and higher education funding, and saving hospitals and nursing homes.[18][19]

* Edwards said Abraham and Rispone would "take Louisiana back to the Bobby Jindal days of historic deficits and cuts to schools and health care."[20][12]

* Edwards highlighted his background as an airborne ranger, saying that protecting Louisiana families is also his responsibility as governor.[21][22]

Eddie Rispone, businessman

Party: Republican

Incumbent: No

Political office: None

Biography: Rispone received a B.S. in construction technology from Louisiana State University. He founded ISC Constructors with his brother. Rispone served as national chairman of Associated Builders & Contractors, a trade association, in 2003. Former Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) appointed him chairman of the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council.[23][24]

Key messages

* Rispone said in a TV ad, "I'm no career politician. I'm a conservative outsider who stands with our president."[25][26] He referred to Edwards and Abraham as career politicians.[12]

* Rispone emphasized his support for Trump's immigration policies. He said he was pro-life and supported work requirements for welfare recipients, lower taxes, and the Second Amendment.[23][26][25][27]

* Rispone aired opposition ads against Abraham saying he broke a promise to donate his congressional salary to charity, had not consistently supported Trump, and had a record of voting with Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

* Rispone stated he was a "proven job creator" and employed more than 3,000 families through his construction business.[23]

## Campaign finance[edit]

Campaign finance figures for top candidates are detailed below.

* Note: State law prohibited Edwards from fundraising during the two-month state legislative session and for 30 days after, from early April to early July, 2019.[28] Edwards' figures include funds raised throughout 2018 while Abraham and Rispone started fundraising in the final quarter of 2018.

#### Self-financing[edit]

* Abraham loaned his campaign $300,000 through September 22, 2019.[29]
* Rispone loaned his campaign $11.5 million through September 22, 2019.

## Satellite spending[edit]

Satellite spending, commonly referred to as outside spending, describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[30][31][32]

This section lists satellite spending in this race reported by news outlets in alphabetical order. If you are aware of spending that should be included, please email us.

* The Democratic Governors Association contributed $1.7 million to the pro-Edwards Gumbo PAC through September 20, 2019. That group had spent $3.9 million toward the race at the time.[33][34]

* The Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC had spent $3.6 million toward the race through September 22. The group has aired opposition ads against Edwards.[35]

* Truth in Politics, a group opposing Edwards, spent $750,000 on an ad released October 3.[36]

## Endorsements[edit]

If you are aware of endorsements from political figures or organizations that should be included, please email us.

Links to full endorsement lists from candidates' campaign websites are provided below, if available.

* Ralph Abraham

Primary Election Endorsements

Endorsement  | Abraham (R)  | Edwards (D)  | Rispone (R)
Elected officials
President Donald Trump (R)[37] | ✔ |  | ✔
Vice President Mike Pence (R)[38] | ✔ |  | ✔
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins (R)[39] | ✔ |  |
Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Craig Greene (R)[40] | ✔ |  |
10 Republican state representatives (including Lance Harris (R), chair of House GOP delegation)[41] | ✔ |  |
15 mayors[42] | ✔ |  |
42 city and town councilmembers[42] | ✔ |  |
New Orleans Democratic delegation in the state legislature[43] |  | ✔ |
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell (D)[43] |  | ✔ |
7 New Orleans City Council members[43] |  | ✔ |
7 Baton Rouge local officials, including Parish President Sharon Weston Broome (D)[44] |  | ✔ |
6 Baton Rouge-area state legislators[44] |  | ✔ |
2 Republican state senators, including Senate President John Alario[45] |  | ✔ |
16 Republican state legislators[46] |  |  | ✔
Individuals
Former Governor Kathleen Blanco (D)[47] |  | ✔ |
Former Gov. Edwin Edwards (D)[48] |  | ✔ |
7 2016 Republican National Convention Trump delegates from Louisiana[41] | ✔ |  |
Newspapers and editorials
Gambit[49] |  | ✔ |
Big Easy Magazine editorial board[50] |  | ✔ |
The Times-Picayune editorial board[51] |  | ✔ |
Central City News editorial board[52] |  |  | ✔
Unions
International Union of Police Associations[39] |  | ✔ |
Organizations
Louisiana Cotton & Grain Association[53] | ✔ |  |
Louisiana Democratic Party[54] |  | ✔ |
Louisiana Home Builders Association[55] | ✔ |  |
Louisiana Sheriffs Association[39] |  | ✔ |
Louisiana Oil and Gas Association[41] | ✔ |  |
Louisiana Conservative Republican Coalition[41] | ✔ |  |
Louisiana Republican Party[56] | ✔ |  | ✔
Jefferson Parish Republican Executive Committee[57] | ✔ |  |
St. Landry Parish Republican Executive Committee[58] | ✔ |  |
Rapides Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
St. Charles Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
St. Bernard Parish Republican Executive Committee[59][60] | ✔ |  | ✔
St. Tammany Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
Bossier Parish Republican Executive Committee[61] | ✔ |  |
Acadia Republican Parish Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce[41] | ✔ |  |
Lincoln Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
Livingston Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
Caddo Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
Iberia Parish Republican Executive Committee[62] | ✔ |  |
Webster Parish Republican Executive Committee[62] | ✔ |  |
Winn Parish Republican Executive Committee[62] | ✔ |  |
Orleans Parish Republican Executive Committee[41][63] | ✔ |  | ✔
Ascension Parish Republican Executive Committee[41] | ✔ |  |
Lafayette Parish Republican Executive Committee[64][65] | ✔ |  | ✔
Washington Parish Republican Executive Committee[64] | ✔ |  |
Tangipahoa Parish Republican Executive Committee[64] | ✔ |  |
Calcasieu Parish Republican Executive Committee[66][41] | ✔ |  | ✔
PACs
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's four regional PACs[67] | ✔ |  | ✔
Louisiana Medical Political Action Committee[68] | ✔ |  |
Bikers for Trump 2020[41] | ✔ |  |
Louisiana Manufacturers Political Action Committee[69] |  |  | ✔
GNOR PAC[70] |  |  | ✔
Republican Women of Louisiana[71] |  |  | ✔

