Louisiana: Looking Ahead

​Though we are not even through the 2018 election cycle, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to future campaigns.  Three states will hold gubernatorial elections next year, including Louisiana (Kentucky and Mississippi are the other two).  Remington Research, polling for the Hayride Louisiana political blog (9/11-12; 1,615 LA likely 2019 jungle primary voters via automated response system) tested several possible opponents to Gov. John Bel Edwards (D), who is expected to seek re-election.
 
According to the RR results, the most likely scenario, is for Gov. Edwards and Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) to advance into a run-off election.  Sen. Kennedy has not indicated he will run for Governor, but local speculation is rampant that he will enter the race at some point next year.
 
The data finds Gov. Edwards placing first in a hypothetical primary election at 40% followed closely by Sen. Kennedy with 37%.  Trailing is Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-Alto/Monroe) who posts 8%, while Baton Rouge developer Eddie Rispone pulls 3% support.  If Messrs. Edwards and Kennedy were to advance into a run-off, it is the Senator who jumps out to a 47-43% advantage.  Gov. Edwards has large leads within any other combination.  Attorney General Jeff Landry (R), another individual thought of as a possible gubernatorial candidate, was not tested in this poll.