Louisiana: 2019 Jockeying

​Though Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) will not stand for his first re-election until November of 2019, much action is already occurring among Republicans even before the 2018 vote is recorded.  In the past few days, Attorney General and former Congressman Jeff Landry (R) was quoted as telling USA Today that “it is getting harder and harder” not to consider running for Governor.  Earlier, it appeared Mr. Landry would back US Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-Alto/Alexandria) for the post, but now is clearly suggesting he may have interest in bypassing his re-election effort to run for Governor, himself.   Rep. Abraham has not publicly indicated that he will run for Governor and is unlikely to do so before the upcoming midterm election in which he is seeking re-election to the House. 
 
Also reportedly considering challenging Gov. Edwards is US Sen. John Kennedy (R), who was just elected in 2016.  A Kennedy entry would likely change the entire focus of the upcoming gubernatorial campaign, and have a clear effect upon the Senate picture, as well. 
 
With Louisiana state elections occurring in odd-numbered years, federal officials have the advantage of being able to run without risking their current position.