## Polls[edit]

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Landrieu (I)| Dantzler (D)| Landry (R)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
JMC Analytics
October 3-5, 2019| Louisiana Association of Health Plans | 45%| 19%| 20%| 1%| 2%| 1%| 14%| +/-4.0| 600
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Landrieu (I)| Dantzler (D)| Landry (R)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Mason-Dixon Polling & Research
October 1-4, 2019| Gray Television | 45%| 17%| 22%| 4%| 0%| 2%| 10%| +/-4| 625
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Landrieu (I)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
We Ask America
September 24-26, 2019 | 47%| 17%| 23%| 2%| 11%| +/-4.0| 600
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Landrieu (I)| Dantzler (D)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Remington Research Group
September 25, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 47%| 22%| 20%| 1%| 2%| 8%| +/-2.9| 1,040
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Landrieu (I)| Dantzler (D)| Landry (R)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
JMC Analytics
September 19-21, 2019| Louisiana Association of Health Plans | 46%| 18%| 21%| 1%| 2%| 1%| 12%| +/-4.2| 550
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Landrieu (I)| Dantzler (D)| One of the other candidates| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Remington Research Group
September 10-11, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 45%| 27%| 19%| 2%| 0%| 1%| 6%| +/-2.9| 1,144
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial primary, 2019

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Rispone (R)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Remington Research Group
June 1-2, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 42%| 34%| 8%| 16%| +/-2.6| 1,471
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Hypothetical matchup polls:

Louisiana gubernatorial election hypothetical matchup, Edwards vs. Abraham

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Abraham (R)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Mason-Dixon Polling & Research
October 1-4, 2019| Gray Television | 53%| 38%| 9%| +/-4| 625
Remington Research Group
September 10-11, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 48%| 44%| 8%| +/-2.9| 1,144
Remington Research Group
June 1-2, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 45%| 45%| 10%| +/-2.6| 1,471
AVERAGES| |  48.67%|  42.33%|  9%|  +/-3.17|  1,080
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Louisiana gubernatorial election hypothetical matchup, Edwards vs. Rispone

Poll | Poll sponsor | Edwards (D) | Rispone (R)| Undecided| Margin of error| Sample size
Mason-Dixon Polling & Research
October 1-4, 2019| Gray Television | 51%| 42%| 7%| +/-4| 625
Remington Research Group
September 10-11, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 49%| 44%| 7%| +/-2.9| 1,144
Remington Research Group
June 1-2, 2019| Ralph Abraham campaign | 49%| 38%| 13%| +/-2.6| 1,471
AVERAGES| |  49.67%|  41.33%|  9%|  +/-3.17|  1,080
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

## Campaign advertisements[edit]

This section shows advertisements released in this race. Ads released by campaigns and, if applicable, satellite groups are embedded or linked below. If you are aware of advertisements that should be included, please email us.

###  Ralph Abraham[edit]

#### Support[edit]

* Ralph Abraham aired a TV ad titled "Conservatives Beware" on September 30, 2019. Click here to view the ad.

"Help is on the Way" - Abraham campaign ad, released October 9, 2019

"It Ends" - Abraham campaign ad, released September 23, 2019

"We're Winning" - Abraham campaign ad, released September 21, 2019

"For Them" - Abraham campaign ad, released September 12, 2019

"Dead Last" - Abraham campaign ad, released September 6, 2019

"Unleash Louisiana Energy" - Abraham campaign ad, released September 2, 2019

"The Truth" - Abraham campaign ad, released August 22, 2019

"Frontrunner" - Abraham campaign ad, released August 12, 2019

"Put LA Families First" - Abraham campaign ad, released April 25, 2019

"Louisiana's Leadership Problem" - Abraham campaign ad, released April 25, 2019

"Everything" - Abraham campaign ad, released April 25, 2019

"Who is Louisiana Republican Governor Candidate Ralph Abraham?" - Abraham campaign ad, released April 17, 2019

"October 12th is Coming" - Abraham campaign ad, released April 14, 2019

"Help Is On The Way" - Abraham campaign ad, released April 1, 2019

#### Opposed[edit]

* Eddie Rispone aired an opposition TV ad against Abraham titled "Called On Trump To Quit" on October 9, 2019. Click here to view the ad.
* Eddie Rispone aired an opposition TV ad against Abraham titled "Didn't Show Up" on October 9, 2019. Click here to view the ad.
* Eddie Rispone aired an opposition TV ad against Abraham beginning September 17, 2019. Click here to view the ad.

"Broken Promise" - Gumbo PAC ad, released August 12, 2019

"Lyin’ Ralph Abraham" - American Bridge 21st Century ad, released January 18, 2019

###  John Bel Edwards[edit]

#### Support[edit]

"'We Know Gov. Edwards'" - Edwards campaign ad, released October 6, 2019

"Still John Bel" - Edwards campaign ad, released October 4, 2019

"Bipartisan" - Edwards campaign ad, released September 27, 2019

"Serve and Protect" - Edwards campaign ad, released September 17, 2019

"Harder Right" - Edwards campaign ad, released September 12, 2019

"Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reforms in Louisiana" - Edwards campaign ad, released September 6, 2019

"Highest" - Edwards campaign ad, released September 3, 2019

"Four Years Ago" - Edwards campaign ad, released September 3, 2019

"Thousands" - Edwards campaign ad, released August 27, 2019

"Cindy" - Edwards campaign ad, released August 19, 2019

"Every Child" - Edwards campaign ad, released August 5, 2019

"Family Tradition" - Edwards campaign ad, released July 23, 2019

"Surplus" - Edwards campaign ad, released July 8, 2019

"First Teacher Pay Raise in a Decade" - Rebuild Louisiana ad, released June 17, 2019

"Courage to Compromise" - Rebuild Louisiana ad, released June 13, 2019

"Louisiana's Energy Industry in Southwest Louisiana" - Edwards campaign ad, released May 14, 2019

"Better Off: Commitment to Education" - Edwards campaign ad, released April 16, 2019

"Put Louisiana First" - Edwards campaign ad, released March 19, 2019

"Better Off: Louisiana's Budget" - Edwards campaign ad, released March 15, 2019

"Better Off: Our Growing Economy" - Edwards campaign ad, released February 4, 2019

"John Bel Edwards for Governor 2019" - Edwards campaign ad, released January 22, 2019

#### Opposed[edit]

"My Chance" - Truth in Politics ad, released October 3, 2019

"Keep Her Quiet" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released October 3, 2019

"LAGOP Digital Ad - 'No More Silence'" - Republican Party of Louisiana ad, released September 25, 2019

"Deplorables" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released September 20, 2019

"One Thing" - Rispone campaign ad, released September 19, 2019

"Dangerous" - Rispone campaign ad, released September 17, 2019

"A Success" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released September 13, 2019

"Only One" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released August 28, 2019

"His Word" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released July 30, 2019

"Left Behind" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released July 9, 2019

"Dead Last" - Republican Governors Association Right Direction PAC ad, released May 15, 2019

"John Bel Edwards: Great For Texas, Bad For Louisiana" - Republican Governors Association ad, released February 21, 2019

###  Gary Landrieu[edit]

"'Go Gary Governor' Strongest on Deportation" - Landrieu campaign ad, released June 14, 2019

"Save Louisiana Statues" - Landrieu campaign ad, released June 13, 2019

###  Eddie Rispone[edit]

#### Support[edit]

* Eddie Rispone released a campaign ad titled "Stepping up" on October 9, 2019. Click here to view the ad.

