Incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) overcame a tough challenge from the President Trump-backed businessman Eddie Rispone to be re-elected Louisiana governor to a second term late Saturday, AP reports.
Why it matters: The tight race pit the only Democratic governor in the Deep South against a Republican challenger in Trump country. The result is a major blow for Trump, who tried to drum up support for Rispone at his presidential rally in Louisiana and leading up to the vote.
- Trump even made a last-ditch appeal for Rispone just before Louisiana polls closed.
Louisiana, 3 hours left, get out and Vote for @EddieRispone for Governor. Lower taxes and much more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2019
By the numbers: With 99% of precincts reporting by 11:30 p.m. ET, official figures show Edwards won 51% of the vote.
Background: Edwards was forced into a runoff last month after falling just short of the 50% threshold needed for an outright win, achieving 47% of that vote.
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Editor's note: This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.
