Republican Jeff Landry projected to win Louisiana governor’s race, ending 8 years of Democratic rule

Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry was projected Saturday night to win Louisiana’s gubernatorial race, ending eight years of Democratic rule in a state where Donald Trump’s endorsement carried a big influence.

Landry finished the top vote-getter in the jungle primary, and was projected to capture more than 50% of the vote, according to The Associated Press.

“Thankful beyond belief. I’m ready to get to work for Louisiana!” Landry wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after he was declared the winner shortly before midnight.

Landry captured Trump’s coveted endorsement and had created a strong profile in the state while serving as attorney general. He helped file several landmark lawsuits, including one against the Biden administration that successfully challenged federal agency-sanctioned censorship on social media.

Landry will take over from Democrat John Bel Edwards, who has served as governor since 2016 but was term-limited.