"Beard" - Rispone campaign ad, released October 9, 2019

"On the Road" - Rispone campaign ad, released October 5, 2019

"Good Man" - Rispone campaign ad, released October 4, 2019

"Excuses" - Rispone campaign ad, released October 1, 2019

"Change" - Rispone campaign ad, released September 17, 2019

"Time" - Rispone campaign ad, released September 16, 2019

"Home" - Rispone campaign ad, released September 6, 2019

"Play to Win" - Rispone campaign ad, released August 30, 2019

"Thousands" - Rispone campaign ad, released August 20, 2019

"Every Morning" - Rispone campaign ad, released August 12, 2019

"So Easy" - Rispone campaign ad, released August 5, 2019

"Stands" - Rispone campaign ad, released July 25, 2019

"Eddie Stands with President Trump" - Rispone campaign ad, released July 22, 2019

"It's Time to Drain the Swamp" - Rispone campaign ad, released July 10, 2019

"Eddie Stands with President Trump" - Rispone campaign ad, released July 8, 2019

"Vocational Training" - Rispone campaign ad, released April 29, 2019

"Eddie Stands with President Trump" - Rispone campaign ad, released April 22, 2019

"Conservative. Outsider. Businessman." - Rispone campaign ad, released April 19, 2019

"A Conservative Outsider. Not a Career Politician." - Rispone campaign ad, released April 15, 2019

"Driven by Faith and Family" - Rispone campaign ad, released April 11, 2019

#### Opposed[edit]

"Phony Rispone" - Gumbo PAC ad, released August 18, 2019

## Noteworthy events[edit]

### Donald Trump rally[edit]

President Donald Trump (R) held a rally in Lake Charles in support of both Ralph Abraham (R) and Eddie Rispone (R) on October 11, 2019.[72]

### Mike Pence rally[edit]

Vice President Mike Pence (R) headlined a rally near New Orleans in support of both Ralph Abraham (R) and Eddie Rispone (R) on October 5, 2019.[38]

## Debates and candidate forums[edit]

### October 9, 2019[edit]

Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone met for a debate hosted by Gray Television stations.

Video:

* KNOE

Coverage:

* Monroe News Star

### September 26, 2019[edit]

Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone participated in a debate hosted by Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Council for a Better Louisiana.

Video:

* Louisiana Public Broadcasting

Coverage:

* Associated Press
* WWNO

### September 23, 2019[edit]

Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Baton Rouge Press Club.

Coverage:

* WAFB
* BR Proud

### September 19, 2019[edit]

Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone participated in a televised debate hosted by Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communication and Nexstar Media Group TV stations.

Video:

* BR Proud

Coverage:

* KALB
* Associated Press

### September 5, 2019[edit]

Abraham and Rispone took part in a forum hosted by the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women.

Coverage:

* KALB
* 4WWL
* WAFB

### August 1, 2019[edit]

Ralph Abraham and John Bel Edwards participated in two forums: one hosted by the Louisiana Municipal Association in Monroe and the other hosted by the Louisiana Sheriffs Association in Baton Rouge. Rispone was invited to the events but did not attend; his campaign cited scheduling conflicts.

Coverage:

* Monroe News Star
* Associated Press
* The Advocate

## Campaign themes[edit]

###  Ralph Abraham[edit]

#### Campaign website[edit]

Abraham stated the following on his campaign website:

“  |

I will make Louisiana win again

I am sick and tired of Louisiana losing. For every year of John Bel Edwards’ administration, Louisiana has been ranked dead last in the country.

Dead last in economic opportunity. Dead last in jobs. Dead last in public safety.

To win re-election, John Bel Edwards is trying to convince Louisianians that this is the best we can do. All he offers is more excuses and false promises.

Don’t buy it. It doesn’t have to be this way. Louisiana has the best people, a unique culture like no place else, and tremendous natural resources. We don’t belong at the bottom of the barrel – we belong at the top.

Here’s how I will get us there:

I will make Louisiana grow again.

Fewer Louisianians are working today than the day John Bel Edwards took office.

I will build a stronger economy that grows businesses and delivers more good, high paying jobs by incentivizing businesses to move to Louisiana, not Texas or Florida.

I will make Louisiana fair again.

John Bel has given government bureaucrats free reign to waste taxpayer money and let trial lawyers shut down entire industries and drive up insurance costs. I will champion common sense reforms that restore some sanity to our legal system, and I will cut waste fraud and abuse from our budgets. We’re going to open up the books and let the sunlight in.

I will make Louisiana safe again.

Under John Bel Edwards, Louisiana has become one of the most dangerous states in the country and New Orleans has become a sanctuary city. I will partner with our law enforcement officers to keep Louisianians safe. There will be no sanctuary cities in Louisiana when I’m governor.

I will make Louisiana home again.

Nearly 70,000 Louisianians have fled our state for better opportunities in the past three years. We’re losing our most important resource: our people. I will lower taxes, invest in critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, ports and drainage, and prioritize early childhood education, so that no one will ever need or want to leave Louisiana.

We do not have to settle for what we’ve grown used to settling for.

We can do better. We have to do better. And as Governor, I’m telling you that we will do better.

We spend too much time looking to the past and excusing our poor performance on previous politicians.

You can’t move forward by looking in the rearview mirror.

I’m not going to blame the mess I will inherit on anyone. I will just get the job done.

That’s how we make Louisiana Win Again.[73]

| ”

|
|

—Ralph Abraham[74]

###  John Bel Edwards[edit]

#### Campaign website[edit]

The following themes were found on Edwards' campaign website.

“  |

STATE BUDGET
Louisiana’s budget is much better off under Governor Edwards. Three years ago, Louisiana faced a more than $2 billion budget deficit, the largest in our state’s history. Our hospitals and universities were suffering from years of deep cuts and unemployment was going up while our credit rating was going down.

In 2018, Governor Edwards brought together both Republicans and Democrats to forge a bipartisan, fiscally responsible budget compromise. Thanks to that bipartisan budget compromise, Louisiana cut taxes by $600 million from 2017 to 2018 and has had three consecutive years of budget surpluses for the first time in a decade. In those budget negotiations, Governor Edwards successfully fought to protect higher education, TOPS, hospitals, law enforcement funding and veterans affairs from needless and painful cuts. Now our critical priorities have reliable funding for the first time in a decade, more than two million Louisianans are working, and our credit rating is improving. With stable funding and budget surpluses, Louisiana can invest in our critical priorities without raising taxes.

Governor Edwards has made state government more efficient, cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in state government spending and reducing the number of state government contracts by 25%.

HEALTHCARE
On his first day in office, Governor Edwards’ signed an executive order to expand Medicaid to provide healthcare for working people in Louisiana. That decision brought $1.85 billion federal tax dollars back home to Louisiana that were otherwise being sent to other states, is responsible for more than 19,000 jobs, and cut our uninsured rate in half. Those numbers pale in comparison to the lives that are being saved.

More than 450,000 working Louisianans have enrolled in Medicaid Expansion. 73,000 are women who have received breast cancer screenings. 13,000 are Louisianans who had colon cancer averted after a screening. 15,000 are Louisianans now receiving treatment for previously undiagnosed diabetes. 89,000 are Louisianans now receiving Mental Health services. And 17,000 are Louisianans receiving substance abuse services. And thanks to Medicaid Expansion, Louisiana hasn’t seen a single rural hospital close its doors.

Governor Edwards is also standing up to fight efforts to take away your healthcare. He has opposed litigation that would seek to undo Medicaid Expansion and take away protections for 850,000 Louisianans who have pre-existing medical conditions. And in case efforts to take away those protections are successful, Governor Edwards supports a bipartisan solution to write protections for Louisianans with pre-existing conditions into state law.

ECONOMY
Since Governor Edwards took office, his administration has secured more than 160 major economic development projects, including the largest in Louisiana history. Those projects have brought $40 billion in new capital investment and more than 30,000 new permanent jobs. Louisiana’s economy is now bigger than it’s ever been, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In 2018, Louisiana reached its lowest unemployment rate in a decade. And the number of people working in Louisiana is near record-high levels.

Under Governor Edwards, Louisiana is attracting new companies and industries that are diversifying Louisiana’s economy. He believes the key to a strong economy is a well-educated and job-ready workforce. After suffering the largest disinvestment in the country under the previous administration, Gov. Edwards and the legislature stabilized funding for higher education. His administration is making targeted investments in education to help Louisiana’s young people fill the thousands of good-paying jobs created by technology companies like DXC in New Orleans and CGI in Lafayette.

In 2018, the Edwards Administration launched the first-ever Information Technology (IT) apprenticeship program in Louisiana. In 2018, the state worked with utility companies to establish a Line Worker Training Program at Louisiana community colleges. The Edwards Administration also launched the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute, which has helped hundreds of young, emerging contractors acquire skills and become fully licensed. Under Governor Edwards, Louisiana has seen record-high employment of construction professionals. In fact, Louisiana’s FastStart program has been named the Number 1 Workforce Training Program in America every year Governor Edwards has been in office.

Governor Edwards also knows small businesses are the backbone of so many communities. That’s why Governor Edwards launched the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, to advise the governor on how his administration and the legislature can help businesses grow. The Edwards Administration has helped Louisiana’s small business owners create more than 6,000 jobs and increase their sales by more than $500 million.

But Governor Edwards knows that $7.25 an hour is not a meaningful wage in 2019, and he supports a modest but meaningful increase to Louisiana’s minimum wage. Our neighbors in other southern states like Arkansas have seen their minimum wages raised without job losses, and it’s time for Louisiana to follow suit.

Governor Edwards also believes in equal pay for equal work, and has consistently introduced and advocated for legislation to ensure that women are paid the same as men for doing the same job. Louisiana has the worst gender pay gap in the nation, and Governor Edwards is committed to fixing it.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
In Louisiana, Criminal Justice Reform is working to reduce our crime rate, cut recidivism in half, and save taxpayer dollars. This bipartisan legislation was written with the help of law enforcement and district attorneys and has allowed our state to shed the label of incarceration capital of the world – a title the state held for nearly 40 years. Louisiana’s criminal justice reform is now being used as a model for national reforms championed by President Trump. As the son, grandson, and great-grandson of Sheriffs, Governor Edwards knows firsthand that smarter law enforcement means safer communities. And Louisiana is leading the way to a more secure future.

The criminal justice reform proposals championed by the legislature passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2017. A strong coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents joined with the religious right, the religious left, law enforcement, and the business community to implement reforms that were modeled off of efforts in other southern, conservative states like Texas and South Carolina.

In the end, the full package of bills promoted public safety, supported victims, and reinvested savings in programs that better train incarcerated individuals for life outside of prison.

EDUCATION
It’s time for Louisiana to invest in our students and teachers. With a teaching shortage for over a decade and K-12 funding decreases across the nation, we’re not living up to the promises we made to our children. That’s why Governor Edwards raised teacher pay for the first time in a decade and invested $20 million in early childhood education. This pay raise will help Louisiana recruit and retain more qualified teachers as we close in on the southern regional average. Governor Edwards is committed to making more investments in education in his second term. As the husband of a teacher, Governor Edwards knows first-hand we must invest more in education at all levels.

After Louisiana led the nation in cuts to higher education under the previous governor, Governor Edwards has stopped the cuts and stabilized funding for our universities and community colleges. Governor Edwards’ bipartisan budget compromise of 2018 prevented a 30% cut to TOPS that would’ve encouraged Louisiana’s best and brightest students to leave the state for college. Governor Edwards believes that our higher education institutions are key drivers of economic development.

As part of the largest-ever economic development deal in Louisiana’s history to bring DXC Technology to Louisiana, Governor Edwards invested $25 million in higher education to produce more Louisiana graduates with STEM degrees. Last year, Governor Edwards worked with technology firm CGI to secure an expansion of the IT Center of Excellence at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. That expansion will bring 400 new jobs to Louisiana and build on a program to boost graduates from the University’s School of Computing & Informatics.

TAXES
In 2018, Louisiana cut taxes from the previous year by $600 million as part of a bipartisan budget compromise forged by Governor Edwards and a bipartisan coalition of legislators. That tax cut predominantly helped working Louisianans, with a cut to the sales tax and a boost to the state Earned Income Tax Credit.

VETERANS
Governor Edwards knows first-hand the sacrifices America’s servicemen and servicewomen make for their country. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Governor Edwards served eight years as an Airborne Ranger infantry officer. He commanded a parachute infantry company in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Governor Edwards is a lifetime member of the Acadiana Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association.

Governor Edwards also knows that veterans don’t stop serving when they come home. As business owners, Louisiana veterans continue to serve their communities with distinction and play an integral role in our economy. That’s why Governor Edwards passed the Veterans First Business Initiative, the first program of its kind in the nation. The initiative will connect veteran businesses to new customers across the state through a database where Louisianans can find veteran businesses near them.

Governor Edwards is deeply committed to continuing to work closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the quality of healthcare available to our state’s servicemen and servicewomen. Our veterans have made sacrifices to keep us safe, and it is our duty to ensure they receive timely access to adequate healthcare when they need it. As the state faced historic deficits, demanding cuts across state government, Gov. Edwards consistently protected the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs from unnecessary cuts that would hurt Louisiana veterans.

COASTAL PROTECTION AND RESTORATION
Under Governor Edwards, Louisiana has more coastal restoration projects underway than at any point in our history. In fact, 27 restoration projects have been completed on the Louisiana coast since Governor Edwards took office, providing $5.25 billion in value to the region and making Louisiana an international leader in coastal restoration.

Though the restoration will take decades, Governor Edwards knows that there isn’t a single day to waste. That’s why he has met Louisiana’s coastal challenges with bipartisanship and bold action. In 2017, he received unanimous approval from the Louisiana legislature for the Coastal Master Plan, which which calls for $50 billion over the next 50 years to protect and restore the coast.

With the leadership of Governor Edwards, Louisiana has completed critical projects like the $216 million beach restoration near Fort Fourchon and the $116 reconstruction of Whiskey Island in Terrebonne Parish. These projects and others still ongoing will ensure that future generations of Louisianans can enjoy the same bayous and beaches that have made our state a Sportsman’s Paradise. [73]

| ”

|
|

—John Bel Edwards[75]

###  Eddie Rispone[edit]

#### Campaign website[edit]

Rispone reposted the following piece, originally published in The Hayride, on his campaign website.

“  |

Louisiana Needs An Outsider

For eight long years under President Barack Obama, Americans were told that our economy was stagnant. We should not expect any better than two percent growth and that this was just the new normal they’d have to live with. Maybe America’s best days really were behind us.

Then what happened? Americans shocked the system and elected Donald Trump: A businessman, an outsider, and just what America needed. Today have nearly 4 percent growth, and are in the midst of one of the greatest jobs booms since the end of World War II.

What changed? Americans rejected the politicians and the pundits, threw away the same old playbook and elected someone who actually knows about creating jobs. We can use that same kind of leadership in Baton Rouge. That’s why I am running for Governor.

Since January I’ve put over 10,000 miles on my truck traveling to 50 campaign stops across the state. The most frequent question is, “why is Louisiana always ranked last?” Louisiana is ranked 47th in healthcare, 48th in public safety, 49th in education, and dead last in opportunity.

We’re at the bottom of all of the good lists and at the top of too many of the bad ones. Our lawsuit environment is killing jobs. Our citizens are over taxed. Too many of our children are trapped in failing schools.

And we have a career politician in our Governor who has no idea how to get us out of this mess telling us that we should just be OK with being number 49 in everything. Well, guess what? I am not OK with it.

We cannot continue down this path. I’ve had enough.

Louisiana should be the best state in the south for jobs and opportunity. In my over 40 years in business I have traveled across the country and know Louisiana can compete.

We have everything here we need to succeed. We have abundant natural resources, we have a skilled workforce, we have some of the busiest ports in the world, we have a magnificent tourist destination in New Orleans, we have the bountiful Gulf of Mexico, and we have great universities…It’s all here for us to be one of the states that leads America, if we have the right leadership.

If you look around the country you see that voters are turning away from the same old tax and spend career politicians, and turning to leadership–conservative outsiders with serious business backgrounds–to solve the problems left by career politicians.

Doug Ducey in Arizona inherited a $1 billion deficit and balanced the budget in his first year…without raising taxes. Pete Ricketts in Nebraska is breaking state records for new jobs and employment, climbing up the rankings of fastest growing states for tech jobs. And last year, here in our backyard, Tennessee elected CEO Bill Lee, a conservative outsider who ran against two politicians, and pledged to shake up the establishment.

And I don’t need to remind you again who is in the White House.

Voters are not looking for another politician to come in and trim around the edges. They are not looking for someone with the same excuses for not getting it done.

No, the people of our state want a fresh approach. They want someone who will throw out the old rule book and get the job done.

I am blessed to be the co-founder and chairman of a $350 million company that we built from scratch.

Being a successful entrepreneur means that you never rest. You never accept the status quo. It means never accepting failure. You always have to keep striving towards success, no matter how difficult. You’re always challenging yourself and your team. You’re always asking tough questions.

This fall, we need a conservative outsider, not a career politician–someone who can walk into the Governor’s office and reject all of the failed thinking of the past–by both parties. If we want to change our state government, we have to change the kind of leaders we send to Baton Rouge.

I know that if we do that, then Louisiana can lead the nation.

But it starts with an outsider. [73]

| ”

|
|

—Eddie Rispone[76]

## Interviews and profiles[edit]

KTBS interviewed and profiled Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone. View videos below.

* Ralph Abraham
* John Bel Edwards
* Eddie Rispone

WAFB interviewed and profiled the top three gubernatorial candidates. View videos below.

* Ralph Abraham
* John Bel Edwards
* Eddie Rispone

## Timeline[edit]

* October 12, 2019: Edwards and Rispone advanced from the primary to the November 16 general election. Abraham endorsed Rispone.

* October 11, 2019: President Donald Trump (R) held a rally for Abraham and Rispone in Lake Charles the night before the primary election.[72] Edwards held a news conference in Lake Charles earlier in the day.[77]

* October 9, 2019: Gray Television stations hosted the final gubernatorial debate featuring Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone.

* October 7, 2019: Donald Trump Jr. headlined a rally for Abraham and Rispone in Lafayette.[78]

* October 5, 2019:
* Vice President Mike Pence (R) headlined a rally outside New Orleans in support of Abraham and Rispone.
* A poll from JMC Analytics showed Edwards with 45 percent support, Rispone with 20 percent, and Abraham with 19 percent. Its margin of error was +/- 4.0 percentage points.

* October 4, 2019: A Mason-Dixon poll showed Edwards with 45 percent support, Rispone with 22 percent, and Abraham with 17 percent. Its margin of error was +/- 4 percentage points.

* October 2, 2019: Candidates filed updated campaign finance reports. From 2018 through September 22, 2019, Abraham raised $2.9 million, Edwards raised $9.2 million, and Rispone raised $13.3 million. Abraham loaned $300,000 to his campaign, while Rispone loaned $11.5 million to his.

* October 1, 2019: President Donald Trump (R) endorsed both Abraham and Rispone.

* September 26, 2019: Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone participated in a debate. Also, a poll found Edwards with 47 percent support, Rispone with 23 percent, and Abraham with 17 percent. Its margin of error was +/- 4.0 percentage points.

* September 25, 2019: A poll found Edwards with 47 percent support, Abraham with 22 percent, and Rispone with 20 percent. Its margin of error was +/- 2.9 percentage points.

* September 24, 2019: Edwards was endorsed by the mayor of New Orleans, the seven members of the New Orleans City Council, and the Democratic members of New Orleans' delegation in the state legislature.

* September 23, 2019: Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Baton Rouge Press Club.

* September 21, 2019: A poll found Edwards with 46 percent support, Rispone with 21 percent, and Abraham with 18 percent. Its margin of error was 4.2 percentage points.

* September 19, 2019: Abraham, Edwards, and Rispone participated in their first televised debate of the race.[79]

* September 18, 2019: The Louisiana Sheriffs Association and the International Union of Police Associations endorsed Edwards. U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins (R) endorsed Abraham.

* September 12, 2019: Candidates filed updated campaign finance reports. From 2018 through September 2, 2019, Abraham raised $2.7 million, Edwards raised $8.2 million, and Rispone raised $13.2 million. Rispone loaned $11.5 million to his campaign.

* September 11, 2019: An internal poll from Abraham's campaign showed Edwards with 45 percent support, Abraham with 27 percent, and Rispone with 19 percent. In hypothetical one-on-one matchups: 1) Edwards had 48 percent support to Abraham's 44 percent; 2) Edwards had 49 percent to Rispone's 44 percent. Between 6 percent and 8 percent of respondents were undecided on each question, and the poll had a margin of error of 2.9 percent.

* September 5, 2019: Abraham and Rispone participated in a candidate forum.

* September 3, 2019: The Louisiana Republican Party endorsed both Abraham and Rispone in the October 12 primary.

* August 27, 2019: Three candidates were disqualified from the race for not having filed state and federal income tax returns for each of the past five years: Patrick Doguet, Manuel Leach, and M. V. Mendoza.[80]

* August 21, 2019: The four regional political action committees of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry endorsed both Abraham and Rispone.

* August 12, 2019: Abraham released his first TV ad

* August 8, 2019: Nine candidates qualified for the race by the deadline.

* August 1, 2019: Abraham and Edwards participated in two candidate forums.

* July 23, 2019: Rispone released his first TV ad.

* July 15, 2019: Campaign finance reports showed Rispone with $9.8 million on hand, Edwards with $9.6 million on hand, and Abraham with $1.3 million on hand.

* July 8, 2019: Edwards released his first statewide TV ad.

* June 13-14, 2019: Landrieu released two TV ads.

* March 8, 2019: The Louisiana Democratic Party endorsed John Bel Edwards.

## Social media[edit]

### Twitter accounts[edit]

Click candidates' names below to be taken to their Twitter accounts.

Ralph Abraham

John Bel Edwards

Eddie Rispone

### Facebook accounts[edit]

Click the icons below to visit the candidates' Facebook pages.

Ralph Abraham

John Bel Edwards

Eddie Rispone

## Other executive elections[edit]

Gubernatorial elections will also be held in 2019 in Kentucky and Mississippi. Louisiana will also be holding elections for lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, agriculture and forestry commissioner, and insurance commissioner.

## Potential impact on trifecta status[edit]

See also: Trifecta vulnerability in the 2019 elections

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Heading into the 2019 elections, Louisiana had been under divided government since Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) assumed office in 2016. Edwards was a Democrat while Republicans held majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Louisiana held elections for governor, all 39 state Senate seats, and all 105 state House seats. In order to win a trifecta, Republicans needed to maintain their majorities in the state legislature while winning the gubernatorial election. Democrats needed to win majorities in both chambers of the state legislature while holding the governorship.

In the October 12, 2019, primary elections, Republicans won 25 seats in the state Senate and 63 seats in the state House, enough to form a majority in both chambers. This meant that Democrats could not gain a trifecta in Louisiana in 2019. Because the gubernatorial election was rated Toss-up, Ballotpedia rated the chances of a Republican trifecta forming as a moderate possibility.

## Past elections[edit]

### 2015[edit]

The general election for Louisiana governor between David Vitter (R) and John Bel Edwards (D) was held on November 21, 2015. Edwards defeated his Republican opponent.

Governor of Louisiana, Run-off election, 2015

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | John Bel Edwards | 56.1% | 646,860
| Republican  |  David Vitter | 43.9% | 505,929
Total Votes | 1,152,789
Election Results via the Louisiana Secretary of State.

Governor of Louisiana, Blanket Primary, 2015

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | John Bel Edwards | 39.9% | 444,061
| Republican  | David Vitter | 23% | 256,105
| Republican  |  Scott Angelle | 19.3% | 214,907
| Republican  |  Jay Dardenne | 15% | 166,553
| Democratic  |  Cary Deaton | 1.1% | 11,750
| Democratic  |  S L Simpson | 0.7% | 7,411
| Independent  |  Beryl Billiot | 0.5% | 5,690
| Independent  |  Jeremy "JW" Odom | 0.4% | 4,755
| Independent  |  Eric Paul Orgeron | 0.2% | 2,244
Total Votes | 1,113,476
Election Results Louisiana Secretary of State.

### 2011[edit]

Governor of Louisiana, 2011

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Bobby Jindal Incumbent | 65.8% | 673,239
| Democratic  |  Tara Hollis | 17.9% | 182,925
| Democratic  |  Cary Deaton | 4.9% | 50,071
| Democratic  |  Trey Roberts | 3.3% | 33,280
| Independent  |  David Blanchard | 2.6% | 26,705
| Democratic  |  Niki Bird Papazoglakis | 2.1% | 21,885
| Libertarian  |  Scott Lewis | 1.2% | 12,528
| Independent  |  Robert Lang, Jr. | 0.9% | 9,109
| Independent  |  Ron Caesar | 0.8% | 8,179
| Independent  |  Leonard Bollingham | 0.5% | 5,242
Total Votes | 1,023,163
Election results via Louisiana Secretary of State

### 2007[edit]

Governor of Louisiana, Blanket Primary, 2007

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Republican  | Bobby Jindal | 53.9% | 699,275
| Democratic  |  Walter J Boasso  | 17.5% | 226,476
| Nonpartisan  |  John Georges  | 14.4% | 186,682
| Democratic  |  Foster Campbell | 12.5% | 161,665
| Democratic  |  Mary Volentine Smith  | 0.5% | 5,868
| Independent  |  B. Alexandrenko  | 0.4% | 4,791
| Independent  |  Anthony "Tony G" Gentile  | 0.3% | 3,372
| Libertarian  |  T. Lee Horne III  | 0.2% | 2,648
| Nonpartisan  |  Sheldon Forest  | 0.2% | 2,323
| Democratic  |  M.V. "Vinny" Mendoza  | 0.2% | 2,080
| Democratic  |  Hardy Parkerson  | 0.1% | 1,666
| Nonpartisan  |  Arthur D. "Jim" Nichols  | 0.1% | 994
Total Votes | 1,297,840
Election results via Louisiana Secretary of State

### 2003[edit]

Governor of Louisiana, General Election, 2003

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Kathleen Blanco | 51.9% | 731,358
| Republican  |  Bobby Jindal | 48.1% | 676,484
Total Votes | 1,407,842
Election results via Louisiana Secretary of State

## State profile[edit]

See also: Louisiana and Louisiana elections, 2019

### Partisan data[edit]

The information in this section was current as of May 7, 2019.

Presidential voting pattern

* Louisiana voted Republican in all six presidential elections between 2000 and 2020.

Congressional delegation

* Following the 2018 elections, both U.S. senators from Louisiana were Republican.
* Louisiana had one Democratic and five Republican U.S. representatives.

State executives

* Democrats held three and Republicans held nine of Louisiana's 15 state executive offices. Elections for the other offices are nonpartisan.
* Louisiana's governor was Democrat John Bel Edwards.

State legislature

* Republicans controlled the Louisiana State Senate with a 25-14 majority.
* Republicans controlled the Louisiana House of Representatives with a 62-39 majority.

Louisiana Party Control: 1992-2024
Eight years of Democratic trifectas • Six years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22  | 23  | 24

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Governor | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R
Senate | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R
House | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R

Louisiana quick stats

* Became a state in 1812
* 18th state admitted to the United States
* Louisiana is the only state with political subdivisions called parishes.
* Members of the Louisiana State Senate: 39
* Members of the Louisiana House of Representatives: 105
* U.S. senators: 2
* U.S. representatives: 6

|  More Louisiana coverage on Ballotpedia:

* Louisiana elections, 2019
* Presidential voting trends in Louisiana
* United States congressional delegations from Louisiana
* Public policy in Louisiana
* Influencers in Louisiana
* Almanac of American Politics state profile
* More...

|

Demographic data for Louisiana

| Louisiana| U.S.
Total population:| 4,668,960| 316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):| 43,204| 3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:| 62.8%| 73.6%
Black/African American:| 32.1%| 12.6%
Asian:| 1.7%| 5.1%
Native American:| 0.6%| 0.8%
Pacific Islander:| 0%| 0.2%
Two or more:| 1.8%| 3%
Hispanic/Latino:| 4.7%| 17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:| 83.4%| 86.7%
College graduation rate:| 22.5%| 29.8%
Income
Median household income:| $45,047| $53,889
Persons below poverty level:| 23.3%| 11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Louisiana.

* * *

**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

## See also[edit]

Louisiana government:

* Louisiana state executive offices
* Louisiana State Legislature
* Louisiana courts

Elections:

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## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Monroe News Star, "Headliners qualify for governor's race on first day," August 6, 2019
2. ↑ Associated Press, "Louisiana Major Candidates for Governor Qualify for Election," August 6, 2019
3. ↑ The Advocate, "Gov. John Bel Edwards officially receives Louisiana Democratic Party endorsement for re-election," March 9, 2019
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Politico, "GOP squabbles as Louisiana governor nears reelection," October 1, 2019
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Advocate, "Louisiana governor's race considered 'top pick-up opportunity' for Republicans, but who is running?" November 10, 2018
6. ↑ Democratic Governors Association, "DGA Statement on Louisiana’s Gubernatorial Race," December 3, 2018
7. ↑ Republican Party of Louisiana, "Governor John Bel Edwards: Your Business Summit Can’t Help You Now," updated April 23, 2019
8. ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, "Voter Portal," accessed September 18, 2019
9. ↑ Vote Smart, "Ralph Abraham's Biography," accessed August 13, 2019
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Ralph Abraham's 2019 campaign website, "About," accessed August 13, 2019
11. ↑ Ralph Abraham's 2019 campaign website, "Home," accessed August 13, 2019
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Monroe News Star, "Louisiana governor candidates John Bel Edwards, Ralph Abraham debate in Baton Rouge," August 1, 2019
13. ↑ YouTube, "Louisiana's Leadership Problem," April 25, 2019
14. ↑ YouTube, "Put LA Families First," April 25, 2019
15. ↑ Louisiana Office of the Governor, "Meet the Governor," accessed August 13, 2019
16. ↑ Vote Smart, "John Bel Edwards Biography," accessed August 12, 2019
17. ↑ Governing, "Louisiana Governor's Race Gives Democrats Some Power in the Deep South," November 23, 2015
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 John Bel Edwards' 2019 campaign website, "Home," accessed August 13, 2019
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 YouTube, "John Bel for Louisiana: 'Surplus,'" July 8, 2019
20. ↑ John Bel Edwards' 2019 campaign website, "State of the Race," accessed August 13, 2019
21. ↑ John Bel Edwards' 2019 campaign website, "Meet John Bel," accessed August 13, 2019
22. ↑ YouTube, "Family Tradition," July 23, 2019
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Eddie Rispone's 2019 campaign website, "Meet Eddie," accessed August 13, 2019
24. ↑ Business Report, "2016 Businessperson of the Year: Ed Rispone," March 2, 2016
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 YouTube, "Stands," July 25, 2019
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 YouTube, "So Easy," August 5, 2019
27. ↑ YouTube, "Eddie Stands with President Trump," July 22, 2019
28. ↑ Associated Press, "Louisiana Governor Faces Three-Month Blackout on Fundraising," April 4, 2019
29. ↑ Abraham loaned his campaign an additional $50,000 on September 28.
30. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed September 22, 2015
31. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed September 22, 2015
32. ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," November 6, 2015
33. ↑ Louisiana Ethics Administration Program, "Electronically Filed Reports for Political Action Committee: Democratic Governors Association (DGA)," accessed October 7, 2019
34. ↑ Louisiana Ethics Administration Program, "Electronically Filed Reports for Political Action Committee: Gumbo PAC," accessed October 7, 2019
35. ↑ Louisiana Ethics Administration Program, "Electronically Filed Reports for Political Action Committee: Republican Governors' Association (RGA) Right Direction PAC," accessed October 7, 2019
36. ↑ The Advocate, "Two attack ads hit John Bel Edwards on sexual harassment allegations against former aide," October 3, 2019
37. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," October 1, 2019
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Monroe News Star, "Vice President Mike Pence to rally Republicans for Louisiana governor's race," October 3, 2019
39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Houma Today, "Louisiana governor candidates tout endorsements," September 18, 2019
40. ↑ The News Star, "PSC's Craig Greene endorses Abraham after backing Edwards in 2015," June 27, 2019
41. ↑ 41.00 41.01 41.02 41.03 41.04 41.05 41.06 41.07 41.08 41.09 41.10 41.11 41.12 41.13 41.14 41.15 Ralph Abraham's 2019 campaign website, "In the News," accessed October 11, 2019
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Ralph Abraham's 2019 campaign website, "Endorsements," accessed October 9, 2019
43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 Fox 8 Live, "Top Democratic leaders in New Orleans endorse Gov. John Bel Edwards," September 24, 2019
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Twitter, "Sam Karlin," October 1, 2019
45. ↑ The Advocate, "Gov. John Bel Edwards' latest campaign ad features parade of Republicans, including John Alario," September 27, 2019
46. ↑ Facebook, "Eddie Rispone on October 8, 2019," accessed October 9, 2019
47. ↑ YouTube, "Governor Blanco Endorses Governor Edwards for Re-election," August 6, 2019
48. ↑ KPEL, "Former Gov Edwin Edwards Campaigning for Gov Edwards’ Re-election," October 4, 2019
49. ↑ Gambit, "Gambit commentary: John Bel Edwards for governor," September 20, 2019
50. ↑ Big Easy Magazine, "Editorial Board Endorsement: John Bel Edwards is the Best Choice for Further Progress," September 21, 2019
51. ↑ The Times-Picayune, "Our Views: The Times-Picayune endorses John Bel Edwards for a second term as governor," October 6, 2019
52. ↑ Facebook, "Opinion: Eddie Rispone for Governor," September 14, 2019
53. ↑ Twitter, "Greg Hilburn," October 3, 2019
54. ↑ Louisiana Democrats, "Louisiana Democratic Party Unanimously Endorses Gov. John Bel Edwards for Re-Election," March 9, 2019
55. ↑ Twitter, "Dr. Ralph Abraham," October 3, 2019
56. ↑ Monroe News Star, "Louisiana GOP endorses both Abraham, Rispone in effort to oust Gov. Edwards," September 4, 2019
57. ↑ Facebook, "Ralph Abraham on August 17, 2019" accessed August 21, 2019
58. ↑ Facebook, "Ralph Abraham on August 21, 2019" accessed August 28, 2019
59. ↑ Twitter, "Dr. Ralph Abraham," October 1, 2019
60. ↑ Twitter, "Eddie Rispone," October 3, 2019
61. ↑ KADN, "Bossier Republican Parish Executive Committee Endorses Ralph Abraham," September 4, 2019
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 Facebook, "Ralph Abraham on September 22, 2019," accessed September 24, 2019
63. ↑ Facebook, "Eddie Rispone on September 18, 2019," accessed September 24, 2019
64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 Twitter, "Dr. Ralph Abraham," October 3, 2019
65. ↑ Facebook, "Eddie Rispone on October 6, 2019," accessed October 7, 2019
66. ↑ Facebook, "Eddie Rispone on September 20, 2019," accessed September 24, 2019
67. ↑ WWL, "LABI PACs endorse both Republicans for Governor," August 22, 2019
68. ↑ The Advocate, "Physician PAC backs candidates," August 24, 2019
69. ↑ Twitter, "Eddie Rispone," accessed October 2, 2019
70. ↑ Facebook, "Eddie Rispone on September 15, 2019," accessed September 17, 2019
71. ↑ Facebook, "Eddie Rispone on September 13, 2019," accessed September 17, 2019
72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 The Hill, "Trump to hold Louisiana rally for GOP candidates in governor's race," October 6, 2019
73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 73.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
74. ↑ Ralph Abraham's 2019 campaign website, "Ralph Abraham: I will make Louisiana win again," August 7, 2019
75. ↑ John Bel Edwards' 2019 campaign website, "Issues," accessed September 15, 2019
76. ↑ Eddie Rispone's 2019 campaign website, "RISPONE: Louisiana Needs An Outsider," April 3, 2019
77. ↑ WAFB, "WATCH LIVE: Gov. Edwards holds news conference ahead of President Trump’s visit to Lake Charles," October 11, 2019
78. ↑ Monroe News Star, "Donald Trump Jr. to headline Republican rally in Lafayette today," updated October 7, 2019
79. ↑ ArkLaTex Homepage, "Tonight on KTAL NBC 6: Candidates set to debate in Louisiana governor’s race," September 19, 2019
80. ↑ Associated Press, "3 candidates for Louisiana governor disqualified from race," August 27, 2019

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